Big Cat Sanctuary on a Wildlife Reserve

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Assist with the care of 14 lions and 1 tiger saved from horrible backgrounds, many from private ownership and zoos in the Ukraine, that need to learn how to live like normal big cats again
  • Relieve the boredom that living in captivity can bring by helping making fun animal enrichments for the lions and tiger to enjoy
  • For those studying or qualified in veterinary medicine of any form, we would love you to come and volunteer your expertise and assistance as some of the cats need extra care due to their background

Highlights

  • Assist with the care of 14 lions and 1 tiger saved from horrible backgrounds, many from private ownership and zoos in the Ukraine, that need to learn how to live like normal big cats again
  • Relieve the boredom that living in captivity can bring by helping making fun animal enrichments for the lions and tiger to enjoy
  • For those studying or qualified in veterinary medicine of any form, we would love you to come and volunteer your expertise and assistance as some of the cats need extra care due to their background
  • Immerse yourself in the fantastic wildlife surroundings on the wildlife reserve with giraffe, zebra, impala and other antelope while hiking and checking perimeter fencing to keep the animals safe
  • With South Africa's surfing capital 20 minutes drive away, spend your free time on the beach, learning how to surf or visit one of the fantastic Big 5 reserves in the surrounding areas


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Volunteer at an ethical Big Cat sanctuary assisting with the ongoing care of 14 lions and 1 tiger saved from dire captive situations mainly from the Ukraine.

    The Big Cat sanctuary is an ethical rescue centre for captive bred animals – mainly big cats- situated on a 154ha wildlife reserve home to various free roaming wildlife – which means you could have some “wild” visitors at your volunteer accommodation i.e. giraffe, zebra, vervet monkeys, ...

    About the program

    The Big Cat sanctuary is an ethical rescue centre for captive bred animals – mainly big cats- situated on a 154ha wildlife reserve home to various free roaming wildlife – which means you could have some “wild” visitors at your volunteer accommodation i.e. giraffe, zebra, vervet monkeys, kudu, impala, other various buck species, and more.

    The project’s aims are to rescue and rehome abused and neglected captive wildlife and ensure that they can have a quality of life in a species appropriate home.  Also, to educate and raise awareness of the plight of captive animals and to rehabilitate and release any indigenous wildlife that may come into care.

    At the sanctuary, the animals that come into  care are protected for the rest of their lives with no breeding, trading or selling of any kind. The sanctuary is their safe forever home as due to their backgrounds and being captive bred, they can never be released into the wild.

    The facility is designed to be an educational opportunity for visitors and volunteers alike, and to raise awareness to the plight of big cats within captivity and in the natural world.

    Work time will vary be between 5-8 hours a day depending on the needs of the facility during your time with on the project. Each day there will be a 2-hour lunch break to ensure ample time to “refuel.” During the hot summer months, the schedule may be altered to eliminate any heavy work during the hottest times of the day.

    All safety protocols will be taught on the job, as well as different techniques for animal behaviour and animal enrichment. If qualified in veterinary medicine, possible assistance with veterinary care might take place

    You may be required to assist in the preparation of the big cats’ meals, which is often cow, horse, chicken, or antelope meat. This may also include removing meat from the bone, preparing internal organs, and working with or around carcasses so volunteers must be prepared to work with meat.

    As a volunteer, you will be assisting in many different aspects at the sanctuary. You will help in:

    • Food and vitamin preparations
    • Feeding routines
    • Assisting with fundraising
    • Animal monitoring and record keeping
    • Maintaining of the animal enclosures – and maybe even assisting building new ones
    • Enclosure fence checks- normally done twice a day, first thing and last
    • Creating enrichment items – the most fun part of the project
    • Assisting in educational tours
    • Perimeter fence checking
    • Bush clearing and alien plant removal on the reserve
    • Bush walks and monitoring of free roaming wildlife
    • Assisting and/or observing veterinary procedures (should they happen during your stay)
    • Overall assisting in the day to day running of the sanctuary
    • Should there be any animal(s) in rehabilitation, volunteers may assist with morning feeding/cleaning. This is NOT guaranteed.

    Volunteers do need to be flexible and ready to assist as working with wildlife can be very unpredictable and things can change on a day to day basis according to the needs of the wildlife and sanctuary as a whole.

    The sanctuary is also a permitted to rehabilitate and release indigenous wildlife within the area. Should those opportunities arise for volunteers to assist in the rehabilitation process, it will be discussed on a “need to” basis. This opportunity is NOT guaranteed.

    You will be working side by side with the team of the management of the sanctuary, other staff and volunteers. A real opportunity of a lifetime to work with such dedicated and ethical individuals

    As it currently stands now, there are 11 lions and 1 tiger that are now in their forever homes at the sanctuary


    Typical day

    The schedule is Monday to Friday as volunteers have the weekend off to relax or partake in local attractions in the area. In other words, 5 days on and 2 days off.

    8am Morning Checks of the sanctuary

    • Fence Checks:
    • Animal Checks  
    • Document all concerns/issues

    9-10am

    • Breakfast time and time to chat about ...

    Typical day

    The schedule is Monday to Friday as volunteers have the weekend off to relax or partake in local attractions in the area. In other words, 5 days on and 2 days off.

    8am Morning Checks of the sanctuary

    • Fence Checks:
    • Animal Checks  
    • Document all concerns/issues

    9-10am

    • Breakfast time and time to chat about the morning checks and upcoming duties for the day

    10am -1pm: Volunteer duties

    • Projects will vary throughout the week from within the Sanctuary and on the Reserve. See volunteer info packet for more details.
    • Assisting and facilitating guided sanctuary tours may take place should there be bookings for visitors (tours are done 3 x a day at scheduled time slots of 10:00: 14:00 and 16:00)

    1-2pm: Lunch break

    2-5pm: Volunteer duties

    5pm: Last checks around the sanctuary for the day

    • Fencing checks
    • Animal checks
    • Ensure all is well before end of day!

    5:30pm

    The end of the day and the perfect time to unwind and relax. After the busy day It’s a great time to reconnect with family and friends from home or share stories with other volunteers around a fire about the day’s happenings. Having a South African braai is a favourite and an absolute must during your stay!


    Free-time activities

    This area of the Eastern Cape province is referred to as the “Sunshine Coast” with lovely long stretches of beautiful beaches in the nearby town of Jeffrey's Bay perfect for swimming, sunbathing and taking surfing lessons or just strolling around the many shops and restaurants.

    More inland ...

    Free-time activities

    This area of the Eastern Cape province is referred to as the “Sunshine Coast” with lovely long stretches of beautiful beaches in the nearby town of Jeffrey's Bay perfect for swimming, sunbathing and taking surfing lessons or just strolling around the many shops and restaurants.

    More inland volunteers can do safari drives at private wildlife reserves and of course the famous Big 5, Addo Elephant National Park, which is always worth a visit and home to hundreds of elephants. Volunteers also can take local shuttles to the world's highest bridge bungee at Bloukrans, do zip-lining through forests and waterfalls at Tsitsikamma or explore the national park at Storms River with its suspension bridge,. Slightly further afield they can visit Wild Cat Awareness centres and primate and bird sanctuaries. The Eastern Cape is the ancestral home of the first democratic president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela,  and the home of the Amaxhosa who are known for their language, isiXhosa, which is a tongue twister with many clicks.

    If wildlife, nature, beaches, and cultures interest you, it is a perfect part of South Africa to volunteer in and known for the friendly locals. 


    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.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 17:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Volunteer Int. Adventures

    The cost of this volunteer project includes:
    • your shared glamping tented accommodation onsite
    • meeting you at the airport
    • airport collection and drop-off from Port Elizabeth Airport
    • a grocery trip on arrival for you to purchase your food items for the week
    • a weekly trip to the shops for grocery shopping
    • pre-departure admin and support
    • a branded t-shirt
    • in-country staff 
    • 24- emergency help

    Airport Pickup at Port Elizabeth International Airport

    Your arrival and departure airport for the Big Cat Sanctuary volunteer project is King Dawie Stuurman Airport (formerly known as Port Elizabeth International Airport). Airport collections and drop off days are Monday. Your arrival flight must be before 16h00 and your departure must be after 10h00.

    Accommodation

    The volunteer accommodation is in the form of eco-tented accommodation (glamping) on the game reserve less than a 2-minute walk to the sanctuary itself and has wonderful views over the reserve as it is on the hill surrounded by free roaming and “non dangerous” wildlife. As it is so close to the sanctuary, you can hear the lions roaring at night!

    It is in the form of two new glamping tents which can each accommodate 4 volunteers. Sharing is normally done with members of the same sex unless couples, friends or a family group.

    Each glamping tent has its own bathroom with a toilet, shower and basin and a small kitchenette to prepare food. 

    The kitchenette in the glamping tents has a 2-plate gas stove, stove top kettle, fridge/freezer, microwave, basic cutlery and crockery.

    You will also need to clean up after yourself. Once a week “grocery trips” will be done on arrival and then once a week into town so volunteers can purchase their food items for the week to prepare their own meals.  

    Outside on the deck is a dining table and a fire pit which can be used to braai (South African BBQ) too.  Evenings can be spent enjoy the mesmerising african sunsets right from your tent front porch watching antelope and giraffe in the distance. Too stunning for words. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ) in Port Elizabeth. 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

    Arrival and departure days are Mondays. Arrivals need to be befoe 14h00  at Port Elizabeth Airport or the Jeffreys Bay Intercape stop. Departures must be after 10h00. 

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

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 1,261€
    3 weeks 1,828€
    4 weeks 2,396€
    5 weeks 2,900€
    6 weeks 3,404€
    7 weeks 4,035€
    8 weeks 4,539€
    9 weeks 5,044€
    10 weeks 5,611€
    11 weeks 6,052€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 6,683€
    Average fees 593€/week

    Program fees

    593€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Volunteer Int. Adventures during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Volunteer Int. Adventures

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (70 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2020

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Sharon

    Spoken languages: Afrikaans, English

    About the project

    We are a hands-on volunteer organisation with 16 years' experience of working with volunteers in animal care, veterinary, conservation and youth projects.

    Meet your organization

    Volunteer International Adventures is dedicated to youth and animal projects, which are areas of great passion for us. We recognize the need for assistance from international volunteers in developing countries and have witnessed the transformative impact of their hands-on involvement on communities and conservation efforts.

    "Empowering Change Through Ethical Volunteer holidays"

    Our core priorities are as follows:

    1. Culture and Cultural Sensitivity:

    We encourage our volunteers to fully immerse themselves in the culture of the country they are volunteering in, understanding that volunteering differs significantly from being a tourist. By working closely with local communities and project partners, our volunteers gain profound insights into the challenges faced by the country. We actively support and facilitate opportunities for volunteers to engage in various activities, interact with locals, and educate themselves about the nation's history, no matter how difficult it may be. Cultural sensitivity is paramount, and we ensure that our approach is collaborative rather than imposing our own ideas. We welcome suggestions and creative ideas from our volunteers, as they often prove to be feasible and enrich the communities we serve.

    2. Fulfilling Volunteer Experiences:

    We strive to ensure that all our volunteers leave with a sense of accomplishment. Whether it is helping a child grasp mathematics, teaching cricket to school children, providing sewing classes to uplift youth, participating in wildlife conservation efforts such as satellite collaring African wild dogs or rhino relocation, collecting data on great white shark populations, treating sick indigenous wildlife, assisting with animal sterilization in disadvantaged communities, instilling a love for reading in children, or teaching marimba classes—the list is diverse and extensive. We want our volunteers to develop a deep connection with the country they are assisting and forge lifelong friendships that can serve as future ambassadors for their respective nations.

