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  • Life On Land

Vervet Monkey, Mammals & Raptor Rehabilitation

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

Highlights

  • With such a Wide Variety of wildlife mammals and raptors you will find yourself not actually knowing where to be! Don't worry our program directs you to be involved with every different species.
  • Interacting and learning about our African Birds of Prey and various mammals will not only make you even more of an animal lover, but will give you the knowledge to take home.
  • With Surrogate moms to a variety of mammals especially vervet monkeys you will find yourself, without even knowing that you are one yourself. Its the best feeling ever!

Highlights

  • With such a Wide Variety of wildlife mammals and raptors you will find yourself not actually knowing where to be! Don't worry our program directs you to be involved with every different species.
  • Interacting and learning about our African Birds of Prey and various mammals will not only make you even more of an animal lover, but will give you the knowledge to take home.
  • With Surrogate moms to a variety of mammals especially vervet monkeys you will find yourself, without even knowing that you are one yourself. Its the best feeling ever!
  • A choice of nearby, affordable outings and excursions are available to give you a break from the baby sitting, feeding and daily chores which can become quite exhausting.
  • Learn about or even be involved in a release back into the wild which is not guaranteed but our centre really is busy at times with this.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Embrace the experience of volunteering with a variety of wildlife and become a member of our family! Home away from home..

    Welcome to Wildlife Paws SOS where the coffee is strong, the animals are wild, and getting dirty is part of the fun! 

    Based in beautiful Dullstroom, Mpumalanga, South Africa, we rescue, rehabilitate and release injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife. Volunteers become part of the team, helping ...

    About the program

    Welcome to Wildlife Paws SOS where the coffee is strong, the animals are wild, and getting dirty is part of the fun! 

    Based in beautiful Dullstroom, Mpumalanga, South Africa, we rescue, rehabilitate and release injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife. Volunteers become part of the team, helping with feeding, food preparation, cleaning enclosures, enrichment, animal care and general centre duties.

    You’ll work alongside our experienced team, learn about wildlife rehabilitation and discover that monkeys have opinions!

    We expect reliability, teamwork, respect for wild animals and a willingness to work hard. In return, you’ll get hands-on conservation experience, meals, comfortable accommodation and memories to last a lifetime.

    Bring sturdy shoes, outdoor clothes, sunscreen, a hat and a sense of humor!

    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:

    7.30am Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation 
    8.30am - food preparation and animal feeding - you could be preparing meat for meerkats, vultures & ...

    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:

    7.30am Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation 
    8.30am - food preparation and animal feeding - you could be preparing meat for meerkats, vultures & eagles, fruit and vegetables for the baboons or vervet monkeys, food for mongooses, blesbok or warthog. It's messy but fun and essential daily work.
    10am - Tea/Coffee break
    11.30am - maintenance and cleaning of enclosures
    midday - orphan monitoring or enrichment activities with long term residents
    1pm - lunch
    2pm - Vervet and serval enrichments - taking the orphaned and young baboons and vervet monkeys 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!

    What You’ll Do

    No two days are the same and that’s exactly how we like it. You’ll be right in the action:
    Feeding and caring for wildlife
.
    Cleaning and maintaining enclosures

    Preparing enrichment activities

    Assisting with rescues, rehab, and releases

    Helping in our clinic and nursery (think baby monkeys, servals, meerkats, mongooses and more!)
    It’s hands-on, sometimes tough, always rewarding and you’ll quickly become part of our family.

    What You’ll Learn

    This isn’t just volunteering it’s a full wildlife experience. You’ll gain skills in:

    Rehabilitation and animal care

    Soft-release techniques

    Behavior and enrichment design

    Safe handling practices

    Daily operations of a working rehabilitation center

    We successfully on average release over 150 animals back into the wild each year, following strict ethical re-wilding protocols.

    Free-time activities

    With Dullstroom being so diverse in its offerings, you will never get bored!  Tuesdays is the rehabilitation centers OFF day allowing free time for all to explore, enjoy a good restaurant, fly fishing, horse riding even a spa treatment to name a few.  Saturdays all preparations are done and stored ...

