Wildlife Rehabilitation & Research - Zimbabwe

Gain valuable wildlife rehabilitation experience in vibrant Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. This 'City of Kings' as it is known to locals sits on the 'highveld' or plains in the southwest of the country, within reach of Hwange National Park, Matopo National Park and the stunning Victoria Falls.

You will work in one of Africa's largest and most successful wildlife rehabilitation/release centres, which is a haven for lions, hyenas, monkeys, and other wild animals which have little hope for survival in the wild. Many of these creatures have been orphaned, abandoned, injured, born in captivity or brought up unsuccessfully as pets. The centre is often the last refuge for those brought in sick or injured, and increasingly it is a sanctuary for confiscated animals.

Wherever possible, rescued animals and birds are rehabilitated and returned to the wild. If safe release into their natural habitat is not possible, animals are cared for and kept for educational purposes and zoological study. In the case of endangered species, captive breeding programs may also be undertaken.

Opened by ex-gamers in 1973 by ex-gamers, the centre has been receiving volunteers for the last 5 years and is keen to accept volunteers with or without wildlife experience. They will ensure that your time in one of Africa's friendliest countries is truly unforgettable.

Your role will be to help the sanctuary run smoothly, through assisting with the following activities:

Wildlife Orphanage/ Animal Rehabilitation Centre: To provide a service to rescue and care for injured wildlife, thereby providing a home for the many injured, sick, orphaned, abused, confiscated or abandoned wild animals from anywhere in Zimbabwe.

Education: to educate the Zimbabwe public, especially young children, with the aid of live viewing of many species not easily seen in the wild. Provide relevant lectures, film and slide shows for visiting groups. Thus providing a local resource centre for children to appreciate the important value of Zimbabwe's natural heritage.

Nature Conservation: to teach people and especially children, to appreciate the wonder and variety of indigenous wildlife and not to take it for granted that these animals or their environment will not always be there for their enjoyment without the correct management of our natural resources.

Research: to observe and record useful zoological information on captive animals such as body growth and development, nutrition, dentition and gestation periods. Relevant research and field surveys are undertaken in the wild, under natural conditions in National Parks and protected areas.

Cooperation: To provide a link between local and governmental authorities thus being able to offer assistance to organizations like SPCA, National Parks, schools and private individuals where ever problem animals are concerned.

Maintenance: On a daily basis you may help clean and fix the animals enclosures, feed animals, repair broken fencing in the game park, assist in gardening, perform 'snare sweeps' through the game park and help rear baby animals if they come in.

You will be met at Bulawayo airport by a project representative and taken to the project location.

Accommodation is in our camp where all participants will stay together. All meals are prepared by our cooks, and we also have a bar to socialize and relax at the end of the day. Our accommodation is in rustic cabins that sleep between one and two people. There is double beds and single beds available. There are clean showers with hot running water. There is also a swimming pool in the camp.

* Min age 18 

* Minimum 1 month commitment - 25+ hours a week

* Good English

* Full travel & medical insurance

* Necessary vaccinations 

* Necessary flights & visas

Fee: 

£250 GBP Project Fee per week +  £249 GBP Placement Fee
 

What's Included:

Project Fee includes all food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, 24 hour support and project activities.

We charge a flat, one-off placement fee of £249 GBP per person per project. This covers our costs for promoting the project and providing our services. We offer full pre-departure support (for all necessary flights, visas and vaccinations) and ongoing assistance throughout your placement.
 

What's not included:

Flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged.