Description

Established in 1965, The African Lion Park is home to more than 86 lions, including the rare white lion.The park also hosts other animal species, such as cheetahs, wild dogs, various hyenas, giraffes and a variety of antelope species indigenous to Africa.The park allows wonderful up close views and other once-in-a-lifetime interactions with these animals.

The general aim of the Lion Park is to increase public understanding of African wildlife and to educate the public on the conservation of the ecosystems where such wildlife reside. Visitors and volunteers play a crucial part in conservation, education and animal care.

As a volunteer you will assist with the daily tasks of feeding and caring for the animals, cleaning and maintaining the animal enclosures and interacting with the people that visit the park on a daily basis. The visitors vary greatly, and include both locals and foreigners, giving you a chance to interact with local populations and participate in cultural exchange (such as school groups).

A typical volunteer day starts at 8am to the call of the African birds. Tasks can include:

- preparing bottles and food for lion cubs and other species
- cutting up meat for older lions
- cleaning the nursery
- walking cubs from the nursery to "cub world" (an interaction that you are sure to enjoy)
- cleaning animal enclosures and general cleaning/maintenance of the visitors area
- acting as a tour guide for visiting groups

The Lion Park is a member of PAAZAB (The Zoological Institute of South Africa) reflecting the high standard of care that is provided to all animals in it's habitat.

Highlights

This Lion Park is conveniently located about 15 minutes from various pubs, bars, clubs and casinos, making this the ultimate destination for the volunteer tourist looking for a hands-on experience with the animals during the day, and a chance to experience a bit of the local flavor at night. You are sure to have an uproarious experience at the Lion Park of South Africa. Evening activities will also occasionally be offered to the volunteers. These can include a screening of a wildlife documentary or a group outing.

Travel Types

• Volunteering

Qualifications

- Min age 18 - Max age 70
- Basic English
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to work with animals
- Full travel and medical insurance

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,560 for 2 weeks

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

- Accommodation: Equipped safari tents for 4 people
- Food: Breakfast and lunch, volunteers buy and cook their own dinner
- Airport pickup: Included on arrival day
- Orientation Kit: Full project details will be sent following registration
- Training: Pre-departure preparation and In-country orientation
- Support: Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Parks
• Volunteering
• Wildlife Surveying

Typical Volunteer

Volunteers with GoEco are united by their passion for travel and desire to help people. Our volunteers are from all over the world, representing a host of religions, cultures, and languages. Ultimately, GoEco volunteers are fun-loving, adventurous, and outgoing agents for change.

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview

GoEco - Volunteer Abroad's Mission Statement

(1) Encourage ecological and volunteer tourism that promotes sustainable development (2) Enable travelers to experience different and more rewarding kinds of tourism. (3) Encourage travelers to volunteer for the benefit of others and thus to serve as a good-will ambassador to other countries in the world. (4) Encourage travelers from all over the world to come to Israel for ecological and community-based projects, in both the Arab and Jewish sectors, and experience firsthand the unique cultural and natural diversity in this region. (5) Support environmental and humanitarian projects that promote understanding and good will between ethnic societies in Israel. (6) Conduct further research in the field of ecological tourism, such as the 'Ecological Footprint' as a tool for sustainable tourism development. (7) Establish an in-depth and up-to-date data base of the relevant projects worldwide. (8) Create a platform from which to explore the various organizations that support the environment and actively encourage volunteering.

Year Founded

2005