Description

Over 200,000 lions used to roam the African continent, as recently as 1975. The latest estimates show an 80 - 90% population decline in the last 30 years. The end objective of the Victoria Falls lion project, along with our Antelope Park programme, is the reintroduction of the offspring of captive-bred lions into the wild by means of a four-stage process, which you will learn more about during your involvement with the project.

This breeding and rehabilitation project is a World first and is supported by leading ecologists in this field. We invite you to walk and work with African lions, and to be involved in our in-depth research and data-collection activities. 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 a wild environment it is important that they spend time in that environment. They need to adapt to it, learn from it, understand, observe, feel and smell the wild

As a volunteer you will also volunteer with orphaned elephants and be invloved with the managment tasks to secure the other wildlife.

Your help is greatly needed and appreciated!

Location of project: 10km from Gweru, Zimbabwe Midlands

Highlights

During your stay at Antelope Park, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an excursion to some of the other spectacular spots that Zimbabwe has to offer. These trips are also a great time for volunteers to interact and to get to know each other better. An expedition such as the one outlined below will cost you approximately USD450 (this includes National Parks fees, transport, meals (except in Victoria Falls) and accommodation).

* Day 1: Leave after breakfast from Antelope Park for Granite Ridge Lodge (Motobo National Park). Enjoy a half-day Rhino Walk and Game Drive in this stunning Park. There is also a chance to catch an unparalleled view of the African sunrise and sunset at Granite Ridge, from the rock formations overlooking the Lodge.
* Day 2: Leave Granite Ridge for Miombo Safari Lodge (Hwange National Park); the largest national park in Zimbabwe, and the same size as Belgium! You will get the opportunity to go on a game drive in Big 5 territory where you could get up close and personal with a herd of elephant, buffalo, a pride of lion and many more.
* Day 3-5: Leave after breakfast from Miombo for Victoria Falls, adrenalin capital of Africa! You have the option to bungee jump, white water raft, visit the Falls, gorge swing across the Batoka Gorge below the Falls or just enjoy the great social atmosphere at this tourist hot-spot!
* Day 5: Travel to Chundu Island on the Zambezi River where you will stay the night.
* Day 6: Leave Chundu Island after breakfast and return to Victoria Falls before departing for Antelope Park.

Travel Types

• Volunteering

Qualifications

- Min age 18 - Max age 80
- Basic English
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to work with animals
- Full travel and medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,825 for 2 weeks, 590 each extra week

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

- Accommodation: Thatched rooms for 2-4 people
- Food: 3 meals a day
- 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

• Animal Welfare
• 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

18-70

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application
• 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