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Wild Cats and Endangered Species Conservation projects

Name: Wild Cats and Endangered Species Conservation projects
Brand: Volunteer International Adventures
SKU: 279531
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Location

Multiple Locations +2

South Africa
- Johannesburg
- Durban
- St. Lucia
- Cape Town
- Cape Town
- St. Lucia
- Knysna
- Port Elizabeth
- Limpopo
Zimbabwe

Length

2 to 12 weeks

Project Types

Community Development Conservation Environmental Conservation Wildlife Conservation Elephant Conservation Tourism Veterinary Service

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Program Details

Language

English

Age Min.

Timeframe

Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round

Housing

Apartment Guesthouse Host Family Hostel Lodge Tent

Groups

Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30)

Travel Type

Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price

400

Price Details

We try and make our projects as safe and all-inclusive as possible with accommodation, airport pick ups and drops off, food and so much more depending on the individual volunteer project so we do have a charge for our volunteer projects to cover this. Volunteer projects start at 2 weeks minimum and we cater for gap students, interns, career breakers, friends, couples and families. Although most projects are 18 years and older, we do have projects that will take as young as 14 years old with a guardian.

What's Included

Accommodation Some Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Equipment Meals Some Meals Transportation Wifi

What's Not Included

Some Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa

Last Updated: Jun 27, 2024

Last Reviewed: Feb 18, 2024

Wish List

10 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

We have a variety of projects dealing with the safe sanctuary of non-releasable captive bred apex predators and also their monitoring and data capturing in safe wildlife reserves aiding conservation of many endangered species.

South Africa
Our sanctuary projects have a strict ethic of no petting, breeding or trading:
Big Cat Sanctuary on a Wildlife Reserve in the Eastern Cape
Ethical Predator Sanctuary project in the Western Cape
Lion Sanctuary on a Wildlife Reserve in Limpopo province
Wolves, Wolf Dogs and Huskies at a Sanctuary in the Western Cape
For those wanting a true conservation experience in large, protected reserves:
Endangered Wildlife Monitoring & Conservation in KwaZulu-Natal province

Zimbabwe:
Wildlife Conservation with Horses (this project is very popular so please book well in advance)

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Impact

Volunteer International Adventures focus is on ethical youth and animal projects which we feel very strongly about. We see the need for assistance from international volunteers in developing countries and have seen the difference extra hands-on help can make to communities and conservation if done responsibly.

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Program Highlights

We have several ethical big cat projects on wildlife sanctuaries. Help with the care of non-releasable lions while being surrounded by giraffe, zebra and other antelope species.
Assist at an ethical sanctuary for exotic wolves, wolf dogs and huskies. Perfect for the canine lovers
Combine your love of wildlife with your horse-riding abilities in Zimbabwe. Aside from the amazing setting of truly free roaming wildlife in a raw africa setting, volunteers help with snare sweeps.
Join a team of dedicated professionals with the monitoring and data capturing of endangered species in reserves in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The main focus is the conservation of the highly endangered African Wild Dog
Get educated and trained up at the same time while helping with a variety of wild cats, both big and small from lions, tigers, leopard, serval to caracal in a highly ethical environment. One for the cat lovers!

Program Impact

Our dedicated volunteers have made a significant impact with endangered species wildlife conservation and assisting at wild cat and predator sanctuaries. They have assisted in ongoing care for various species in ethical captive scenarios, conducted data capturing and research, provided support to veterinary professionals, and the general care of non-releasable predators. Our wildlife projects cover a diverse range of animals, including lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopard, wolves and wolf dogs, african wild dogs and other endangered species like elephants and rhinos. Their contributions have helped ensure the well-being and preservation of these animals, making a positive difference in conservation efforts and or those born into captivity and not being able to be released into the wild, safe sanctuary for their natural lives.

Popular Programs

Viewing wildlife from horseback is something else

Wildlife Conservation with Horses

Wildlife Conservation with Horses volunteer project is set against the borders of one of Africa’s most iconic national parks, Hwange. You will assist locals on the ground to care for horses and be involved with regular snare sweep patrols with rangers in the fight against poaching, visit the Painted Dog research unit, learn about monitoring lions, teach game rangers how to ride, assist in the local community with sustainable ideas for eco-production

Big Cat Sanctuary on a Wildlife Reserve

Help at a Big Cat sanctuary on a beautiful wildlife reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa assisting with the ongoing care of big cats saved from dire captive situations from zoos and the blackmarket exotic pet trade. These big cats- 14 lions and a tiger- can never be released due to being born captivity. The beauty of this volunteer project is the proximity to the coast so free time can be spent horse-riding, taking part in 4 x 4 safaris, skydiving, quad biking or surfing lessons.

Wildlife Caretaker

Volunteer as a Wildlife Caretaker with indigenous and exotic wildlife that have been rescued and now have safe sanctuary. You will find a variety of birds and animals like Lions, Leopards, Tigers, Serval cats, Caracal, Pumas, Cheetahs, Ocelots, African wild dogs, Warthogs, Honey badgers, Porcupines, Crocodiles, Genets, Wolves, Monkeys, Fennec foxes, Racoons, Coatis, Mongoose, and Meerkats. Some of the volunteer duties are Animal Care, Enclosure Maintenance, Education, Veterinary and more.

