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Outstanding 4.93rating (12)
  • Life On Land

Assistant Animal Caretaker

location
1 - 6 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Meet and care for our rehabilitated lions and tigers at our Sanctuary!
  • Help with conservation work on our 700 hectare nature reserve!
  • Get to know our rescued donkeys - they love carrots and brushing!

Highlights

  • Meet and care for our rehabilitated lions and tigers at our Sanctuary!
  • Help with conservation work on our 700 hectare nature reserve!
  • Get to know our rescued donkeys - they love carrots and brushing!
  • Make a difference to the big cat populations by educating people!
  • Help increase the welfare of the various animals at our Rescue & Conservation Centre!
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    You will help take care of the lions and tigers in our sanctuary, of the wildlife on the nature reserve and of the native predators and other animals at our Rescue Centre

    The Lions Foundation shelters lions and tigers that have been exploited by humans. TLF or its counterpart Stichting Leeuw in The Netherlands, rescue these majestic animals from private possession and abuse, circuses, war situations or zoos and animal parks that have no room for them. The Lions ...

    About the program

    The Lions Foundation shelters lions and tigers that have been exploited by humans. TLF or its counterpart Stichting Leeuw in The Netherlands, rescue these majestic animals from private possession and abuse, circuses, war situations or zoos and animal parks that have no room for them. The Lions Foundation is NSPCA accredited.

    When you come to volunteer at TLF, not only do you get the chance to work close to amazing wildlife, but you also get the chance to meet and work with people from around the world and experience an entirely different culture. You will work together with these other volunteers, as assistants to the professional caretakers at TLF, to provide basic care to the big cats, and improve their welfare. 

    TLF is located in an amazing nature reserve, called Schrikkloof Private Nature Reserve, so part of your tasks will involve taking care of the fauna and flora in the reserve. The reserve is located in the Limpopo province of South Africa, at 2 hours drive from Johannesburg airport, in the Waterberg biosphere. The town of Bela Bela is a half hour drive away and offers most of what you would need. 

    The reserve also recently acquired a rescue centre for native South African predators, like leopards, wild cats, caracal, serval, and other cats, as well as some other animals that are normally free roaming, like porcupine and bush babies. As a volunteer you will stay in one of the accommodations at this rescue centre. This centre is located next to the nature reserve. 

    At the reserve we also have a donkey sanctuary, which you will work hand-on with, such as for feeding, monitoring and grooming. Most of our donkeys have had abusive pasts and could be dangerous. New volunteers will be given a safety briefing about working with our donkeys before starting. 

    The working day starts at 7AM, volunteers will normally finish work around 5PM, with several breaks throughout the day for breakfast, lunch and water and toilet breaks. Volunteers are expected to work 6 days a week with one day off. The work can be quite physically demanding but the result is always well worth it. Of course everybody is different, so you work to the best of your abilities.

    For the welfare of the animals and your safety and the people around you, we have rules and policies that you need to follow. 

    Volunteers will be assigned tasks each day by the Volunteer Coordinator, and work with team leaders who are longer-term experienced volunteers who assist and guide their teams throughout daily tasks.

    You don't need any special skills or equipment to come work with us. What we expect from volunteers is a heart for animals, a positive attitude, responsible and social behaviour, and flexibility.

    As we work with potentially dangerous animals and the accommodation is built on a hill, we regret that we cannot approve applications from physically and/or mentally less-abled people.

    Typical day

    What will you do as a TLF volunteer? 

    Below is an example of how you could spend your day with us - however, as animals are unpredictable and the work depends on the number of volunteers we host, tasks and times might vary and change.

    7 am: Breakfast at the rescue centre

    7:30 am: Pick up meat for the ...

    Typical day

    What will you do as a TLF volunteer? 

    Below is an example of how you could spend your day with us - however, as animals are unpredictable and the work depends on the number of volunteers we host, tasks and times might vary and change.

