Description

What does the project do?

Cheetahs are expected to be extinct in the wild within the next 10 years. Riana and her team have worked tirelessly since 2006 to built up this fantastic project aiming to breed cheetahs in captivity, conduct behavioral research and raise public awareness in an effort to conserve these unique animals. Not only does this project work with cheetahs but it now works with all the big cats including lions, lion cubs, tigers, leopards, caracals  if you love big cats then this is definitely for you!

The project also works to increase awareness of the desperate situation of the cheetah population through daily tours and game drives, educational programs in local schools.

The center also takes cheetah cubs, lion cubs and any other big cat cub that has been abandoned by their mothers or from neighboring game farms to raise them until they are around 4 months old. They also take in animals that need rehabilitation, like Mafusa, a cheetah with a broken leg.

What's the project like?

This is the perfect environment for anyone with a love of big cats and other stunning African wildlife. Providing a wonderful opportunity to work with the big cat population, this trip is really is a once in a lifetime experience.

Clichéd we know, but at this project it's definitely the more you put in, the more you get out. While working at this project you'll be playing a vital part in raising them in captivity and helping them be released into the wild.

All told this is a fantastic South African wildlife experience that will stay with you forever.

Highlights

Have you ever heard a caracal purr? A lion roar? Seen a leopard`s rosettes up close or frolicked with tiger cubs in the water?

If not, then this is your chance! At big cat encounters you'll be helping to hand-rear young cubs across the cat species, help with important research as well as working to nurse sick animals back to health. You can try your hand at taking visitors on tours and accompanying them on game drives. We've even given you your own swimming pool to relax in after a busy day with these majestic animals. And...once acquainted with the big cats, you will have the chance to share your bed with them! Imagine falling asleep to a cats purr!

Spending time at this inspiring big cat lair will leave you with that warm fuzzy feeling from knowing you've made a difference. You'll also go home with some incredible photos and memories! What more could you ask for?

Trip highlights
-Feeding and caring for the resident cats, lion cubs, cheetahs, tigers and much more!
-Joining game drives to see famous South African wildlife and bird life
-Helping to nurse sick animals back to health
-Lounging by the swimming pool in your time off
-Being surrounded by the sounds of Africa
-And...once acquainted with the big cats, you will have the chance to share your bed with them!

Travel Types

• Eco Tours
• Safari

Qualifications

Why does the project need volunteers?

This project needs volunteers to help with every aspect of looking after these fantastic creatures. Every day will be different because you'll be helping with what ever needs doing, whether its helping with fund raising functions, improving the enclosures, washing baby bottles and food bowls, you'll never be bored!

Activities and schedule

It's pretty full on at this project! You'll typically work Monday to Saturday, 7.00am to 9.00pm. However, you will have plenty of time off for meals and to relax with your fellow volunteers.

You'll be up bright and early at 7am every day to help feed the cubs before a couple of hours off to enjoy a hearty breakfast and get ready for your busy day! There will be a daily meeting where you'll discuss your tasks for the day before your morning shift starts. After lunch your afternoon will again be spent helping to make sure that these majestic creatures are as well cared for as possible.

You'll have a couple of hours off in the afternoon to spend with the animals, compare photos and stories of the day before dinner. Then its time for the last round of animal feeds and...collapse into bed!

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

US$ 1999.00 for 1 week, US$ 550.00 for every week

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

What's Included

* Accommodation:Shared room in volunteer house
* Food:Food for all meals is provided for you...you just need to prepare it!
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early! Return transfer from the project to Bloemfontein
* Training:In-country orientation and briefing on arrival at the project
* Support:Pre-departure help desk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Eco-tourism
• Wildlife Surveying

Typical Volunteer

i-to-i Volunteer and Adventure Travel is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994