Description

This project has over 100 chimpanzees and other animals that you will live in close contact with. They also have bush babies, monkeys and squirrels. Witness incredible animal relationships in close knit chimpanzee family structure, and be part of the day-to-day care of the orphanage inhabitants.

The orphanage was founded in 1983 when a badly injured chimp was brought to the cattle ranch in northern Zambia. In time, news of the sanctuary has spread and it is now home to over 100 chimpanzees.

The owners' work has won them a steady stream of honours and awards, including the United Nations Environment Programme's Global 500 Award (2000), the Audi / Terra Nova nomination (2001), a special commendation from the Nedbank / mail & Guardian Green Trust Awards (2000), and the Jane Goodall Award (1995). In 2001, the owners were granted MBEs by Queen Elizabeth II in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

In 2002, an Education Centre was built to provide a facility to teach the youth of Zambia about ecology and wildlife conservation. It is also used by local and international students researching group behaviour and ethnic studies. The Trust bears the cost of bringing groups of under privileged children to the Orphanage, while those from affluent societies are charged a moderate fee to cover expenses.

Although chimpanzee rehabilitation is the primary focus of the orphanage, other animals benefit from the care and attention received at the orphanage as well. Antelopes, baboons, monkeys, tortoises, squirrels, bush babies, dogs and birds have all been nursed back to health at the orphanage, including the biggest resident of all - Billy the hippo.

Be part of the day to day care of animals in a Wildlife Orphanage whose main focus is Chimpanzee Rehabilitation The help received from volunteers at the Orphanage is truly needed and much appreciated.

WORK CONTENT:

* Prepare chimpanzee and monkey/ baboon food for daily feedings
* Assist with feedings
* Prepare African Grey parrot food
* Clean food buckets and boxes; return to food shed
* Wash down food shed; clean and sort produce
* Walk fence line around enclosures to check for overhanging branches, grass, weeds that might stop the electrical fence from working
* Clean and fill water for geese and chickens.
* Clean out plastic bottles used for the feeding of milk to chimpanzees
* Pick Lemons for chimpanzees from trees
* Sweep and clean visitor areas
* Assist orphanage manager in other duties

Typical Day:
Every day is different as animals rarely operate to our schedule  we ask that you remain flexible The orphanages staff and volunteers start work each day at 7am and work through to 4pm, six days a week. You will have a rest day each week.

A day in the life of a volunteer on this project may look something like this:

* 07h00 The start of your day in the orphanage! Spend the morning cleaning enclosures and preparing food for the animal's breakfast and lunch and assist with their feeding.
* 12h00 - 13h00: Lunch time
* 14h00 - 16h00 Depending on the daily schedules set you may be required to assist in the Education Centre, educating the local community about wildlife and the importance of its preservation. Alternatively you may be required to help out with chimpanzee related tasks.
* 16h15: Briefing by your project manager about the following days activities.
* Evenings  a sociable affair where volunteers chat about their day and enjoy dinner together.

You are likely to spend your first week or so on the project orientating yourself with the sanctuary and chimps and will be in close contact with the chimps during your time on the project, you may then spend time interacting with the chimps, hands on a few times a week thereafter.

Highlights

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

* An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure learning about Chimpanzees, their characteristics and living in such close contact!
* The enormous satisfaction of knowing that you made a difference to the chimpanzees by helping at the centre
* New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a conservation.
* 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$:

From 1,945 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
• Orphans
• 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 Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Guest House
• Home-stays

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