Description

Experience hands-on work with lions in their natural environment in our ground-breaking conservation project, which is working to release lions back into the wild.

The work is varied and will include:

* Lion Walks
Spending time with the lions in the wild each day is an essential part of the cubs upbringing. If the cubs are to be successfully released 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.

Alongside the walks you will be involved in the care of the animals which overnight in enclosures. They need feeding, cleaning, and occasionally will need veterinary care to ensure that they are kept in the best of health. Join our team of professional guides and other dedicated volunteers, gain a deeper understanding of the King of Beasts and assist us in gathering vital information that will facilitate their eventual release back into the wild.

* Research
As part of the program we conduct a number of research activities to better understand lion behaviour and ecology.

* Work in the National Park
There is a vast amount to do to keep a National Park ecosystem healthy, and this project is blessed by having two unique parks right on its doorstep. The Zambezi National Park lies six kilometres from the Victoria Falls; wild with bush and big game it stretches along the river for 40 kilometres.

As a volunteer you will work with the our research team and National Park rangers on any number of conservation activities

* Teach a conservation class
Volunteers will join our conservation education program visiting local schools to garner support for conservation through education. The syllabus was originally devised under the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) "We Care!". Lesson plans are designed to offer children a full understanding of their environment and to build an appreciation for the need to conserve what remains of the wild areas of Zimbabwe.

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
- Work on the world's leading programme for the release of lions back into the wild
- Experience the African bush in a very special way as you spend time out in the Big 5" Zambezi National Park. You will be actively involved in a number of conservation activities that may include camping out overnight by a waterhole to count the animals that come to drink
- Help the Park Rangers manage the Victoria Falls National Park. The rainforest perches on high cliffs overlooking the main tracts of the Falls themselves offering breathtaking views
- Join the conservation education team in local schools giving you a wonderful insight into the community, as well as giving you a chance to help save the future of the Zimbabwean environment by educating the local children
- Immerse yourself in local Zimbabwean culture
- Enjoy the many adventure activities available from white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi River; bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge or taking to the air for a helicopter flight over the Falls giving a bird's eye view of this natural wonder.
- Take advantage of optional trips to see more of Zimbabwe's spectacular wildlife areas including the enormous Hwange National Park and the chance to walk with rhino at Matopos. You can also cross the border for a day trip into nearby Botswana or Zambia.
- Make friends for life with the other international volunteers on the programme.

Qualifications

No qualifications necessary.

Minimum Education

High School

Intern Types

• Animal Sciences
• Food Science and Nutrition
• Sustainable Development
• Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1975 +

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, management and maintenance of lion enclosures, and the development of the lion breeding and rehabilitation programme
- All transfers to and from Victoria Falls town 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
- 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

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Consciousness-raising
• Veterinary
• Wildlife Surveying

Age Range

18 over

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 working days

Year Founded

2004