Description

In 1975 over 250,000 lions roamed the African continent - latest estimates are that only between 12,000 and 15,000 remain. The end objective of the Antelope Park Lion breeding and rehabilitation programme is to re-introduce lions into the wild. This project is a World First, and is supported by some of the world's leading ecologists in this field.

In partnership with our wildlife trust ALERT (The African Lion & Environmental Research Trust), a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the African lion, African Impact initiated a unique 4 stage lion rehabilitation programme. Through this, we seek to provide solutions to the problem of rapidly declining wild lion populations in Africa. We are working towards releasing wild-born offspring of captive bred lions into appropriate national parks and reserves across Africa.

Spending time with the lions in the wild each day is an essential part of the cub's upbringing. If the cubs are to be released into the wild it is important that they spend time out in a natural environment. They need to adapt to it, learn from it, understand, observe, feel and smell the wild.

Since the start of this intensive programme, we have noted a marked increase in the Lions' awareness of their natural surroundings, as well as an improvement in their hunting skills. The larger cubs are now able to take down smaller game species whilst out on walks, and these abilities are being enhanced each day whilst under the supervision of volunteers. These are invaluable discoveries, which have earned us further support for our world first endeavours.

* Elephants
You will also have the opportunity to spend time with our orphaned African Elephants and their trainers. The elephants at Antelope Park were saved from certain death during a severe drought that ravaged Zimbabwe's South Eastern Lowveld in 1991 and 1992.

The elephants play an important role in the Antelope Park's activities schedule. You may be asked to assist in the daily duties with the elephants, but please note that they will not necessarily be the main focus of your work.

* Free roaming wildlife
The few remaining areas of wildlife sanctuary in Zimbabwe are extremely precious and must at all costs be protected. Part of your project will involve assistance with the wildlife management scheme such as finding and removing snares ('snare sweeps') within the game park and checking for holes or fence cuttings on the boundary fence ('Boundary Patrols') and repairing them. These activities are usually conducted on foot, horseback or elephant-back.

You may also be asked to assist in any other duties at the game park such as:
Cutting and collecting firewood; daily schooling and exercising of horses; basic repairs and maintenance; assisting the Antelope Park Guides in their duties; any other wildlife or camp related activities.

Highlights

- Walk alongside lions as part of the pride and enjoy the exhilaration of being part of a hunt as the young cubs learn to stalk their prey
- Bottle feed and help take care of younger lion cubs
- Work on the world's only programme for the release of lions back into the wild
- Experience the African bush in a very special way on this private reserve. Explore the savannah grasslands on horseback or whilst riding on African Elephants
- Have horse riding lessons from our experienced guides
- Immerse yourself in local Zimbabwean culture
- Make friends for life with the other international volunteers on the programme

Qualifications

No qualifications necessary.

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2210 +

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

- Project Fee: this entails financing that goes directly back into the project that you are involved with. This project fee facilitates funding for items such as food for lions and elephants, management and maintenance of lion enclosures, and the development of the lion breeding and rehabilitation programme
- All transfers to and from Gweru town upon your arrival and departure
- All airport transfers, overnight accommodation in Harare or Bulawayo towns, and transfers to Antelope Park upon your arrival and departure
- Assistance in your projects by various trained guides and staff during your stay
- Any wildlife education talks that take place during your stay and that you might wish to partake in
- Full board and lodging which includes 3 meals a day at our Safari Camp Restaurant
- Unlimited tea, coffee and juice throughout the day
- Laundry service during your stay
- The service of a maid to attend to your room each day

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Eco-tourism
• Tourism
• Veterinary
• Volunteering
• Wildlife Surveying

Typical Volunteer

Someone who wants to make a difference to African Wildlife and Conservation, work hands-on with lions and support their release back into the wild. Also travelers with an open mind and the willingness to learn valuable lessons from their time in Africa.

Age Range

18 - 70 (dependent on health and physical fitness)

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Other
• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 4

Application Process Involves

• Online Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 working days

African Impact's Mission Statement

We truly believe in making a difference and empowering our volunteers to do the same. We work at harnessing the incredible power that comes from helping others and using it to effect long lasting positive change on local communities and the physical environments in which we work. We take a holistic approach to the implementation and running of our projects. We always aim to integrate ourselves into every level of the community working from grass roots to local governments. We have a core emphasis on learning and empowerment for all involved - changing the lives of people in the communities we impact, our volunteers and all African Impact staff. We are proud of the close relationship we have with our charity, The Happy Africa Foundation who are contributing profoundly to the quality of life of so many underprivileged people.

Year Founded

2004