Description

Help to care for, rehabilitate and release injured and abandoned Vervet Monkeys back into the wild to live a free and natural life.

You'll work with a Non-Profit Organisation that specialises in the care, rehabilitation & return to the wild of Vervet Monkeys that have been injured, orphaned or displaced, usually as a result of actions on the part of people.

This Rehabilitation project is run by a non-profit organisation and is located in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The Centre takes in rescued Vervet Monkeys from all around the country. The work they do is genuinely to help the monkeys, so there is little hands-on work because it's important that the monkeys aren't human-habituated. This would significantly reduce the possibility of being able to release them back into the wild - which is the Centre's primary aim.

The Vervets are kept safely in enclosures until such time they are ready to be released into the wild, far from human habitation. This usually takes about two to three years but, depending on the amount of human contact the monkeys have had, the de-humanising could perhaps take a little longer.

During this time the monkeys are gradually weaned from close human contact and the troops are built up to ensure that they form a coherent relationship. Vervets are very social animals and cannot be released individually.

The releases start to take place from September (which is Spring in South Africa) and continue through the summer months. After they have been released, the Vervets need supplementary feeds for two to three weeks until they learn to completely fend for themselves. They are also monitored for two to three months after their release.

As these Vervets are being prepared for "the outside world" and by necessity have to be kept in cages until they have been cared for, rehabilitated and prepared for release, the contribution you can make to improving their daily pre-release lives is enormous. The range of work is quite diverse and varied, and wide-ranging, including:

Feeding the Monkeys: This includes not only feeding, but also food preparation. You'll spend an hour or two chopping fruit and vegetables to feed to the Vervets in the outdoor enclosures.

Growing the food to feed the Monkeys: Bruce and Sandi, who run the Centre, buy the fruit that the monkeys need, but the gardens grow a constant supply of vegetables which need to be looked after. If you have green fingers, they will come in handy (but not to worry if you don't, the monkeys won't notice!) You can help to sow seeds when necessary, keep the veggies well watered and harvest them when they are ready to be eaten ... and you'll then have the undying devotion of the Vervets, who are always hungry!

Enclosure Enrichment: Some of the most satisfying work you can do will be to provide some enclosure enrichment and mental stimulation. This is an essential part of keeping the Vervet Monkeys happy and occupied. You can use your creativity to provide useful "toys" and games for them and offer them a different element to the usual daily routine. The monkeys take great interest and delight in new areas to explore and will really enjoy your contributions to this facet of their enforced enclosure until they can be released. (We provide our volunteers with an in-house guide to suggestions for enclosure enrichment and you may be able to use or adapt some of the suggestions for Vervet Monkeys.)

Data Collection: Records of all the monkeys and the releases have to be kept, so if paper-work or collating data is your forte, your assistance will be hugely appreciated in that department.

The Centre's Facebook and Social Networks: Bruce tries his level best to update the Centre's Facebook page on a daily basis, but he doesn't always get the time. You can use your computer skills to keep the Facebook page fresh and interesting as well as helping with the web site.

Monkey Releases - freedom at last! The older Vervet Monkeys start to be released from September through to the early summer and you would be required to assist with these releases. You may stay on the release site for a few weeks to monitor the integration to normal Vervet monkey life and to ensure a successful rehabilitation and release.

Post-Release Feeding is necessary whilst the Vervets get used to their new "home" and learn where the natural food sources are, and you'll help by taking food to the feeding stations if you are on site. The Vervets usually need to be given food for about 2 or 3 weeks after their release.

Post-release Monitoring: The newly released troop must also be monitored to check for any injuries or members that have been excluded from the troop. Monkeys who are in such situations could possibly have a slim chance of survival due to their injury or isolation. In extreme cases, re-capture may be necessary in the best interest of the individual concerned. Each release poses its own set of circumstances and you'll have a very important role to play in the monitoring.

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 conserving animals in their natural environment 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.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

From 1,315 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
• Eco-tourism
• 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

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

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