South Africa - Monkey & Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Location

This project is located in the Limpopo province of South Africa. This province borders three of South Africa's neighboring countries: Bostwana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Limpopo is rich with national parks and wildlife; it is a spectacular part of the country.

About the Project

This rehabilitation center, located near Letsitele in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, was established to accommodate and provide a temporary sanctuary for wildlife casualties, rehabilitate them to a point of self-sufficiency, and ultimately reintroduce them into nature. This center has been operating from its current premises since 1995. At first, the rehabilitation center only worked with monkeys and two indigenous species of bushbabies; however, they have expanded to accommodate baboons as well as various other animal and bird species. Many of these primates have been injured or orphaned, and therefore must fully mature before they can be released. The center aims to make at least 2 releases each year. This involves quite a bit of organization, research, and monitoring making volunteers a valuable resource in the rehabilitation process.

Volunteer Work and Contribution

Volunteers are involved in many tasks at the project, such as maintenance and construction of the center, feeding animals, cleaning their enclosures, and handling animals.  Seasonally, volunteers can expect to be a part of planting/harvesting food. Weekends are free after the animals have been fed and cleaned.

A day in the life of a volunteer on this program might look something like this:

7:00 - Cleaning cages, preparing food and feeding animals.

9:00 - Breakfast

10:00 - Continue with feedings, work on projects as specified by project leaders.

13:00 - Lunch

14:00 - Afternoon programs vary from building new enclosures, planting vegetables (for animals), checking animals in various stages of the rehabilitation process, collecting food, or sometimes having some time off to go on excursions or relax.

18:00 - Dinner

19:30 - Feeding nocturnal animals

Living Arrangements

Accommodations: volunteers will stay in dormitory-style rooms with shared showers and toilets. Dormitiries can sleep between 2-9 people. Couples are able to receive private accomodation. The rooms are on-site and a mere 500 meters away from the animals.

Food: three meals are provided per day.

Internet: there is Wi Fi at ZAR25.00 per week.

Laundry: laundry services are available for a small extra fee. We supply sheets, duvets and pillows. It's reccomended to bring a sleeping bag as well.

Travel Highlights

 Attractions and excursions during free time and days off include:

• The biggest baobab in the world
• Modjadji Cycad Reserve visit to local ethnic village
• Insectarium (biological pest control)
• Micro light flights
• Kruger Game Park (3 day trip)
• Citrus Pack house (in season only)
• Tree top canopy tour
• Health spa
• Panorama scenic route

The costs vary from R40 to R3000+ depending on the combinations, including entrance fees and distances travelled to get there.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum age 18, maximum age 80
• Basic level of English
• Flexibility and open mindedness
• Suggested minimum stay of one month
• Full travel & medical insurance
• Immunizations (please consult your doctor)