I first went to Twala (in 2014) as I wanted some unique work experience to get into a veterinary degree, and volunteering there confirmed to be that all I want to do is work with animals. I can honestly say that visiting Twala changed my life. It is unlike any other sanctuary as each animal has such a special story, and being part of their recovery is the best feeling you could ask for. I am now doing a Veterinary Nursing degrees at one of the best veterinary universities in the world (Royal Veterinary College), and it is thanks to Twala and the experiences I gained there that I am able to do so.

In 2016 I planned to go travelling to other sanctuaries, however I realised the only place I wanted to visit was Twala as it is so special to me. Even when I am not there, seeing the animals updates makes my day, and on any low days I am having I always look back on my pictures there. When I'm at Twala I am constantly smiling and it really is my happy place in life.

Sarah, the founder of Twala, is the most amazing lady you will ever meet. Every animal absolutely adores and respects her dearly, and you can tell as soon as she is near them. The rest of the staff at Twala are all so friendly and keen to help you out. I cannot praise this place any more, it is truly amazing!

For the first time in a very long time, I’m was constantly in a state of FOMO – fear of missing out. From day one of being at Twala, I’ve learned that we are here to give these beautiful animals a second chance at life. It broke my heart to hear some of their stories, but at the same time, I felt so privileged to be a part of this team to help care for them during my two week stay. From the meticulous way their food is prepared and presented to the level of thought and detail of which each enclosure is fashioned, anyone visiting Twala will see that these animals are truly loved.

My favorite experiences at Twala include visiting two bush babies who like to climb all over you, caring for a bunch of rollie pollie puppies, and assisting in a wonderful dog clinic that takes place every Wednesday. As I’m learning more about the Zimbabwean culture, dogs are such an integral part of life here. However, many of these people who live in the villages can barely afford to put food on the table for their families. Therefore, Twala runs a wonderful clinic to help feed, vaccinate, and sterilize the dogs in the community. Every single one of them gets a full meal of chicken! It’s such a rewarding experience and one that I will never forget.

Twala is constantly growing, and they are taking in new animals and releasing rehabilitated ones almost everyday. Education and conservation is their utmost priorities, and I have learned more than I can imagine in the short time I have been here. I loved the staff here, as they are always willing to impart knowledge to a hungry mind. I loved sitting on the porch and watching all the animals live harmoniously in the garden. I loved the warm welcomes I received everyday from Kiko, the housedog; Horace, the vervet monkey; Sheila, the cockatoo; all the house cats, and the lovely hellos from Leila and Skittles, the duikers. I also loved that every night, I fell asleep to a chorus of roaring lions, howling dogs, and singing birds. It’s just such a magical place.

You won’t be sitting around doing nothing here. There’s always a project going on, furry critters to play with, or enrichment toys to make. The staff is just fabulous too, and they are always there to support you in your daily activities. Your mornings will start off early and more often than not, you will feel absolutely bushed after a long days work. However, in the end, you know it’s all worth it because you made a difference in the animals’ lives. Knowing that is the best reward.

My volunteering at Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary was a truly life-changing experience.

Although I have always loved animals, I realised my true passion was to work with dogs. After leaving Twala I decided to quit my job as a Wedding Coordinator and took on a new job, in a new city as a Fundraiser for a dog and cat home.

The staff were so supportive throughout my time at Twala and were always there to answer any questions.

It was a really hands-on experience from food prep to enclosure enrichment. I took on some tasks that I never thought I would do and learnt a lot about myself as a person throughout the experience.

I even got the chance to watch some surgeries being performed at the local vet clinic who provides care for all of Twala's animals.

One of the best parts of my experience was having the opportunity to bottle-feed Violet and Harvey and to see them really come out of their shells and open their hearts.

I plan to return to Twala in 2018 and will hopefully be able to bring along some friends!

By then, a member of their Waggy Tail Club, Scooby, will be living with me in Scotland as following my trip I have decided to give her her forever home!

If you have a genuine interest in animals (domestic and wild) then the volunteering programme offered by Twala is perfect for you. There are many programmes where you feel like you're not actually doing or achieving much but Twala keep their volunteers very busy and engaged (while also allowing them time to relax or go sightseeing).
The animals at Twala are all very well cared for by a team of experienced staff members who are passionate about and invested in the welfare of the animals in their care. Staff members are also happy to assist volunteers in whatever way they can.
The work which volunteers are expected to carry out, or assist with, can vary from chopping vegetables for the animals' breakfasts, bathing tortoises (they are surprisingly heavy) to going out in the pickup truck to feed dogs living in rural areas round about the sanctuary.
Having travelled abroad a few times to complete volunteering programmes I can honestly say that Twala is where I felt like I was contributing the most, and where I felt like the people behind it were the most passionate about their cause.

I have never enjoyed working hard as much as I loved my short time volunteering at Twala and I don't think I stopped smiling the whole time, except when we took new animals into the sanctuary that had been suffering due to terrible injuries and/or neglect. The staff and founders of the sanctuary are some of the warmest and most genuine people I have met and, even though it is a few years ago now since my time there, I remember each and everyone that I worked with, with affection and total respect for what they do. When I first met Sarah (Founder) and she began to talk about her achievements with the sanctuary and how she has done things, she instantly became my role model for my approach to life. I totally admire her for her courage, relentless energy and strong values, as well as her unerring love and skillful handling of the animals in her care. I woke up every morning with a spring in my step, knowing that I would be spending the day doing so much good work for animals who deserved much better starts to their lives. The hands on experience of working with such a variety of animals was amazing and, even though I was already quite experienced in looking after horses, dogs and other animals, I learned so much more while I was at Twala. The only negative was having to leave at the end of my time there - I had withdrawal symptoms for weeks after! I would recommend volunteering at Twala to anyone that loves animals - there is nothing more fulfilling x

Loved all of it ! Staff, animals, environment, surrounding, contact with population, trips.

Super experience. Learnt a lot about animals and myself. Wish I could do this full time. It is also very nice to have the feeling that you are doing something necessary and important.

Days start early at Twala but is there a best way to start the day than giving a bottle of milk to a baby vervet monkey? Never been so happy to wake up early. The most difficult part is to leave this fantastic place.

Left part of my heart there and will come back to leave a bit more !

I spent 2 weeks at twala and since then everyone I have ever talked to for more that 10 minutes, has now heard atleast one twala story. It was an absolutely incredible time to completely immerse yourself in looking after the animals and taking care of the sanctuary. I made life long friends with other volunteers after working closely, sharing 5am starts, midnight servill hunts and a lot of monkey wee with them! The staff are brilliant, very knowledgable, and with enough convincing will agree to help you make a swing and seasaw for the bush babies.

An amazing amazing experience for you and the animals. Couldn't recommend enough to any person !