    3. Ethical Projects:

    We strictly oppose trophy hunting and the breeding of lions for commercial gain. Our wildlife and animal projects take place in free-roaming reserves, registered rehabilitation centers, or sanctuaries where the animals are non-releasable due to injuries, human habituation, or being non-indigenous to the area. We support local and ethical animal sanctuaries and reserves, which our volunteers can visit during their free time. When working with children in teaching, care, or youth development projects, we require a recent paper copy of a background check (CRB check) from volunteers' countries of origin. This precaution ensures the safety and well-being of the children we serve, who often come from challenging socio-economic backgrounds and have been let down by adults in the past. We prioritize the protection of innocent animals and children who cannot advocate for themselves.

    4. Responsible and Sustainable Approach:

    We take pride in implementing responsible and sustainable projects that involve local community members, ensuring the continuity of operations even when volunteer numbers are low. While some projects rely heavily on volunteer support due to limited funds, we strive to strike a balance by involving sufficient local participation.

    5. Cost Effectiveness:

    Having collaborated with volunteers on projects for nearly 15 years, we recognize that volunteering can come at a significant cost. Therefore, we are committed to making volunteering more accessible, reasonable, and inclusive. Our projects encompass various extras, and we maintain affordability by keeping costs low and encouraging increased hands-on assistance. We offer negotiable family, friends, and group discounts, as volunteering together enables us to further reduce expenses. Loyalty is rewarded, and returning volunteers receive special recognition in our projects. Additionally, our costs include donations to our projects, contributing to their sustainability and impact.

    6. Safety:

    The safety of our volunteers is of paramount importance. We thoroughly vet and assess all our projects, ensuring adequate safety measures are in place. While certain areas may be off-limits due to potential risks, it is important to note that complete safety guarantees are impossible in any location. We have established channels for reporting incidents and maintain close relationships with in-country support on the ground. Furthermore, we possess liability insurance and require all participants to have personal travel insurance. To provide comprehensive support, we arrange airport collections and drop-offs, ensuring our volunteers are assisted throughout their entire journey. We pride ourselves on delivering a personal touch and remain available 24/7 to address any emergencies.

    Please remember to arrange your comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking your trip, as it is an essential aspect of ensuring your well-being and peace of mind.

    We sincerely appreciate your interest in Volunteer International Adventures and our commitment to making a positive impact through responsible volunteering. Should you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

    70 reviews · rating4.7

    Esther Burden rating5

    2024 at Big Cat Sanctuary on a Wildlife Reserve

    I would 100% recommend this excellent volunteer programme to anyone interested in big cats. I know now that i didn’t do enough research about the lion industry and ethical vs non-ethical sanctuarys before my three-month stay at this sanctuary, but i was very lucky to end up somewhere where the ...
    I had a wonderful time in this ethical sanctuary. Lauren and Keegan are amazing people who know what they are doing. I learned a lot about cats among experts and I fell in love again with those beautiful animals. The location is just perfect, you will sleep in a good accomodation on top of an hill ...
    Daniela Köhn rating5

    2023 at Big Cat Sanctuary on a Wildlife Reserve

    I had a really great and exciting time with Lauren and Keegan and I miss it every day! The accommodation and the nature are beautiful. I felt safe and well taken care of. Thank you for a wonderful ...
    Solenne RAULET rating4.6

    2023 at Big Cat Sanctuary on a Wildlife Reserve

    I would 100% recommend this sanctuary with its values and actions respecting animal welfare and protection. Lauren, Keegan and Lionel make sure to make your stay unique in an educational and caring way. If you are already a big cat fan, you will fall in love all over again with these beauties of ...
    It is difficult to know where to begin, this process has utterly changed my life in the most positive ways. During my stay in Knysna I got the opportunity to volunteer at a local NGO that offers so many people the support they need. The work involves engaging and educating prisoners to working in ...
    I have absolutely loved my experience in South Africa volunteering with Endangered Wildlife Monitoring and Research, and I am sad that I have to leave in a few days. By the time I leave I will have spent six weeks in South Africa, so I've been lucky enough to volunteer at all three of the reserves ...

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    Contact Sharon
      Excellent response rate
    Afrikaans, English

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