    7 am: Breakfast at the rescue centre

    7:30 am: Pick up meat for the individual big cats at The Lions Foundation

    8 hours: Assist the caretakers with feeding the big cats

    9:30 am: Cleaning feeding areas/enclosures/materials and coldroom

                   Checking the enclosures

                   Various tasks

    1 pm: Lunch

    2 pm: Assisting animal caretakers with including preparing food

    3 pm: Feeding animals at the rescue center

    5 pm: Enjoy your free time

    6 pm: Cooking/dinner


    Variable tasks/times:

    • Preparing and making enrichment for various animal species
    • Helping build new or improving animal enclosures
    • Observe the behavior of animals
    • Care for the donkeys
    • General maintenance (fencing, firebreaks and roads, plants grasses)
    • Assist the reserve manager and staff who care for and observe the wildlife in the reserve.
    • Helping at Schrikkloof Lodge
    • Collecting firewood
    • Assisting security staff at night (in consultation)

    Free-time activities

    Free time at and around TLF 

    Care for the animals is required 365 days a year. However, there is free time during and after work, and we do offer volunteers a day off each week and encourage you to get out to experience what the area has to offer. 

    At TLF, usually there are enough volunteers to ...

    Free-time activities

    Free time at and around TLF 

    Care for the animals is required 365 days a year. However, there is free time during and after work, and we do offer volunteers a day off each week and encourage you to get out to experience what the area has to offer. 

    At TLF, usually there are enough volunteers to enable a few people from each project to have the same day off together, although on some occasions it is not possible to have many people off on the same day. We ask volunteers to be flexible about this. 

    • Free time during a general working day: 

    When you have breaks during the day between work you are free to fill up your water bottles, get a quick snack and use the bathroom. If you feel there is too much free time during the day, there is always some kind of work you can assist with, such as enclosure maintenance, providing extra enrichments to animals etc. Please use your initiative and ask the Volunteer Coordinator. 

    • Free time in the evenings: 

    There are some locations at the reserve for you to relax, read, or get in touch with home. 

    We do not encourage you to go out of the reserve after sunset, as it can be unsafe. 

    • Free time on a day off: 

    You can visit a town in the area, visit another animal shelter (we will provide names) visit a big-5 nature reserve, go ziplining and more. 

    Usually, transport can be arranged from TLF for a small fee.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    To become a volunteer with us you must have a positive and practical attitude towards animal welfare and wildlife conservation. As we work with potentially very dangerous animals, it is also important that you are responsible enough to follow all instructions of the animal keepers.

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    HOW YOUR VOLUNTEER FEE IS SPENT 

    When you volunteer at TLF, the fee you paid is divided in two parts: 

    Volunteer housing and food 

    Part of your fee goes to your stay here, including all your meals, water, accommodation, and the staff that help look after you during your stay. 

    Animal care 

    The other part of your fee goes to helping us care for the animals and the general running costs of The Lions Foundation, as well as the staff needed to help care for our animals. Without you, the volunteers, we would be unable to help as many animals as we do. 


    Accommodation

    As a volunteer you will stay in one of the accommodations at the Rescue & Conservation Centre. There are cottages and rooms, sleeping 2-4 people. Most have an ensuite bathroom, some a shared bathroom. The accommodation is new and very comfortable. At the centre, in the main building, there is a big kitchen.

    Food & Beverages

    Depending on the number of regular guests we have at Schrikkloof Lodge and at the Rescue & Conservation Centre, you can enjoy the food our chefs provide, or you can prepare your own food in the kitchen in the main building.  Once a week we organise a 'braai' (BBQ) or dinner. 
    Tap water is safe, but there is also purified water available. Normal coffee and tea is also provided. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at O.R. Tambo International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    You can currently start any day you like. We can pick you up and drop you off at the Johannesburg airport, or any hotel not too far away. Please contact us to discuss your pickup. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $612 per week 1 - 6 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 6 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.93
    ・
    12 reviews

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Bela-Bela

    Meet your project coordinator

    Noleen
    12
    reviews
    4.93
    Outstanding
    2019
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Afrikaans
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    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
    Contact Noleen
      Very high response rate
    English, Afrikaans

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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