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Outstanding 4.91rating (23)
  • Life On Land

Big Cat Sanctuary and Rehabilitation

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Wildlife Care Help feed, clean, and care for lions, jackals, monkeys, and more—every task brings you closer to the animals and their unique personalities.
  • Habitat Building Assist in building natural shelters and enrichment structures that reflect each species’ wild habitat—your creativity helps animals thrive.
  • Close Encounters Stay in the heart of the sanctuary, surrounded by nature. Drift off to the roar of lions and wake up to jackals calling—an unforgettable, immersive experience.

Highlights

  • Wildlife Care Help feed, clean, and care for lions, jackals, monkeys, and more—every task brings you closer to the animals and their unique personalities.
  • Habitat Building Assist in building natural shelters and enrichment structures that reflect each species’ wild habitat—your creativity helps animals thrive.
  • Close Encounters Stay in the heart of the sanctuary, surrounded by nature. Drift off to the roar of lions and wake up to jackals calling—an unforgettable, immersive experience.
  • Learn and Grow Gain hands-on experience in animal behavior, care, and conservation. Whether you’re a student or wildlife lover, you’ll leave with lifelong knowledge and memories.
  • Make a Difference Every day, your work helps rescue animals heal and grow. Be part of a passionate team giving wildlife a second chance—and be changed by it in return.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help feed, clean, and build natural enclosures and enrichment that mimic each species’ habitat—make a real difference in rescued animals’ lives!.

    About Felidae Wildlife Centre


    Nestled on the border of the Free State and Northern Cape in South Africa, Felidae Centre is home to over 60 animals from more than 10 different African species—ranging from small carnivores to majestic big cats. Our story began in 2010 with the rescue of a single ...

    About the program

    About Felidae Wildlife Centre


    Nestled on the border of the Free State and Northern Cape in South Africa, Felidae Centre is home to over 60 animals from more than 10 different African species—ranging from small carnivores to majestic big cats. Our story began in 2010 with the rescue of a single cheetah and a caracal, and today, Felidae has grown into a safe haven for wild animals in need.


    We are more than just a sanctuary. We offer lifelong care to animals that have been abused, injured, orphaned, or are unable to be released back into the wild. Here, they are given a second chance—free from exploitation, surrounded by nature, and able to live out their days in peace.


    Our goal is to recreate a natural environment for each species, allowing them to retain their wild instincts even in captivity. When an animal is brought to Felidae, it undergoes a full medical assessment. If suitable for release, human contact is kept to a minimum, giving the animal the best chance to return to the wild.


    Over the years, we’ve successfully released caracals, jackals, meerkats, Cape genets, African wildcats, striped polecats, and more. We are firmly against canned hunting and have proudly rescued 12 lions from this cruel industry. Today, these lions roam large, natural enclosures where they can hunt and live as freely as possible.

    Volunteer With Purpose


    As a volunteer, you’ll become an essential part of our daily operations, contributing directly to the care, enrichment, and rehabilitation of the animals. Tasks include:


    • Preparing and distributing food (including meat preparation for big cats—expect to handle organs, carcasses, and raw meat)
    • Daily cleaning and maintenance of enclosures (refreshing water, removing bones, cleaning shelters, etc.)
    • Animal observation and behavior monitoring
    • Building and installing enrichment items to encourage natural behaviors
    • Assisting in the construction of enclosures and shelters
    • Helping with fundraising and educational tours
    • General farm maintenance: fencing, roads, painting, and repairs
    • Supporting the vet during medical checkups or treatments (as needed)



    No two days are the same at Felidae. Working with wildlife requires flexibility, a positive attitude, and a willingness to adapt to the animals’ needs.


    You’ll stay in the heart of the sanctuary, where your nights are filled with the unforgettable sounds of lions roaring and jackals calling under the stars.


    Bring sturdy clothes, closed shoes, work gloves—and don’t forget your camera! You’ll get incredibly close to these beautiful animals, making memories (and photos) to last a lifetime.

    Typical day

    Volunteer Daily Routine


    Please note: Wake-up times may vary slightly depending on the season.


    07:00 – Morning Briefing & Food Prep

    Start your day by meeting the volunteer coordinator and team for a quick overview of the day’s activities. Then, help prepare food for the animals. Depending on the ...

    Typical day

    Volunteer Daily Routine


    Please note: Wake-up times may vary slightly depending on the season.


    07:00 – Morning Briefing & Food Prep

    Start your day by meeting the volunteer coordinator and team for a quick overview of the day’s activities. Then, help prepare food for the animals. Depending on the group size, you may assist with feeding duties daily or every second day.


    08:00 – Volunteer Breakfast

    Head to the volunteer kitchen and prepare your own breakfast from the provided supplies. A great time to connect with fellow volunteers before the day kicks off.


    09:00 – Animal Feeding & Welfare Check

    Join the team for the morning feeding session. This is a vital time to observe the animals closely and make sure everyone is healthy and active.


    10:00 – Project Work Begins

    After a short coffee or smoke break, we dive into the day’s projects. Volunteers are split into small groups to ensure hands-on involvement. Tasks may include cleaning enclosures, building or repairing shelters, and other improvements around the sanctuary.


    12:00 – Lunch & Relaxation

    Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the volunteer kitchen. Afterward, take time to relax around the pool, play cards, or simply enjoy the peaceful setting.


    14:00 – Clean-Up

    Clean the meat room and wash all animal feeding bowls and equipment used during the day.


    14:30 – Enrichment & Project Work Continues

    Return to the morning projects and start designing enrichment items. Choose an enclosure and create fun, stimulating structures or toys to encourage natural behavior in the animals.


