GoAbroad
GoEco
South Africa - Big Cat Refuge logo

South Africa - Big Cat Refuge

by: GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

8 (2)Verified

Volunteer with rescued big cats at a sanctuary in South Africa! These big cats have been rescued from breeding centers that stole them away from their mothers when they were cubs. Due to their captive upbringing, these cats cannot be returned to the wild. Help these cats live a more natural, enjoyable life at the sanctuary. Volunteers will prepare food for the big cats, make enrichment toys an...

Read More

Program Highlights

Provide love and care for rescued animals.

Help around the 98-acre sanctuary to provide a natural-feeling habitat for these cats.

Make enrichment toys for the big cats to keep them happy and active.

Prepare food for feeding these beautiful creatures.

Educate visitors and the community on the harmful effects of breeding centers and canned hunting.

Quick Details

Locations
  • Rural Areas, South Africa
Availability
Year(s) OfferedYear RoundDuration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 1-2 Weeks
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Wildlife
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Awards

Innovative Volunteer Abroad ProgramGoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Intern Abroad ProgramTop Rated Provider 2023 - Notable MentionInnovation in Sustainability Finalist 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

8

Total Reviews

2

To feel like a team that is working to make a difference

March 01, 2025by: Becky IversProgram: South Africa - Big Cat Refuge
8

Seeing the care for the cats and being given the opportunity to get really stuck in It has been great to be part of the Panthera team and work with the volunteers and feel like a team that is working to make a difference It is great to be given animal time , within a safe distance but being able to form a bond with them

Watching the big feed

July 20, 2024by: CaterinaProgram: South Africa - Big Cat Refuge
8

My most memorable experience during the Big Cat Refuge program at Panthera Africa was being able to watch the big feed. The big feed allows to watch animal in their natural behaviour and requires a lot of trust in the volunteers.

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization logo
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization responded to this reviewSeptember 26, 2024

Hi Caterina Thank you for sharing your experience! Watching the big feed at the Big Cat Refuge in South Africa sounds incredible—getting to see the big cats display their natural behavior must have been unforgettable. We're so glad you felt the trust and responsibility given to the volunteers, it really makes the experience even more special. Thanks for being a part of the program and for your dedication to these amazing animals! - GoEco Team

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Rural Areas, South Africa

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Nature Tours
  • Tours
  • Focus Areas
  • Community Service & Volunteering

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

  • All Nationalities

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan

Accommodation Options

  • Guest House

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application
    GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

    GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

    8Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    Volunteer with rescued big cats at a sanctuary in South Africa! These big cats have been rescued from breeding centers that stole them away from their mothers when they were cubs. Due to their captive upbringing, these cats cannot be returned to the wild. Help these cats live a more natural, enjoyable life at the sanctuary. Volunteers will prepare food for the big cats, make enrichment toys and educate visitors on the current threats to these creatures. Volunteers should be passionate about animal conservation and animal rights and be prepared to make a positive impact in the lives of these rescued animals.

    Related Programs

    Browse programs you might like