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Wildlife Caretaker at a Park
Volunteer as a Wildlife Caretaker at a sanctuary that provides lifelong refuge to rescued indigenous and exotic wild cats, as well as a variety of other animals. This hands-on program offers a unique opportunity to care for animals that can’t return to the wild due to past trauma or captivity. Get to know the animals' unique personalities and stories while working alongside a passionate team dedicated to their wellbeing. As a volunteer, you’ll gain access to restricted areas where some animals—typically off-limits to the public—live in peace and safety. You’ll help care for: ● Big cats like lions, leopards, tigers, cheetahs, and pumas ● Smaller wild cats including servals, caracals, bobcats, ocelots, and more ● Birds such as owls, hawks, vultures, cranes, and emus ● Other species like baboons, wolves, ferrets, honey badgers, crocodiles, meerkats, and monkeys This experience is both rewarding and impactful, offering a deeper understanding of animal care and wildlife conservation. Visit our website and get involved!
Volunteer as a Wildlife Caretaker at a sanctuary that provides lifelong refuge to rescued indigenous and exotic wild cats, as well as a variety of other animals. This hands-on program offers a unique opportunity to care for animals that can’t return to the wild due to past trauma or captivity. Get to know the animals' unique personalities and stories while working alongside a passionate team dedicated to their wellbeing. As a volunteer, you’ll gain access to restricted areas where some animals—typically off-limits to the public—live in peace and safety. You’ll help care for: ● Big cats like lions, leopards, tigers, cheetahs, and pumas ● Smaller wild cats including servals, caracals, bobcats, ocelots, and more ● Birds such as owls, hawks, vultures, cranes, and emus ● Other species like baboons, wolves, ferrets, honey badgers, crocodiles, meerkats, and monkeys This experience is both rewarding and impactful, offering a deeper understanding of animal care and wildlife conservation. Visit our website and get involved!
Program Highlights
Assist with daily animal care—feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and monitoring health while building bonds with each animal’s unique personality.
Maintain enclosures by clearing invasive plants, repairing fences, and ensuring a clean, safe environment for the animals.
Care for a wide range of wildlife including lions, leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs, monkeys, wolves, meerkats, and more.
Support the wildlife manager or vet with health checks and rehab care if you have relevant skills or interest.
Explore Kruger National Park or the Panorama Route on weekends—perfect for spotting the Big 5 and enjoying breathtaking views.
Quick Details
- Kruger Park, South Africa
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- 9-12 Weeks
- Winter
- Summer
- Animal Welfare
- Conservation
- Veterinary Science
- Wildlife
- Animals
- Volunteering
- All Nationalities
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Kruger Park, South Africa
Types and Subjects
- Causes
- Animal Welfare
- Conservation
- Veterinary Science
- Wildlife
- Types
- Animals
- Volunteering
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- 9-12 Weeks
- Winter
- Summer
- Post High School
- After College
- Career Break / Mid-Career
- During College
Age Requirement
18+
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Couples, Families, Group
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- Some Program Activity Costs
- Wifi Costs
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Welcome Dinner
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- In-Country Orientation
- Training
- Emergency Support
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Other
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- Some college credit, no degree
- Trade/technical/vocational training
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Professional degree
- Doctorate degree
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Other
- Resume
- Online Application
- Written Application
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the wildlife park?
The wildlife park spans 14 hectares, featuring numerous enclosures and camps for its permanent residents.
Where do the animals come from?
These animals, unable to be released back into the wild, are cared for due to various reasons such as being too accustomed to human contact, rescued from the trophy hunting industry, living with old injuries that hinder survival in the wild, or being exotic species not native to South Africa.
Does the park have educational programs?
Yes! The wildlife park offers educational programs and tours for visitors and local schools. Volunteers may assist the local knowledgeable tour guides, leading groups through the park, providing information about the animals and their habitats, and answering questions from visitors and even acting as translators.
How can I help as a veterinary student or qualified professional?
Some volunteers with relevant training, interests or experience may assist the wildlife manager and private veterinary doctors with animal health checks, administering medications, assisting with medical procedures, and providing rehabilitation care for injured or orphaned animals if the need arises.
Which is the airport in South Africa I need to fly into?
You’ll need to fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for the Wildlife Caretaker program. Airport pickup is arranged as part of your program.
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