Location
Port Elizabeth (or PE) is South Africa's fifth largest city and is located on the Indian Ocean coast half-way between Cape Town and Durban, in the Eastern Cape. The Friendly City is a major sea port and tourist destination set along the beautiful shores of Nelson Mandela Bay.
About the project
In addition to learning about the life-cycle and conservation of the African Penguin, which is an endangered species, volunteers will also be taught how to catch, hold, feed and tube feed these wonderful birds. Participants will be involved with the many other tasks that need to be carried out daily including the preparation of fish, cleaning of facility, pools and mats, sterilizing syringes, and many more things. The training recieved will allow participants to handle the birds safely. Volunteers will also be able to assist in the educational department, teaching both urban and rural under privileged children about the beauty of nature, and assist in tours of the reserve.
Volunteer work and contribution
Volunteers play an integral role in the operation of this reserve. Work will include but is not limited to:
- Assist in Feeding/rehabilitating of the African Black Footed Penguin
- Involvement in Sea School Program- Education and outreach programs
- Assisting of the field guiding of the Cape Recife Nature Reserve
- Working closely with consulting vets
- Assisting in analyzing and taking blood from various animals
- Assisting on marine rescues
- Tour guides for the facility
- General assistance where ever possible
This project offers a “home away from home” for
volunteers. The volunteers' house is located in the
historical centre of Port Elizabeth and therefore accessible to
everything the city has to offer. This is a very spacious, beautifully restored early 1900s home, full of warmth and atmosphere. There is ample space, giving it a big, old farm house vibe in the middle of town. The house sleeps 10 Volunteers and includes: four bedrooms, three bathrooms, large fully equipped kitchen, entertaining area with indoor braai (BBQ) and bar, living room and dining room, library/computer room (free Wi-Fi internet), large private garden & swimming pool, covered outdoor eating area, full perimeter security and alarm system. Food is provided so that volunteers may prepare themselves 3 meals a day.
All volunteers on this program are also eligible for 50% off a wide range of adventure tours in and around Port Elizabeth. These include safaris, quadding, an expedition to the elephant park, whale watching, sand boarding, horse riding, surfing, cliff jumping, and more. There are also multi-day tours available. Participants will have the opportunity to book these tours while at the project.
- Personally designed volunteer program for the entire stay in South Africa
- Beautiful “Home away from home accommodations”
- Three meals/day (self-prepared)
- All automotive transportation
- Volunteer uniform
- Photos & videos of Volunteer’s stay
- Wi-Fi Internet
- 50% discount on Adventure weekend packages
- Professional reference/certificate of volunteer work achieved
- Portion of funds goes towards development projects
- Min age 18 - Max age 70
- Good level of English
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to work with animals
- Full travel & medical insurance