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Vervet Monkey Rescue and Rehabilitation in South Africa

by: Volunteer International Adventures

5 (1)VerifiedSince 2020

Volunteer at an accredited primate rescue, sanctuary, and rehabilitation center in the lush province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This project is available all year round, but extra hands are needed to surrogate baby monkeys in the breeding season, from mid-October to early March. During this period, there will be plenty of baby vervet monkeys to care for, orphaned, and then rescued by the project, the public, or authorities. Rescues take place all year round on an almost daily basis, and the sanctuary monkeys also need care. Although not endangered, vervet monkeys often face a lot of threats – illegal hunting, run over by cars, hunted and killed by dogs, killed for the bushmeat trade, or pure animal cruelty. This is why many young vervets are left without parents. As a volunteer, assist with surrogate duties during the first three months and throughout their rehabilitation when they bond as a troop in larger enclosures. Eventually, they will be released as a social troop in a safe, natural setting.

Program Highlights

Be a hands-on surrogate mother to rescued and orphaned baby vervet monkeys—help wash, groom, and bottle feed them under the watchful eyes of an experienced primate rehabilitator.

Learn firsthand about the challenges faced by monkeys on the urban edge and help with the care of the monkey troops undergoing rehabilitation at the sanctuary on a small nature reserve.

Assist with daily rescues—which can be quite challenging—and veterinary visits for treatment and follow-up care of injured, sick, and rescued adults and baby monkeys.

Take pride in the fact that your hands-on help will mean that rescued baby monkeys have the opportunity of a life they were meant to have—free in nature and not in a cage.

Go diving with sharks, relax on golden beaches, or visit wildlife reserves and national parks in your free time to view Africa's Big 5—lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Durban, South Africa
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 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: Feb 12, 2026

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

1

Loved every minute of it!

November 25, 2020by: Heidi Gibbs - United Kingdom
5

This programme was great to volunteer at. I learnt a lot while caring for the orphaned babies and was lucky enough to see a troop released back into the wild. Couldn't fault the organisation of the programme and living arrangemts. Sandy is a dream and takes good care of you. Thoroughly recommend!

Volunteer International Adventures  logo
Volunteer International Adventures responded to this reviewNovember 26, 2020

Hopefully we will see you back in South Africa again one day Heidi! Thank you for your great review

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Durban, South Africa

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Wildlife

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

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

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Some Program Activity Costs
  • Wifi Costs
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Group Meals
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • Required Equipment
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Training
  • Emergency Support

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Home-stays
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Physical Exam/Health Records
  • Letters of Reference
  • Resume
  • Other

Frequently Asked Questions

What time of the year is baby monkey season?

Baby monkey season is roughly from mid-October to the beginning of March although working with wildlife is unpredictable. 

How many volunteers do you take at one time?

We can take a maximum of 8 volunteers including couples, friends and family groups. 

Is there a lot to do outside of baby monkey season?

Yes! Rescues take place almost daily, and a lot of veterinary visits, too! During the time after the baby season, when they progress to juveniles, many end up being hit by cars and worse, so it is a high rescue time, too. There are also the juveniles—last year's babies—and adults forming bonded social troops in the large rehabilitation enclosures. 

What age must I be to volunteer?

A minimum age of 16 years old if accompanied by a parent or guardian- if permission is granted- out of baby season. For baby season, a miniumum of 21 years old when dealing with the newborns rescued monkeys.

What is the minimum time I can volunteer?

If it is out of baby season you can volunteer for 1 week however if it is baby monkey season, we do require volunteers to help for two weeks or longer. 

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