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Outstanding 5.00rating (3)
  • Life On Land

Reptile Vet Sanctuary

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Work alongside a dedicated team of herpetofauna specialists
  • Assist in the rescue and relocation of reptiles within the surrounding areas
  • Work alongside an onsite reptile veterinarian to rehabilitate injured reptiles-Assist with emergency, reactive and preventative medicine

Highlights

  • Work alongside a dedicated team of herpetofauna specialists
  • Assist in the rescue and relocation of reptiles within the surrounding areas
  • Work alongside an onsite reptile veterinarian to rehabilitate injured reptiles-Assist with emergency, reactive and preventative medicine
  • Learn how to handle a range of different reptiles, maintain animals exhibits, prepare animals' diets, create animal enrichment and participate in research or document filming
  • Contribute to reptile conservation efforts
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    A centre passionate about rescuing and rehabilitating reptiles. From surgery to post op care, rescue and release, to looking after the sanctuaries' permanent residents.

    Reptiles and amphibians are often misunderstood and persecuted within the modern world. This project provides the perfect opportunity to work hand in hand with a dedicated team determined to provide a safe haven for these creatures and instill a deeper appreciation and understanding of their ...

    About the program

    Reptiles and amphibians are often misunderstood and persecuted within the modern world. This project provides the perfect opportunity to work hand in hand with a dedicated team determined to provide a safe haven for these creatures and instill a deeper appreciation and understanding of their importance within the ecosystem.

    The centre's onsite herpetologist and conservationist, together with the on-site veterinarian who specialises in all wildlife but has a special affinity for reptiles and amphibians provide the perfect team for a hands-on, wholistic experience from animal care to rehabilitation. As a volunteer you will work alongside the vet and partake in majority of the veterinary procedures, as well as pre and post operation care. When there are medical cases the volunteers would be exposed to medical procedures such as administering medications, wound management, reconstruction (carapaces, broken legs etc), supportive care or anything else an animal may need. At the center preventative medicine procedures are often practiced such as fecal testing and deworming where necessary.

    The centre's mission is to reeducate the local community and rehabilitate surrounding populations - a perfect balance of conservation through education. As a volunteer on this project you will be treated as part of the family and learn how to handle different reptiles, maintain animals exhibits, prepare animals diets, create animal enrichment, and even get involved in rescue and rehabilitation missions for these outstanding creatures. There will also be the additional opportunity to learn how to handle venomous snakes for those who are interested.


    During your days off you are welcome to explore the nearby local attractions with fellow volunteers such as visiting Blyde River Canyon or the Kruger National Park amongst many other awesome opportunities!

    Typical day

    KEY VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES


    The centre has some awesome permanent residents that volunteers will be very involved in caring for from feeding to cleaning enclosures and everything in between! Some of the permanent residents include a Nile Crocodile, baboon spiders, alligator snapping turtles, ...

    Typical day

    KEY VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES


    The centre has some awesome permanent residents that volunteers will be very involved in caring for from feeding to cleaning enclosures and everything in between! Some of the permanent residents include a Nile Crocodile, baboon spiders, alligator snapping turtles, scorpions, and a variety of indigenous and exotic snakes.

    • Daily assessment, cleaning and maintaining of enclosures.
    • Upgrading of enclosures.
    • Administration duties such as maintaining animal records.
    • Health and wellness checks of all animals.
    • Food preparation and feeding of animals.
    • Medical work with sick or hurt animals.
    • Animal enrichment.
    • Animal handling training.
    • Attend any courses/programmes/lectures being given at the Centre.
    • Attend any emergency call outs for rescue/injured reptiles.
    • Attend any community outreach or excursion programmes scheduled

    A DAY IN THE LIFE


    No two days at the Reptile Centre are the same therefore your schedule will be changeable and flexible as events and structure will vary from week to week based on bookings. Nevertheless, every volunteer will experience at the very least the following during their time at the Centre:

    • The normal day to day routine at the Centre

    • An excursion into the wilderness to see reptiles in the wild

    • Any courses/tours/programmes booked during the duration of their stay

    • Any community outreach programmes booked during the duration of their stay

    • Preventative medicine and medical care for animals that require it at the Centre

    • Developing an enrichment protocol for a reptile species at the Centre and implementing it

    • Presenting a short lecture about reptiles to the staff and your colleagues at the Centre

    • Various lectures on reptile husbandry, physiology and behaviour will be given throughout their stay

    Free-time activities

    During your stay, there will be scheduled rest days within the program. On these days you can choose to either relax with your fellow volunteers at the volunteer house or to explore the surrounding areas and take in all of the local attractions.

    The Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in ...

    Free-time activities

    During your stay, there will be scheduled rest days within the program. On these days you can choose to either relax with your fellow volunteers at the volunteer house or to explore the surrounding areas and take in all of the local attractions.

    The Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world, is just a short distance away from the reptile centre, offering breathtaking views of towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and the meandering Blyde River.

    The iconic Kruger National Park is easily accessible from the reptile centre, making it an ideal base for wildlife enthusiasts, researchers and the good conservation work the centre does.

    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

    You do not need any qualifications to attend this project, although if you have a veterinary background you will be able to be more involved within medical procedures.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Want to know what is included? Great news, it’s almost everything including:


    • Pre-departure planning and assistance

    • Pick up and drop off to the airport

    • Accommodation

    • Fully equipped and stocked self-catering kitchen

    • Support at the volunteer accommodation by on site staff

    • Someone is always available in case of emergency


    OUR PRICES EXCLUDE:


    • Medical and travel insurance

    • Flights to your destination

    • Visas

    • Extra activities

    Airport Pickup at Hoedspruit Airport

    You will need to arrive at hoedspruit airport before 3pm on the day that your project is set to begin. Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be collected by a representative of the center.

    Please ensure that your arrival and departure flights are scheduled on a Monday.

    Departures should be no earlier than 9am.

    Any arrival or departure outside of the pick up and drop-off times will be at an extra cost. In case of flight delays or cancellations, please speak to your coordinator to take you through the late tranfer process.

    Accommodation

    Mamba Manner, nestled within the park property, offers shared accommodation for those seeking to contribute their time and efforts. With its self-catering kitchen and shared bathrooms, volunteers can enjoy a comfortable and convenient living space.

    The lounge provides a cozy area for relaxation and socialising, while the large garden and swimming pool offer refreshing outdoor activities. To stay connected, free WiFi is available throughout the house, ensuring volunteers can stay connected with friends and family.


    Food & Beverages

    Volunteers at the house cook their own meals using the ingredients provided. The self-catering kitchen is equipped with everything they need to prepare their favorite dishes. By utilizing the provided ingredients, volunteers can exercise their culinary skills, create delicious meals, and enjoy a personalized dining experience during their stay.

    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 Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit. 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

    Volunteers fly in and out of Hoedspruit Airport and can start every Monday of the year. There is some flexibility with the start dates of this project so please ask us if you are looking at a different start date.

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

    Program Fees

    $567 per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 4 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

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    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Hoedspruit

    Meet your project coordinator

    Gemma
    3
    reviews
    5.00
    Outstanding
    2006
    Founded

    Verified

      Below average response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Contact Gemma
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    English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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