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Great 4.46rating (10)

Short-Term Primate Carer

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

Highlights

  • Make a monkey friend during your stay. None of our primates can be returned to the wild so we don't need to limit human interaction
  • Learn about different species of primates
  • Experience the South African way of life and the different cultures of volunteers working with you

Highlights

  • Make a monkey friend during your stay. None of our primates can be returned to the wild so we don't need to limit human interaction
  • Learn about different species of primates
  • Experience the South African way of life and the different cultures of volunteers working with you
  • The best experience ever for animal lovers, you will make memories you will never forget
  • Enjoy a safari on your time off

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    This is a hands on opportunity to work with 7 different species of mischievous primates. You chose your length of stay, no experience is required, just your compassion

    If you are passionate about animals, especially monkeys and want to make a difference in their lives, then volunteering at International Primate Rescue is for you. The rewards and benefits are two-fold, we give you an experience of a lifetime and you assist us with the daily care of the animals.

    As ...

    About the program

    If you are passionate about animals, especially monkeys and want to make a difference in their lives, then volunteering at International Primate Rescue is for you. The rewards and benefits are two-fold, we give you an experience of a lifetime and you assist us with the daily care of the animals.

    As long as you are at least 18 years old you are welcome. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for work experience, a student on a gap year, want a break from your office job, are retired, or you just want to get away from it all for a while. Join us and experience a unique once in a lifetime opportunity!

    Our volunteer program will give you a fascinating wildlife experience whilst you learn about primate behavior and animal care. You will get hands on experience with all the different species of primates at the sanctuary. We currently have Capuchins, Macaques, Squirrel monkeys, Mona monkeys, Tamarins, Marmosets, Owl Monkeys and lemurs. But as cute as they are you also need to be prepared to get down and dirty, as along with the pleasure of interacting with our animals, their enclosures also need cleaning and maintaining!

    During your time with us you will get to know our staff and work side by side with them. More importantly, you will get to know our monkeys and all their different personalities. It is our hope that when you leave us you have made lifelong friends with our staff as well as your fellow volunteers, and that you walk away with the fantastic memories of an unforgettable experience!!!



    Typical day

    You will be responsible for all aspects of primate care as outlined below:


    • Food preparation and feeding

    • Preparing and distributing medication

    • Cleaning and maintaining the enclosures


    Typical day

    You will be responsible for all aspects of primate care as outlined below:


    • Food preparation and feeding

    • Preparing and distributing medication

    • Cleaning and maintaining the enclosures



    Free-time activities

    Bosveld tours independently  organizes group trips to places such as Kruger National Park, Horseback Safaris, lion and Rhino park, Wonder Caves, Apartheid museum and many more (fees applied).

    Bosveld tours can also provide you transportation to the grocery store or other necessities (fees ...

    Free-time activities

    Bosveld tours independently  organizes group trips to places such as Kruger National Park, Horseback Safaris, lion and Rhino park, Wonder Caves, Apartheid museum and many more (fees applied).

    Bosveld tours can also provide you transportation to the grocery store or other necessities (fees applied).


    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)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Good work ethic and awareness of physical work that will get you dirty.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 07:30 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation
    • When you arrive you will see that your accommodation is right in the middle of the sanctuary, so we can give you a tour straight away and introduce you to all the monkeys. Or if you are too tired you can relax and shower and we will show you around later. The rest of the day you can relax and unpack or get to know the monkeys.
    • The following morning work will start at 07:30 and one of our staff will take you under their wing.

    Airport Pickup at O.R. Tambo International Airport

    If you have asked us to arrange an airport pick up, an independent taxi service will meet you at Johannesburg airport for an additional fee. The trip to the sanctuary takes about 45 min to an hour. If you arrive during the day,  the taxi service will take you food shopping on the way.
    When you arrive you will see that your accommodation is right in the middle of the sanctuary, so we can give you a tour straight away and introduce you to all the monkeys. Or if you are too tired you can relax and shower and we will show you around later. The rest of the day you can relax and unpack or get to know the monkeys.

    Accommodation

    • The accommodation is very basic with limited supply of power and hot water.
    • Internet access is not provided.
      • The volunteer house can welcome up to 12 people at once.
      • Beds are bunk beds and we will provide sheets, pillow and duvet.
      • There is 2 indoor toilets and 1 shower, with a further (enclosed) shower and toilet on the grounds outside.
      • Cleaning is the volunteers' responsibility.
      • We have a volunteer kitchen for your use with a stove supplied by gas

      • There is a fire place in the communal area at your disposal to warm up during colder days.
      • Washing machines are on site and free to use when needed.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Internet Access

    Sorry, no access at the project site

    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

    Volunteers can join our project at anytime throughout the year and chose how long they would like to stay.


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

    Program Fees

    $276 per week 1 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 50 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
    4.5
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2024
    IPR is a wonderful primate rescue centre! The owner is very passionate about all monkeys and always puts their wellbeing as her top ...
    Merel Floor van den Dool

    Short-Term Primate Carer

    2017
    I was a little nervous about travelling alone for the first time, however when I arrived at the airport I was greeted by a lovely man who ...
    Lauren McCall

    Short-Term Primate Carer

    2014
    I was nervous about travelling on my own but didn't need to worry. Between the wonderful staff and long term volunteers, & the family run ...
    Lizzy Unknown

    Short-Term Primate Carer

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Pretoria North

    Meet your project coordinator

    Sue
    10
    reviews
    4.46
    Great
    1996
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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