• Life On Land

Reptile Vet Sanctuary

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Below average response rate

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

    • 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

    Services by Worldwide Vets

    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

    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

    2 weeks (min. stay) 1,000€
    3 weeks 1,500€
    4 weeks (max. stay) 2,000€
    Average fees 499€/week

    Program fees

    499€ 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

    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 Worldwide Vets during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    Meet your organization

    Worldwide Vets

    Excellent 4.8 rating (42 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2006

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Below average response rate

    Coordinated by

    Gemma

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    Our goal is to improve animal welfare worldwide by providing volunteers to help vets and vet nurses working with wildlife and domestic animals.

    Meet your organization

    As an organisation, our goal is simple. Improve animal welfare around the world. Anyone can volunteer with us, you do not need to be a vet or vet student, although many of our courses are very popular with such applicants. 

    We offer a multi-modal approach to assisting animals, including:

    • Running volunteer opportunities for you to help or study abroad.
    • Sponsoring vets to visit areas needing support.
    • Providing medications and surgical equipment
    • Training local vets and technicians.

    By volunteering with us you will gain hands on experience with animals, learn new skills and give something back. For those considering a career in medicine or nursing, this is a great way to understand more about the career path and see if it is right for you. It provides industry relevant experience and is a wonderful addition to your CV, making you stand out when you apply to your chosen college or university. Those already studying animal and medical courses can gain credits and count their trip as work experience (including EMS or CEMS). Most importantly you can learn a huge range of new concepts and develop your skills and confidence in a friendly and encouraging environment.


    Worldwide Vets is registered in the UK, with our administrative head office close to London, England. The real hub of our work is much further away, with vet clinics and conservation projects in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zanzibar, Ghana, Thailand, India, Cambodia, Peru, and Costa Rica, to name just a few. We welcome volunteers to join our mission and contribute to the role we play. Doing so is a great way to give something back to the world around you, saving innocent lives, alleviating poverty and playing your part in sustaining the natural and cultural planet we know today.  

     

     


     

     

    42 reviews · rating4.8

    Charlie Wijnbergen rating5

    2024 at Equine Vet Assistant

    Very rewarding experience. Jill has set up an amazing place, doing so much good for any animal coming through the gates. ...
    Cinzia Benevelli rating4.8

    2024 at Wildlife Vet Assistant

    Wonderful time, everything well organized, I loved everything, especially the animals. The Sanctuary is top organized as per activities and giving tasks. There is an ambience of peace and ...
    Stephanie Fisher rating4.8

    2024 at Wildlife Vet Assistant

    This trip was more than I ever anticipated. I wasn’t entirely sure what I was going to be able to do before I left, but the entire experience was very hands on. The vet was very trusting in our abilities and let us do things based on our comfort zones and taught us to do new things. I got to ...
    Kaela Dempsey rating2.6

    2024 at Wildlife Vet Assistant

    I will start by saying that my best friend and I have looked over all of their projects thoroughly before finally deciding on one - Peru. We booked our project almost 18 months in advance, and we made so many preparations for our stay. Now, WWV has been amazing and supportive throughout this whole ...
    Kassidy Doherty rating5

    2023 at Wildlife Vet Assistant

    I went to Costa Rica and it was amazing! Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary made me feel safe and Dr. Mora (the vet that lives on site) taught me many things in my stay! He is a talented veterinarian and knows what he is doing. It was a great experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I believe this ...
    Alice rating5

    2023 at Wildlife Vet Assistant

    I have just returned from the Wildlife Internship in Costa Rica. I had the best 2 weeks ever! Everyone was incredible welcoming and supportive. The team's passion for animals was obvious and made the work even more meaningful. The internship was incredibly hands on and greatly helped me improve on ...

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Hoedspruit

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
    Contact Gemma
      Below average response rate
    English

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