Description

This project is a very caring sanctuary set in a small private game reserve in the Eastern Cape. It is a very popular and worthwhile placement where your work and help is desperately needed. You'll assist in hand-rearing, feeding and generally looking after many different animal species, including over 250 different species of birds, most of which you will never have seen before.

The sanctuary receives many abandoned, abused, injured or orphaned animals that all need love and attention to help prepare them for life back in the wild if possible, or at least a worthwhile and safe life in the sanctuary. Many animals breed there, so there are often young animals to care for that need regular feeding and attention. It is a very hands-on experience and one that leaves you with an unbelievable feeling of satisfaction. If this type of placement appeals to you, it really will be a life changing experience.

The Sanctuary and Wildlife Park is situated 50 km south west of the city centre of Port Elizabeth, on the Eastern Cape's sunshine coast, in a malaria-free area. Set on 1000 hectares of superb bush and grassland, the sanctuary was started by Percy, who was originally a farmer on the current piece of land and has lived there for over 25 years. Having always had an interest in the rehabilitation of orphaned and injured animals, he decided to retire from farming and concentrate on building a larger sanctuary where he could take in and look after animals who needed a home.

"I spend a great time here. It's a great Sanctuary and everybody tries to care for you as good as possible. I feel a bit like at home now and I'm really glad that I have chosen this project. Thank you for the perfect organisation, it enabled me to start my project without any problems in a foreign country." Julia Liebmann

There are the most incredible animal enclosures and aviaries in which he houses the many species brought to them by the public. Nearly all the baby animals in the sanctuary are orphans that have been rescued from elsewhere and brought to the sanctuary for safety and, where possible, to be released back into their natural habitat in the wild.

WORK CONTENT:
As the Park is rather large, there is always a very wide variety of activities that you will be involved in. All volunteers are expected to "muck in" together, making the work fun and rewarding. Work ranges from hands-on with the animals, to helping and guiding the tourists or assisting in the restaurant and bar. Some of your work will also include general chores in the Park itself. Briefly, your responsibilities will include some or all of the following:

* Food preparation for all the animals and birds. You'll learn which animals eat what food, how to prepare it and and how much to give them.
* Hand-rearing of orphaned wildlife, including birds.
* Nearly all the baby animals in the sanctuary are orphans that have been rescued from elsewhere and brought to the sanctuary for safety and, where possible, to be released back into their natural habitat in the wild. These animals need lots of care and attention.
* Mucking out and tidying enclosures, and, when necessary, helping to expand existing enclosures or constructing new ones.
* Collecting data on wildlife within the game reserve section of the park. This will include, for example, monitoring the movements of wildlife and occasionally doing game counts.

Besides spending time with the animals and birds, there are other areas of the Sanctuary and Wildlife Park needing attention as well:

* Helping with tours around the sanctuary. You'll learn a lot about the animals so that you can convey this information to tourists or school groups that visit the Sanctuary.
* Assisting with general duties in the restaurant, bar and kitchen, possibly even helping with the preparation of meals.
* Helping unload supplies when they arrive.
* Some admin work may be required while you're there.
* General clearing of the Park to eliminate alien vegetation, for example. This makes a more "user-friendly" and safer environment for the free-roaming animals (and is in line with government policy of limiting alien vegetation wherever possible).
* Also checking for and clearing any rubbish on the property, because litter can cause serious injuries to the animals
* Bush clearing and road construction (with tractors)
* Assisting the small permanent staff with any project or maintenance work (i.e. painting fences, repairing etc) that may be needed while you're there. (See photos of volunteers helping in the construction of enclosures.)

Hours of duty and Work Schedule
The average working hours are from 07h30 until 16h00, inclusive of tea and lunch breaks, and you'll work 5 days a week.

Two days can be taken off in a weekly rotation system. Some volunteers utilize this time to stay out overnight to enjoy the nightlife in Port Elizabeth or Jeffrey's Bay, or they stay on the grounds and relax with a good book, or go for walks and explore the enormous park.

The Rewards:
This placement is definitely for nature loving enthusiasts who are willing to work hard and aren't afraid of getting their hands dirty, but the rewards are well worth it. There are usually some small scrapes and scratches that go with the job, but nothing serious. The park itself is a lovely and a very safe place to go walking after work - it has beautiful indigenous forests of yellowwoods and milkwoods, and small savannah grassland.

This is truly a wonderful project that is both rewarding and unforgettable.

Highlights

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

* An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa
* The enormous satisfaction of helping abused, orphaned or threatened animals and knowing that you made a difference to them.
* New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
* An entry on your CV or resume that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
* And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen! If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us, tell us what type of project you're looking for, and we'll liaise with you and start making your travel adventure happen. It's as easy as that!

Qualifications

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Starts at 1,345 for 2 weeks

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Conservation
• Volunteering
• Wildlife Surveying

Typical Volunteer

This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range

17 - 70+

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

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995