    17:00 – Sunset with Lions & Enrichment Time

    Climb aboard the open vehicle and visit the lions as the sun sets—an unforgettable African experience. You’ll also deliver enrichment items to the animals and observe their interactions. This is a perfect time for photos and quiet observation as the animals settle for the evening.


    18:00 – Dinner & Evening Wind-Down

    Gather with the team for a delicious dinner, followed by time to relax with a shower, a movie, or a friendly card game. A great way to bond with other volunteers and reflect on your day.

    Weekend Routine


    Saturday Morning

    You’ll help with educational tours, sharing your knowledge with local visitors and joining them for an exciting lion feeding experience.


    Sunday – Free Day

    Take a well-deserved break. You can visit town for snacks or shopping, or simply enjoy a restful day at the sanctuary. Additional off-days during the week will be arranged based on project needs and your interests.




     

    Free-time activities

    All extra activities is at own expense and prices differ according to the amount of people participating 

    RESTAURANT NIGHTS - Visit a local restaurant in Kimberley choosing between pizza, steak, fish/sushi or a juicy hamburger. 


    BIG 5 SAFARI - Visit a National park for a 2 night /3 day safari having ...

    Free-time activities

    All extra activities is at own expense and prices differ according to the amount of people participating 

    RESTAURANT NIGHTS - Visit a local restaurant in Kimberley choosing between pizza, steak, fish/sushi or a juicy hamburger. 


    BIG 5 SAFARI - Visit a National park for a 2 night /3 day safari having the opportunity to view the different African animals and have a Felidae staff member with you to answer all you questions. During this safari you will sleep inside the park and have a few game drives to spot the animals and have plenty of photo times. This is a perfect way to see all the African animals from the big 5 to the smallest bird in their natural habitat

    OPEN MINE - The historic Big Hole is the biggest hand digged mine for diamonds. Here you will be taken underground to view the historic ways of mining, viewing the hole from up top and enjoy a quick walk through the old Town. 

    NIGHT SAFARI - Visit a game reserve close by and visit a rocky hill to search for the elephant shrew mice, enjoying a game drive to a open pan in the middle of the bush for a sunset drink and snack and have a 2 hour night drive searching for the nocturnal wildlife like aardvark, aardwolf, porcupine, caracal, African wild cats etc. 

    VAAL RIVER BOAT CRUISE - Enjoy a 3 hour bout cruise on one of South Africa's biggest rivers, viewing the bird life, working on your tan and occasionally cooling off by jumping from the boat into the river. (Seasonally)

    EXOTIC REPTILE PARK - Visit a local reptile park and have the opportunity to view over 100 different reptiles including, snake, spider, lizards, gecko's etc and have some photos taken of you brave moments. 

    SHOPPING - Have a free day visiting the shopping malls in Kimberley or Bloemfontein

    THE LION'S DEN GUEST HOUSE - Sleep in a luxury open plan unit right next to the lion enclosures and occasionally enjoy a visit from the lions while you have a bubble bath. 

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Medium fitness level No skills or previous experience is required, just come with a passion and love for the African wildlife and a positive attitude.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 07:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The fee that you will pay to take part of the volunteer project at Felidae Centre will cover the following
     - Accommodation in the heart of the project
     - 3 Meals per day
     - Coffee and Tea for the whole day
     - Transport from and to the project (on arrival and departure day)
     - 1 day per week transport to town for shopping

    Airport Pickup at Kimberley Airport

    You will receive transport from Kimberley to the project and also back to town on departure day. In Kimberley we will be picked up at the airport or Bus station by one of the Felidae staff. 
    For assistance in arranging transport from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Kimberley you can ask the Felidae staff. 

    Accommodation

    The volunteer house have 2 private rooms and 5 dorm rooms (sleep between 4-6)  all with en-suite bathroom.  (Private room must be booked in advance)
    The volunteer house have a community kitchen and living room and a swimming pool and gathering area outside. 
    All linen will be provided. 
    The house is surrounded by lion, leopard and cheetah enclosures ensuring you to hear them talk at night. 

    Food & Beverages

    Felidae will supply 3 meals per day

    BREAKFAST - You will make you own breakfast with supplies in the main kitchen

    LUNCH -  Will be a freshly made small meal, usually consist of a sandwich and salad

    DINNER - You will receive a warm meal at night consisting of meat, starch and vegetables. 

    Coffee and Tea will be available throughout the day. 

    REMEMBER to bring pocket money for snacks or drinks during the day ( Shop is available on the facility or you will be taken to town) - the volunteer house have a refrigerator for your snacks and drinks. 

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Kimberley Airport (KIM) in Kimberley. 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

    Felidae is open 365 days a year, as the animals require daily care and attention—so you’re welcome to join us at any time of the year that suits you!


    Our official volunteer program begins every Wednesday to allow for a smooth introduction and group orientation. However, if needed, we’re happy to make special arrangements for alternative start dates—just let us know in advance.


    Since Kimberley is not located near a major international airport, you’ll need to arrange a connecting domestic flight to Kimberley Airport, where a member of the Felidae team will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you safely to the project. Our staff can assist you with booking this additional flight if needed.


    Upon arrival at the sanctuary, you’ll receive a warm welcome, a short tour of the facility, and be introduced to our incredible animals. A brief orientation video and overview session will follow, giving you all the essential information to get started.


    Once you’ve unpacked and settled in, you’ll have time to relax, explore the surroundings, and connect with your fellow volunteers—your new team and family during your time with us!


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

    Program Fees

    $738 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 12 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

    4.91
    ・
    23 reviews

    Volunteer photos

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Kimberley

    Meet your project coordinator

    Tercia
    23
    reviews
    4.91
    Outstanding
    2010
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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