Description

This unique project gives you the opportunity to work hands on with Vervet monkeys aged from a few hours until five months old!

The project is based in a care centre it is a small, homely and friendly environment set in a scenic area about 50 kilometres from Pietermaritzburg, the capital of Kwa-Zulu Natal. It is situated in a small village amongst the rolling hills of Kwa-Zulu Natal. There are lovely forests and mountain walks in the village as well as a hotel and restaurant both of which are within walking distance from the centre. It is a tranquil space with wonderful birdlife and the fruit trees in the garden attract the "free" Vervet monkeys who call in for a delicious feast.

The founders, James and Jan, have been caring for Vervet monkeys for the past twelve years and are dedicated to the conservation of South African wildlife and Vervet monkeys in particular.

WORK CONTENT:
The baby Vervet monkeys need a great deal of care and you will be directly involved with them from dawn to dusk and maybe into the early evening.

The nursery is adjacent to the accommodation and it is here that the babies are housed in an open "cage". It is a bright and airy room and you can relax in a large comfy sofa whilst you keep an eye on your little charges. They will be running and jumping around you, on you, over you......just behaving like the little monkeys that they are.

You will be responsible for chopping food, feeding, cleaning cages, carrying and playing with the babies and most importantly dishing out loads and loads of LOVE.

The orphaned babies depend on you to love them as much as their mother would have - in nature the mother vervet is tactile and the baby thrives on this loving touch. There is a great deal of hands on work involved, they need the same amount of attention as a human baby so you will certainly be kept very busy but you will be rewarded as you see them grow and develop under your loving care.

You will also have contact with the older Vervets in the outside enclosure but this will be minimal as they are being prepared for removal to the rehabilitation centre.

You will need to be prepared to accompany either James or Jan when there is a Vervet baby to be collected from another area. Because of the distances involved between town and cities you may have to travel a couple of hours but this is usually a pleasant scenic trip. The return trip may not be as nice as the baby will be traumatized/injured/frightened - this is a young wild animal that has had no contact with humans and will naturally be extremely frightened. It will take a little while for it to realize that it is no longer in danger and your care will ensure that it will thrive and eventually be returned to the wild.

This is a worthwhile and satisfying project and you will be proud to have been part of an ongoing rehabilitation process.

Highlights

THE REWARDS OF DOING THIS PROJECT:
* 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:

* You'll get a wonderful and varied experience with many Vervet monkeys.
* You'll get to experience the headiness of looking after animals that are totally helpless and reliant on you take care of them.
* You'll leave feeling very proud of yourself for having contributed to the quality of life and well-being of previously abused and battered animals.
* You'll learn much more than you can imagine, particularly about the importance of conserving wildlife, and hopefully you'll help to raise awareness by talking to friends and colleagues on your return home.
* This project will be an excellent entry on your CV, demonstrating your initiative, adaptability, your unique working experience and your concern for nature.

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$:

Starts at 1,645 fro 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

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 Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living
• Home-stays
• 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