Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Excellent 4.86rating (7)
  • Life On Land

Primate Rescue and Rehabilitation

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

Highlights

  • Work at Zimbabwe's only specialist primate sanctuary, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of primates and other small (and larger!) wildlife.
  • Work with a range of species from zebra to warthogs, birds to bush babies, and assist with feeding, husbandry and enrichment.
  • You will help raise baby monkeys and baboons, from bottle-feeding to bush walks. Volunteers also get hands-on experience with wildlife orphans and assist with the rescue of abused animals.

Highlights

  • Work at Zimbabwe's only specialist primate sanctuary, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of primates and other small (and larger!) wildlife.
  • Work with a range of species from zebra to warthogs, birds to bush babies, and assist with feeding, husbandry and enrichment.
  • You will help raise baby monkeys and baboons, from bottle-feeding to bush walks. Volunteers also get hands-on experience with wildlife orphans and assist with the rescue of abused animals.
  • Experience the joys and challenges of day to day life in a busy wildlife sanctuary. Work alongside local staff and learn about their culture and ways of life.
  • In your free time, enjoy the stunning National Parks, museums, markets and wildlife of Zimbabwe. Take a day trip into the Matopos National Park for your chance to see white rhinos in the wild.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Volunteer with monkeys and baboons at Zimbabwe's only Primate Rescue Centre. Participate in animal rescue, orphan care and wildlife releases. Rewarding and meaningful.

    This conservation project is Zimbabwe’s only dedicated primate conservation facility, purpose-built to support the ongoing care, rehabilitation and eventual release of primates. The sanctuary has an open-door policy to all wildlife species in need of care and has taken in rare and endangered ...

    About the program

    This conservation project is Zimbabwe’s only dedicated primate conservation facility, purpose-built to support the ongoing care, rehabilitation and eventual release of primates. The sanctuary has an open-door policy to all wildlife species in need of care and has taken in rare and endangered species such as pangolin and vulture, as well as zebras, bush babies and birds. 


    The focus remains the protection and rehabilitation of primates, who are the often-forgotten victims of the human-wildlife conflict.

    Primate Conservation in Zimbabwe - our mission
    The project’s mission is for there to be no captive primates in Zimbabwe, and the focus of the sanctuary is wildlife rehabilitation, release and education. It has a successful and well-documented release programme and has relocated many captive baboons and monkeys into the wilderness of the Matopos National Park – one of the country’s largest and most unspoilt areas. Other smaller animals including pangolins, servals, zebra, ostrich, birds and bush babies have been released into a Phase Two release site in a local wildlife haven.

    Volunteering is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the sanctuary family and contribute to an important conservation cause. The experience will be life-changing.

    This project is ideal for self-motivated volunteers who are willing and able to be flexible with activities and timings. The work at the sanctuary will depend largely on what animals are resident and their particular needs. With rescues often happening at odd times and animals arriving during the day, it is vital that volunteers are adaptable to often last-minute changes in itineraries. Be assured that your role at the sanctuary is extremely important and the more you put in, the more rewarding the experience will be.

    Volunteer Work

    Sanctuary volunteers are involved with a diverse variety of tasks, which could include some or all of the following activities:

    Primate conservation and small animal care:

    • Work hands-on with wildlife orphans and vulnerable animals
    • Raise baby and juvenile primates, from bottle feeding (often through the night), to bush walks, troop reintroduction and eventual release
    • Work with a range of species including zebra, ostrich, owls, raptors and bush babies, plus a range of domestic animals and birds
    • Assist with food collection, preparation and feeding, encompassing herbivores, carnivores and omnivores
    Behaviour enrichment:
    • Experience the joys of accompanying primates (and usually a few other special guests!) on bush walks, stimulating them to explore their natural habitat, forage, play in water, jump and interact as a group
    • Build toys, platforms, playgrounds and other enrichment objects
    • Become part of the troop as you engage and interact with young monkeys and baboons
    • Work with animals who are not current candidates for release due to mental or physical issues
    Rehabilitation and release:
    • Learn about the rehabilitation process and how it applies to a variety of small animals
    • Play a part in individual animal's release strategies
    • Monitor released animals (on foot, by vehicle and on horseback)
    • Join the veterinary team when rescue work is carried out (subject to location and conditions)
    • Undertake snare sweeps and boundary patrols of the release sites
    Volunteering is a unique opportunity to completely immerse yourself in a new country and culture, experiencing day-to-day life in Africa first-hand – all while giving back to an important conservation cause. We guarantee your experiences on the programme will be life-changing!

