GoAbroad

Volunteer with Cheetahs, Lions, and Other Rescued Animals

by: Running Wild Conservation

Work side by side with rescued lions, cheetahs, hyenas, servals, caracals, meerkats, bushbabies, and more—each animal carrying a story of survival. As a volunteer, student, or intern, you become part of that story, helping transform trauma into recovery and giving wildlife a second chance at life. You become part of the daily heartbeat of a working wildlife sanctuary. You gain hands-on experience in wildlife care. From feeding and enrichment to rehabilitation support and behavioural care, your work directly impacts animals preparing for sanctuary life or rewilding. Volunteering is more than a task — it is a journey of connection, compassion, and purpose. We provide lifelong ethical care for non-releasable wildlife and rehabilitation for animals that can return to the wild, always prioritizing dignity, welfare, and conservation. Beyond the work, you wake up to sunny Africa itself — lions calling at sunrise, cheetahs warming in the morning light, and the rhythm of wild landscapes around you. Living alongside these animals changes you. This is your chance to make a difference and step into the wild. South Africa is calling, the animals are waiting. Your journey starts here.

Program Highlights

Work hands-on with big cats such as cheetahs, lions, hyenas, caracals, servals, and even meerkats, etc. Assist with rescued babies, help with feeding, enrichment, rewilding, and daily sanctuary life.

Develop practical skills in animal husbandry, behaviour observation, rehabilitation protocols, & conservation management—ideal for students pursuing veterinary, zoology, wildlife, and conservation.

Have the opportunity to go on a Big 5 Safari Excursion & see these animals in their natural habitat. A once-in-a-lifetime experience with memories to last forever.

Live and working alongside people from different countries builds lifelong friendships and networks. Meet new people & feel more connected & useful. Increase your self-esteem & a sense of purpose.

Live Inside a Wildlife Sanctuary—wake up to lions calling, work in the African bush & experience life immersed in nature. It’s not just volunteering. It’s a life-changing conservation experience.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • South Africa
Starts At: $900-1250
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Wildlife
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Mar 10, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • South Africa

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Wildlife

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Couples, Families, Group

Starts At

$900-1250

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Some Program Activity Costs
  • Wifi Costs
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Required Equipment
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Training
  • Laundry
  • Letter of Recommendation

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)
  • University 5th Year or More
  • High School Freshman (1st Year)
  • High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • High School Junior (3rd Year)
  • High School Senior (4th Year)
  • High School 5th Year or More
  • No schooling completed
  • Some high school, no diploma

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are we situated?

Running Wild Conservation is 80 minutes drive from Johannesburg Airport.

How big is our conservancy?

Our conservancy is more than 900 acres, a beautiful diverse landscape of rolling grassland hills and forestry riverine areas.

Do we allow contact with our animals?

Yes, we do allow contact with some of our cheetahs, servals, caracals, meerkats, etc., depending on the individuals & their stage of rewilding & release. We are not open to public day visitors, and we do not trade any of our animals. We are very strict in our wildlife ethical protocols. The animals come first.  

What is our accommodation and meal structure like?

  • Cabins: 5 x log cabins surrounding the lodge & close to the animal camps. Each cabin consists of 2 bedrooms & a bathroom, which will be shared by up to 4 volunteers. Males & females are separate in sharing rooms. Couples can share rooms with double beds.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included in the price. We also cater to vegetarians, vegans, lactose & gluten intolerant diets

Do we offer transfers to & from the airport?

We arrange the shuttle for the transfers; it is an extra cost, but very affordable.

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