Ethical Predator Sanctuary

Volunteer at an extremely ethical predator sanctuary with the care of lions, tigers, leopard, caracal, serval and jackal. In the countryside you will find this incredible sanctuary which has become the forever home for many rescued big cats providing a safe and stimulating sanctuary for the rest of their natural lives.
Volunteer duties: Caring for the amazing big cats, Enrichment, Feeding, Cleaning and maintaining enclosures, General farm work and Educating visitors

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Program Reviews

5.00 Rating

based on 2 reviews

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Impact 5
Support 5
Fun 5
Value 5
Safety 5

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews

I have absolutely loved my experience in South Africa volunteering on the Endangered Wildlife Monitoring and Research project, a I am sad that I have to leave tomorrow. By the time I leave I would have spent 6 weeks in South Africa, so I have been lucky enough to have experienced all 3 of the reserves that take volunteers.

My first reserve was Imfolozi, where I saw my first wild elephant before we had even been through the gate! We also saw alot of cheetahs which was very special. The camp itself was lovely, and I especially loved the Rick where you could see all sorts of animals including elephants and rhinos. However, my highlight of my experience at Imfolozi was seeing wild giraffes for the first time, and I couldn't stop smiling all day!

My second reserve was Manyoni, and on the first day we saw an impressive male lion lying mere inches away from the car! What I loved about Manyoni was the fact that the animals had never had a bad experience with a car, so you got super close sightings. My favourite place in Manyoni was the Fever Tree Forest, because it felt magical and was alive with all sorts of incredible sounds, and the trees there were breathtaking! I also loved the camp itself, with it being a spacious farmhouse that boasts a beautiful garden and a lovely terrace.

My third and final reserve was Hluhluwe which had stunning scenery with its rolling hills and glistening rivers. Seeing animals there was a challenge, but that made it very special when you saw them. The camp was nice, and I liked the fact that the bedrooms had a wardrobe and desk. I can't choose 1 highlight, so I'll tell you my 2 highlights, the first one was seeing a leopard twice, and my second one was seeing the pack of 11 wild dogs.

The staff and volunteers alike have been extremely friendly and I felt like I was part of a family. I would definitely recommend volunteering on this project, because you can make a positive impact on the world and contribute to the conservation of South Africa's animals. I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved, and I can't wait to be back! :)

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

We got charged and trumpeted at by a matriarch elephant, who was protecting her herd, and I sat very still and made sure that I didn't say a word. The monitor raised her hand and the matriarch bowed her head and backed away.

Pros

You learn so much about the African Bush.
You grow as a person.
You meet so many interesting people.

Cons

I've struggled to adjust with limited signal and power.
It was very stormy.
You have to get up early.

Read my full story

A massive thank you to everyone who was involved in this project! The collaborative efforts and dedication of each team member truly made this project a success. I felt safe and well taken care of. Every aspect was meticulously handled. Working alongside a diverse array of big cat species not only enriched the project, but also broadened my perspective, making it a truly unforgettable and transformative experience. I think about this amazing opportunity a lot. And without hesitation, I would definitely recommend it to everyone!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

One standout moment at Ethical Predator Sanctuary was seeing how much Max, the caracal, enjoyed playing with my enrichment. It was amazing to see how such a ‘small’ thing, really can make their day better. This moment showed the essence of my volunteer experience – making a lasting difference in the lives of these incredible big cats.

Pros

The best staff ever
The wonderful communication before, during and after the trip!
The perfect work/chill balance

Cons

Nothing :)

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program, because I knew that I would be having a positive impact on the conservation of animals. Also, I have always wanted to see animals in the wild. I also wanted to meet lots of new people that share the same passion I do, and to experience the rich culture of South Africa. I have always seen documentaries of South Africa and to actually be there was incredible.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My program provider assisted me with finding a program that was suitable for me. They also assisted me with finding additional accommodation and choosing what travel insurance I needed. They also helped me to know how much cash I needed to bring and whether I needed a visa or not. I had to organize my flights on my own.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Be open minded and don't go into the program with any expectations, just take every day as it comes. Make sure that you bring warmer clothes even in the Summer. Bring plenty of entertainment too. Try to stay in the present and enjoy the sounds and sights of the bush. If you go to Imfolozi make sure to go down to the rock, because the views you get are breathtaking and you might even see elephants or rhinos.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

You wake up at 4am to go out for a drive at 4.30am and on the drive you'll be on the back of a vehicle using telemetry to pick up the animal’s radio collars so you can track and monitor them. You also need to record this information on a sheet, and any priority species you see need to be recorded too. You will have a hot drink and rusks break at some point on the drive too.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was having to go on a plane, because I'm very scared of flying. I overcame this fear by taking deep breaths and thinking that the only way I was going to get to South Africa was to fly on the plane. My views on this issue changed, because I got used to the feel of being in the air and the turbulence wasn't too bad.
Write and answer your own question.

What is your highlight of the experience?

My highlight of the whole experience was when a lion came extremely close to the car and he was growling at us. Not long before that a lioness, his mate had come the other side of the car just as close, and I could hear her roaring too! My heart was racing and my adrenaline was very high.

About Volunteer International Adventures

Volunteer in South Africa, Zanzibar and Zimbabwe with a hands-on organisation with staff with 15 years' experience working with volunteers on ethical projects from wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, endangered species monitoring and research on protected reserves, marine conservation with sharks, whales and penguins, animal sanctuaries from...