    Typical day

    Every day is so different as you never know what animals might be brought in and what unexpected things might happen, but a typical day could include:


    7am - food preparation and animal feeding - you could be preparing meat for vultures, fruit and vegetables for the baboons or food for a zebra! It's ...

    Typical day

    Every day is so different as you never know what animals might be brought in and what unexpected things might happen, but a typical day could include:


    7am - food preparation and animal feeding - you could be preparing meat for vultures, fruit and vegetables for the baboons or food for a zebra! It's messy but fun and essential work.
    9am - break for breakfast
    10am - maintenance and cleaning of enclosures
    midday - orphan sit or enrichment activities with long term residents
    1pm - lunch
    2.30pm - baboon walk and enrichments - taking the orphaned and young baboons out of their enclosures to allow them to forage, play and gain confidence for their future release.
    4.30pm - food prep and bottle feeding of any orphans
    5.30pm - end of day, review, dinner and rest!

    Free-time activities

    During your free time it is possible to take a day or overnight excursion to the beautiful Matobo National Park, where you have the opportunity to see rhinos in their natural environment. A weekend trip to Victoria Falls (around 4-5 hours by bus) is also a must-do excursion. The vibrant city of ...

    Free-time activities

    During your free time it is possible to take a day or overnight excursion to the beautiful Matobo National Park, where you have the opportunity to see rhinos in their natural environment. A weekend trip to Victoria Falls (around 4-5 hours by bus) is also a must-do excursion. The vibrant city of Bulawayo is a short taxi ride away, with museums, restaurants and markets.

    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

    This project is ideal for self-motivated volunteers who are willing and able to be flexible with activities and timings. The work at the sanctuary will depend largely on what animals are resident and their particular needs. With rescues often happening at odd times and animals arriving during the day, it is vital that volunteers are adaptable to often last-minute changes in itineraries.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 07:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Fees include

    • Project contribution: this goes directly to our project partner, and provides funding to ensure the programme can continue to meet its goals. For this project it will cover things like staff costs, equipment purchases, maintenance of buildings, equipment and vehicles, veterinary fees, animal feed, fencing, funding for community projects etc
    • Accommodation and three meals per day
    • Laundry and housekeeping
    • Comprehensive orientation and supervision
    • Practical instruction by experienced staff members
    • Equipment and materials required to do your work

    Accommodation

    Volunteers live in the heart of the wildlife sanctuary in a simple and homely volunteer house. There are four bedrooms, two twin rooms, a dorm and one double, with all bedding and linen provided. There is solar electricity only at this project, so make sure to bring plenty of spare batteries for cameras and other electrical items, or solar chargers.


    The volunteer house has two shared bathrooms with hot and cold running water for showers. There is a laundry service available and a housekeeper who comes Monday – Friday.

    The sanctuary is set up to be a free-roaming wild environment, and there are animals that share every part of the sanctuary with you, including the volunteer village. The dogs live at the sanctuary love people, company and attention. Marlin and Leni they parrots live at the volunteer village and do wake up early and love to chat! They will roam around, visiting you in the lounge and kitchen areas.

    There is no WiFi available at the sanctuary, however you can purchase a local SIM card and buy data bundles for Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and emails, to enable you to keep up to date with the outside world. Do bring games, books and other activities for the evenings.

    “The volunteer accommodation is awesome, its relaxed, very open and there are plenty of places to sit back and appreciate your surrounds. I LOVE the house guests that pop in and out. It was nice to be able to cook for ourselves and the availability of food at the local shop was perfect – I’m vegetarian and didn’t struggle at all.”

    Food & Beverages

    Food is provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner and there is a cook and housekeeper who will prepare meals for you. A variety of food is provided including pasta, rice, cereals, bread, jams and spreads, oats, meat and cheese, eggs, milk, plus tinned vegetables. Fresh fruit and vegetables and other fresh produce is bought every few days, and vegetarians and vegans can be catered for – please let us know when making your booking.

    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 Bulawayo Airport

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

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Bulawayo Airport (BUQ) in Bulawayo. We assist you to find cheap flights to Zimbabwe. 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 Zimbabwe provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    The project runs throughout the year with flexible arrival and departure dates. 

    Please check for availability and Christmas / New Year opening dates.

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

    Program Fees

    $875 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
    4.9
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Zimbabwe > Bulawayo

    Meet your project coordinator

    Jane
    7
    reviews
    4.86
    Excellent
    2012
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Primate Conservation in Zimbabwe
    Contact Jane
      Very high response rate

    Most volunteers ask about

    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Jane
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details