Very Rewarding Care and Rehabilitation of Wildlife in Culture-Filled KZN, South Africa

  South Africa

• Other Cities in South Africa: 
Kwa-Zulu Natal

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Available all year round with flexible start and finish dates to suit you

Description: You'll work in a wildlife hospital that cares for the injured and orphaned wild animals and birds and the only centre of its kind in KwaZulu-Natal. As a charity organisation there are always more mouths to feed than hands to feed them, so every helping hand is greatly appreciated.

Volunteer duties and responsibilities are linked with level of experience so there is something for everyone, from feeds to assisting nurses in the clinic, to grounds work and the building of suitable enclosures, to assisting in rescues and releases.

There are approximately 300 - 400 animals under the centre's care at any given time, all of which are wildlife indigenous to Kwa Zulu Natal. Animals range from birds and mammals to raptors and reptiles, and many many monkeys. During the summer months (November to January) when monkeys give birth, many newborn baby monkeys are either abandoned or taken away from their mothers by ignorant humans who would like them as pets. When people realize they do not have the skills to care for these animals, they are dropped off at the centre. These baby monkeys require 24 hour care, regular feeding, cleaning and most importantly human contact.

What You'll Gain From Doing This Project:
--> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and Zulu culture.
--> The enormous satisfaction of helping abused, orphaned and threatened animals and knowing that you made a difference to them
--> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
--> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
--> And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

Baby Animal Season:
From around September to March every year the centre experiences a large influx of baby animals. These range from mongoose, antelope like little duikers, to newly hatched birds. Some years, there seem to be a larger number of baby monkeys and other animals than others. You may or may not therefore be at the centre during a baby boom year. The babies need to be fed frequently and, as with a human baby, all feeds are essential to ensure that these "children" are safe and don't go hungry.

There may be times when we have more volunteers than babies, and in such situations please abide by the decision of your supervisor at the centre as to who gets to "mother" the baby, or whether one baby can have two volunteer "mothers". If you are not chosen to mother a baby, please accept it gracefully. In situations like this where we work with orphaned animals, we have to deal with the demand nature throws at us, which neither Travellers nor the centre can control. What we can say is that you will have some hands-on care of wild animals that need to be rehabilitated, and your efforts will be of direct benefit to the animals.

Monkies in Specific - Special Needs:
Due to the climate and vegetation of the Province, many of the cities and towns still have a small population of monkeys. During the summer months when monkeys give birth, many newborn baby monkeys are either abandoned or taken away from their mothers by ignorant humans who would like them as pets. When people realize they do not have the skills to care for these animals, they are dropped off at the centre.

These baby monkeys require 24 hour care, regular feeding and cleaning, Due to recent KZN Wildlife legislation only volunteers who are on the placement for 8 weeks or longer from the day the baby arrives may be asked to become foster mothers. The babies need to be carried against the chest as the mother would have done. It is vital that these monkeys get the sense of security and care from their foster moms in order to be able to integrate and socialize within a troop structure when they are older.

You may be asked to assist with the care of vulnerable baby monkeys but there are many other young animals that also need tender nurturing where your help will be necessary.

Autumn and Winter Months:
South African autumn months are March, April and May which are still quite warm due to the subtropical climate of most of Natal. The winter is from June to August.

During the late summer and autumn those animals that have suitably recovered and been rehabilitated (weaned from their dependence on their human caregivers) are reintroduced to the wild. In addition to caring for those animals and babies that are not suitably recovered yet, you are likely to participate over this period in the release and monitoring of animals that are being returned into the wild. This will involve going out to game reserves and farms where animals will be allowed to go back into the wild.

This is done specifically to give the animals a chance to adapt to their new homes, establish a territory, find the best food sources and water, etc before the cold winter months set in and adequate access to food and shelter become essential to their survival.
Those animals that are not ready to be released remain in the centre over the winter and require ongoing care throughout the winter. This is also the time that the centre readies itself for the next influx of babies.

Baby buck usually arrive in the early winter and will be in need of a lot of TLC so will offer a relief from the mundane daily tasks.

Preparation of food, feeding and caring for those animals that have remained in the centre is ongoing, but there is also a strong focus at this time to repair and improve the grounds, clinic, education centre, enclosures, the cages and transport boxes.

Rescues are ongoing throughout the year and you may go out with the staff to help capture and secure injured animals that need to be brought back to the centre for medical attention and care.

Duties throughout the year may also include painting and construction, landscaping and removal of alien vegetation, as well as enriching the cages with structures and equipment to keep the monkeys entertained and stimulated.

Items You Can Bring To Help:
In the Rehabilitation Centre environment, in-kind donations are just as welcome as financial contributions. The staff collects food and fresh produce to feed the animals from a number of sympathetic businesses and the Centre also has an outreach education programme that targets schools. School children collect food, medical supplies and consumables on behalf of the Rehabilitation Centre. If you have any spare space in your luggage, here are some good ideas of what you can bring with to help make life a little easier:

--> old linen and sheets
--> feeding bottles
--> old baby blankets and towelling nappies;
--> old towels and facecloths;
--> heating pads and hotwater bottles to use for baby animals;
--> cotton wool and bandages

What To Do Next:
Talk to us - We're there to help you.

Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!
If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It's as easy as that.

Highlights:
Accommodation:
There is a fully furnished volunteer house that accommodates up to 8 volunteers at a time. It's surrounded by garden and lots of greenery. There are four bedrooms and two bathrooms and volunteers share rooms. The house is within the security of the Rehabilitation Centre and surrounded by an electric fence.

Your food and accommodation are included on this project. Sufficient food is purchased for the house on a weekly basis to provide 3 meals per day. We will ascertain whether you have any special dietary requirements, such as if you are a vegetarian, and these will be met by the volunteer co-ordinator within reason.

You can cook you own meals out of the food provided. In addition to the stove in the house, there is also a braai (barbeque) area to cook outdoor meals. There is a Spar (general grocer) within 10 minutes walk of the house. The shopping complex also has a post office and internet café.

The house is serviced once a week by a cleaner but you will be expected to keep your accommodation clean and tidy during the course of their your stay. A washing machine is available and you can do your laundry on the premises.

A safe is available at the main office should you wish to lock away your passport, money or any valuables. Mobile phones do operate with full reception on-site and it is a requirement that you bring one with you, as Travellers provide volunteers with a free South African sim card.

Our Users Say...
"I fed lots of babies. Tyler wants to feed the babies too. Mabel has a baby vervet (sp?). Sooo cute. I was surprised at how tropical it is. I was expecting bush type landscape. Very beautiful and wonderful weather. The people at Centre are awesome, really nice. The other volunteers are fun."

Additional Activities You Cab Do While on Placement:
Add to your travel experience in Africa by doing some additional exciting activities, such as:
--> A 5- or 7-day Safari from Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route, taking in Dolphin and Whale Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world), and a guided tour of the Cango Caves
--> Surfing Courses: In the buzz city of Durban.
--> Paragliding Course: Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you to do solo paragliding around the world.
--> 5-Day Bush Survival Course: This is a fantastic experience and opportunity to see lots of wild animals in their native habitats in Game Reserves. You'll learn a lot and you'll really enjoy learning some bush skills in the great outdoors!

Qualifications: No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit animal enthusiasts who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative.

Cost in US$: Varies depending on length. Starts from 895

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of animals! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range: 17 to 70+ All ages are welcome on Travellers Placements

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement: Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded: 1995