    Free-time activities

    With Dullstroom being so diverse in its offerings, you will never get bored!  Tuesdays is the rehabilitation centers OFF day allowing free time for all to explore, enjoy a good restaurant, fly fishing, horse riding even a spa treatment to name a few.  Saturdays all preparations are done and stored in the cold room for the permanent staff to conduct the chores on Sunday where after a night out or an excursion you can use the Sunday to just relax.  Please bare in mind that orphans need 24/7 attention so this will be rotated between the volunteers.

    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.

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Although in the summer months we have a French speaking volunteer co-ordinator it is preferable to have an understanding of English (speaking).

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:30 - 16:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The fees include:
    Accommodation in shared rooms with on suite bathroom in wooden chalets or Farm House.
    Hot water gas showers
    Free Wifi in the communal area
    3 Meals a day in the common room
    1 transfer to and from Belfast Engine Garage in Belfast from the City Bug bus shuttle service
    Room cleaning once a week with linen change
    Laundry once a week
    A 24/7 dedicated volunteer coordinator - An understanding of English is essential. 
    Full training in all aspects of work
    A considerable donation towards the animal food and care
     
    What is Excluded: 
    Flights and Bus
    Travel Insurance 
    Visa 
    Medical insurance 
    Extra excursion/ trips/ souvenirs
    1 night out for a meal per week
    Drinks and beverages

    Airport Pickup at O.R. Tambo International Airport

    Getting Here
    Week days are Volunteer Taxi Days!
    We collect all our volunteers from Belfast when ever required, so all you need to do is make your way there.
    Our favourite (and usually easiest) option is the Citybug shuttle from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport to Belfast. Sit back, relax, enjoy the scenery, and leave the driving to someone else.  This is the cheapest and is very safe.
    If you’re feeling a little more adventurous—or simply prefer to fly—you can also catch a flight directly to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA).  Should you choose this option we collect only on a Thursday.
    Whichever route you choose, we’ll be waiting with smiles, ready to whisk you away to your new home… where the monkeys are cheeky, the wildlife is unforgettable, and your next great adventure begins!

    Accommodation

    Your Home Away From Home (with a Side of Adventure!)

    As part of your volunteer donation, we'll make sure you don't have to sleep in a tree (unless you're a vervet monkey!). Your stay includes comfortable accommodation in our volunteer chalets, delicious meals, and access to our famous Honesty Bar... where the drinks aren't free, but your conscience is.

    Our cozy wooden chalets are simple, comfortable and have all the essentials:

    • Hot and cold running water (yes, actual hot gas showers!)
    • Flushing toilets (you're welcome!)
    • A private veranda with a kitchenette including a microwave, fridge and a small coffee station for those "I need caffeine before monkey duty" mornings.

    Volunteers stay in shared chalets (maximum of three people, with male and female accommodation separate) or in our very homely farm house, if available, a basic private chalet. We provide all your bedding and towels, and our wonderful housekeeping team will clean and dust your chalet once a week, with fresh linen provided weekly. All you need to do is remember where you left your muddy boots.

    When you're not feeding hungry wildlife, cleaning enclosures or making lifelong memories, you can relax at the lodge. We've got:

    • A common area facility serving basic hearty meals.
    • The Honesty Bar, complete with a dart board and a giant big screen TV for well-earned movie nights.
    • Our dam, which is still under construction will become everyone's favourite place to cool off after a day spent chasing monkeys, carrying fruit, or wondering how one tiny mongoose made such a big mess.

    Wi-Fi is available in the common room, so you can reassure everyone back home that you're still alive... even if the baboons stole your lunch.

    Need a little more privacy? Private rooms are available for an additional daily fee, subject to availability.

    A Little Thing Called Loadshedding...

    You may have heard that South Africa occasionally enjoys a national game called Load-shedding—where the electricity takes an unscheduled holiday. Unfortunately, we can't predict exactly when it will happen, but don't worry, we've installed solar lighting so you won't be left stumbling around in complete darkness. Besides, it gives you the perfect excuse to look up and enjoy the incredible African night sky... and maybe hear a bush baby or owl saying good evening.

    Food & Beverages

    Food Glorious Food!

