Description

Based in the heart of an exclusive private game reserve, you'll walk and work with lions and their cubs, preparing them for their release back into the wild on the world's first stage one and two release program. You'll observe the cubs as they learn to stalk their prey, adapt to their new environments and contribute to important research into their behavior.

Highlights

Volunteer Role

You will spend your time predominantly working with the lions, assisting in the preparation for their eventual release back into the wild. During your time as a volunteer, there will also be an opportunity to take part in a few hours of work alongside elephants and other wildlife, whilst also assisting at a small local orphanage with the children.

The Lion Breeding Project: 250,000 lions used to roam free within the African continent. The latest census estimates that the number of lions lies somewhere between 23,000 and 40,000, but many believe that figure has since slumped to as low as 15,000.

The end objective of the Midlands Lion breeding and rehabilitation program 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. Spending time with the lions in the wild each day is an essential part of the cubs' 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.

Elephants: You will also have the opportunity to spend time with our orphaned African Elephants and their trainers. The elephants at the Midlands 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 program's activities schedule, and you may be asked to assist in the daily duties with the elephants.

Other Activities: The few remaining areas of wildlife in Zimbabwe are extremely precious and must be protected at all costs. Part of your project will involve assisting with the wildlife management scheme where duties may include 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.

You will also have the opportunity to volunteer at a orphanage and assist the staff and care for the many children in their care. This is optional and will be once a week.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

from USD 1,869.00

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

What's Included in the Program Price

* 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 parks infrastructure and the development of the lion breeding and rehabilitation program
* All transfers to and from Bulawayo Airport upon your arrival and departure
* Arrival orientation
* 24 hour support from project coordinators and staff
* Any wildlife education talks that take place during your stay and that you might wish to partake in
* All accommodation and meals during your program
* Unlimited tea, coffee and juice throughout the day
* Laundry service during your stay and the service of a cleaner to attend to your room

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

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

Age Range

Minimum age 17 years, maximum depends on potential participants' health.

This Program is open to

American, European, Canadian, Australian, South African, Kiwi, Worldwide and Asian Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Guest House

Real Gap Experience's Mission Statement

We offer over 250 projects and travel options in over 35 countries. So whether you are interested in volunteering, community work, conservation, paid work overseas, teaching English, learning a new skill, adventure travel or sports and expeditions, you will find what you are looking for with Real Gap. Not only about we passionate about responsible travel, we also want to make sure you have a good time too! Our travel advisers have traversed the globe and taken their own gap years, so they can give you all the advice you need to plan yours. You will also get support from both our on-site and office staff who understand the needs and expectations of Real Gap travelers.

Year Founded

2005