I arrived at the African Dawn bird and wildlife sanctuary for my first night at about 10 pm. All I could make out as I was walked to my cabin in the African darkness were the brilliant sounds of exotic birds and other strange creatures. I awoke the next morning to the chatter of the animals in the sanctuary and a new, bright African morning. My first walk through the park was breath taking to say the least. I was taken on a personal tour of the various enclosures. First the meerkat hill. Next, to the cheetah habitat. Then a walk through the mystical aviary, the park owner's pride and joy. I was taken inside the marmoset enclosure, experiencing a monkey on my shoulder for the first time ever. Needless to say, I knew this would be an incredible 4 months from the very first morning.
After meeting all of the magnificent enhabitors of the park, we began our daily routine of feeding and general habitat management. After fixing the specific plates of food for each animal, we would head out on our routes of delivering breakfast. Only after everyone had been fed did we sit down for breakfast ourselves. This usually consisted of a variety of choices including pancakes, cereal, eggs, bacon, toast and anything else you can find kitchen. We spent the next few hours either tending to the sick and injured animals in the nursery, cleaning the shelters of the enclosures, preparing food for the evening feed, or unloading goods from the daily truck shipments. Afternoon feelings were generally the same as in the morning, with a few variations such as checking and changing water, feeding the turtles, and washing food dishes. Once all jobs had been completed and all of the animals were full and comfortable, we headed to the cabins to get cleaned up for dinner. The amazing staff and permanent volunteers at African Dawn cook dinner every night, giving you a relaxing and delicious evening meal.
After having been at the sanctuary for a few months, I was given responsibilities above those of the basic volunteer. Those jobs were the most enjoyable part of my time there. I was given full responsibility of an injured owl who I became incredibly attached to. She was eventually able to be released, such an amazing feeling. I also became involved in the bottle feeding of the 3 baby serval cubs we had at the time. I would highly suggest giving yourself at least a few months on this project. Not only will you get the full experience of being fully involved in almost every part of the park's happenings, you also become very close to each incredible animal that lives there. I left African Dawn with not only 20 new friends from all over the world, but also with about 100 other furry ones.
Lastly, the owner of the park, Percy, and his amazing family are beyond welcoming. They, along with the other volunteers became my family for 4 amazing months. Whether we were sitting around the fire at night, talking and singing, or traveling to go bungee jumping, the people I met and lived with made my time in Africa the most memorable and wonderful experience of my life. This is a project with an incredible cause and an even better atmosphere. Thanks Percy!