    A portion of your volunteer donation goes straight into keeping the kitchen stocked each week, because even wildlife heroes can’t survive on fresh air and good intentions alone!

    Our water comes from a clean borehole and is perfectly safe to drink—no need to pack bottled water unless you’re particularly attached to it.

    You’ll be spoiled with three basic meals a day, lovingly prepared by our incredible kitchen superstars, Nicky & Rose. They somehow manage to keep a hungry bunch of volunteers fuelled, smiling, and ready for another day of monkey business (quite literally!).

    The food is home-style, hearty, tasty, and guaranteed to give you the energy needed for feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, carrying things you didn’t know you could lift, and wondering how one tiny monkey can make such a spectacular mess.

    Meals are served in our common room, but if the African sunshine is calling your name, you’re more than welcome to enjoy your meal outside.

    Here’s an example of what your happy tummy can look forward to:

    Breakfast (7:00–8:000)
    A selection of cereals and muesli, milk, yoghurt, fresh fruit, toast with jam and honey, cheese, plus tea and coffee to help transform you into a functioning human.

    Lunch (1:00–2:00)
    Sandwiches, pasta dishes, fresh salads, burgers, soup and other tasty surprises.

    Dinner (7:00 pm)
    Think spaghetti bolognese, macaroni cheese, hearty stews, stir-fries, curries, traditional South African bobotie and other comforting meals that disappear remarkably quickly after a full day’s volunteering.

    If you have any dietary requirements, allergies, or special preferences, please let us know before you arrive. Our kitchen happily caters for vegetarians and vegans too—we promise nobody will be forced to wrestle a cabbage or chase a chicken unless it’s one of the animals!

    Internet Access

    Limited 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 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

    Travel to Wildlife Paws SOS - we operate 12 months of the year.

    We recommend that all international and local volunteers fly into OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) before travelling to our rehabilitation center in Mpumalanga.  The most convenient and affordable way to reach us is by shuttle service. We recommend City Bug Shuttle or LimeTime Shuttle, both of which operate regular services from OR Tambo International Airport to Belfast, where our team will collect you.

    A return shuttle ticket typically costs around R950 (approximately €50). To avoid disappointment, we encourage volunteers to book their shuttle online well in advance.

    Volunteer Pick-up

    We offer complimentary pick-up from Belfast every day of the week.

    Please note: Our final collection time is 4:00 pm, so we recommend selecting shuttle services that arrive before this time.

    Volunteer Winter Specials (July - August)

    Join us during the quieter winter months and enjoy our Winter Volunteer Special, with program fees starting from €300 for your first week.

    If you're planning to volunteer during this period, contact us for current availability and package details.

    Helpful Travel Information

    Travelling Time

    The shuttle journey from OR Tambo International Airport to Belfast takes approximately 2½ to 3 hours. We recommend booking flights that arrive in the morning or early afternoon to allow enough time for your onward transfer.

    Overnight Accommodation

    If your flight arrives late in the day, there are several comfortable and affordable hotels located close to OR Tambo International Airport where you can stay overnight before travelling the following morning.

    Meeting Point

    Our team will meet you at the Belfast shuttle stop, which is safe, easy to locate, and regularly used by our volunteers.

    Booking Advice

    Shuttle services can fill up quickly, particularly during the busy volunteer season between November and February. Booking your transport early is highly recommended. If your preferred shuttle is fully booked, we'll gladly assist you with alternative travel options.

    Staying Connected

    Once your volunteer placement has been confirmed, you'll be invited to join our dedicated Wildlife Paws SOS WhatsApp group. This allows you to receive important arrival information, ask questions, and connect with fellow volunteers before your adventure begins.

    Although we encourage volunteers to assist us throughout the year, when Europe has their summer we tend to go into hibernation to watch and strengthen our babies with little or no contact whatsoever.  Yes there is still lots of work and we love having the odd volunteer to assist however the weather is different.  When we say different we mean a little colder in-fact rather cold but manageable.

     

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

    Program Fees

    $471 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

    5.00
    ・
    1 review

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Dullstroom

    Meet your project coordinator

    Nicky
    1
    review
    5.00
    Outstanding
    2018
    Founded

    Verified

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    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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