Wildlife Relocation and Veterinary Experience

location
1 - 1 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Gain both practical and theoretical skills in wildlife relocation and the veterinary work that goes with it. Perfect for Veterinary and Conservation students and professionals.
  • Learn how mass wildlife capture and relocation takes place to move a significant number of wild animals to another area for conservation, population management, research or habitat restoration.
  • Take part in a rhino dehorning for antipoaching purposes with an experienced wildlife veterinary doctor. A once in a lifetime opportunity to help try and protect these endangered animals!

Highlights

  • Gain both practical and theoretical skills in wildlife relocation and the veterinary work that goes with it. Perfect for Veterinary and Conservation students and professionals.
  • Learn how mass wildlife capture and relocation takes place to move a significant number of wild animals to another area for conservation, population management, research or habitat restoration.
  • Take part in a rhino dehorning for antipoaching purposes with an experienced wildlife veterinary doctor. A once in a lifetime opportunity to help try and protect these endangered animals!
  • Assist and learn from wildlife professionals in the difficult procedure of relocating the world's tallest animal, the majestic giraffe. Not an easy task but a unique one.
  • Spend a few days in subtropical Durban after your programme enjoying the golden stretches of beaches and shopping! Durban is a fascinating multicultural city on the east coast.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    A programme on wildlife capturere, location and the veterinary work that goes with it, where you will learn some of the techniques of the trade by professionals.

    This volunteer skills programme, meticulously crafted by a Wildlife Veterinarian and Wildlife Capture operator, offers an immersive experience in veterinary medicine and conservation, encompassing everything from A to Z on wildlife capture and relocation. This comprehensive programme is ...

    About the program

    This volunteer skills programme, meticulously crafted by a Wildlife Veterinarian and Wildlife Capture operator, offers an immersive experience in veterinary medicine and conservation, encompassing everything from A to Z on wildlife capture and relocation. This comprehensive programme is laser-focused on the practical aspects of capturing African wildlife.

    Our goal is simple 

    We want every volunteer who participates in this program to leave with a profound understanding of the entire process of a wildlife capture operation, from its inception to its culmination.

    Your Tasks

    Upon completion of the programme, volunteers will be at the helm of a real mass capture and relocation operation. You will be responsible for a range of critical tasks, including setting up the boma, coordinating helicopter activities, executing animal captures, loading them safely, and orchestrating their delivery to our valued clients.

    The programme schedule is designed to maximize learning, with lectures held in the mornings and hands-on practical sessions in the afternoons. Throughout the course, participants will cover a wide range of topics that are not only informative but also immediately applicable:

    • Chemical capture and immobilization techniques
    • Various dart delivery systems
    • Darting procedures, telemetry tracking, and satellite collaring
    • Drugs for immobilization and sedation and their safe handling
    • Helicopter safety and the intricacies of darting from a helicopter
    • Netgunning for wildlife capture
    • Animal handling practices
    • Principles behind physical and chemical capture
    • Selection and setup of capture bomas
    • Considerations for housing animals in bomas
    • Animal transportation methods

    These topics are not just theoretical; they are fundamental to the real-life mass wildlife capture operation involving Zebra and Impala, in which volunteers will play an active role.

    Beyond the mass capture event, our program offers opportunities for participants to engage in other practical duties, providing valuable learning experiences. These include

    • Rhino horn removal, a crucial anti-poaching method
    • Unique giraffe relocation activities, owing to the animals' height
    • Visits to a buffalo breeding facility, with the possibility of witnessing Bovine TB testing. This testing is essential for maintaining healthy, disease-free buffalo herds and is of significant concern in Africa.

    This holistic programme ensures that volunteers gain practical knowledge and skills across a spectrum of wildlife conservation practices done in collaboration with wildlife veterinary doctors.


    Typical day

    A typical day 

    • 07:00 - Wake up, wash and get ready for the exciting day ahead.
    • 07:30 - Time for a healthy breakfast of cereals, fruit, toast and a hot cooked option
    • 08:00 - Lectures start.
    • 10:00 - 15-minute tea break between lectures
    • 13:00 - lunch. This can be onsite or a packed lunch if away at ...

    Typical day

    A typical day 

    • 07:00 - Wake up, wash and get ready for the exciting day ahead.
    • 07:30 - Time for a healthy breakfast of cereals, fruit, toast and a hot cooked option
    • 08:00 - Lectures start.
    • 10:00 - 15-minute tea break between lectures
    • 13:00 - lunch. This can be onsite or a packed lunch if away at another reserve.
    • 14:00 - Time for afternoon practical to put the mornings theory lectures on darting, netgunning, boma sitting, transport crates etc, into practice.
    • 18:00 - After a long day exercising both the mind and the body with new knowledge, it is time to sit down to a hearty South African style dinner.
    • 19.00 - Catch an African sunset and discuss the day and what you learnt with the other participants on the volunteer course. 


    Free-time activities

    As there are set dates for this shorter-term programme, free time is limited as it is jam packed with lectures and practical activities but on the Saturday, you will have the afternoon off to head into the town of Ladysmith for some shopping, to do laundry or just relax by the pool catching a few ...

    Free-time activities

    As there are set dates for this shorter-term programme, free time is limited as it is jam packed with lectures and practical activities but on the Saturday, you will have the afternoon off to head into the town of Ladysmith for some shopping, to do laundry or just relax by the pool catching a few rays of sun.



    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

    Studies in Veterinary Medicine, Conservation, Zoology or a related field, would be a bonus but is not essential. You do need to be physically fit and not scared to learn in morning lectures and get hands dirty in afternoon practicals.

    Time Commitment

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Volunteer Int. Adventures

    Your tented shared accommodation in a true African bush setting on a 800ha wildlife farm, all meals, snacks and tea and coffee, airport collection and drop off from King Shaka International Airport in Durban, all transport while on the course, all study material & manuals supplied, all equipment needed to be demonstrated (mass capture, dart guns, net guns, darts, trucks), all helicopter flying costs, a Saturday grocery shop and a certificate of competition.

    Airport Pickup at King Shaka International Airport

    The airport you will need to arrive and depart from is King Shaka International Airport in Durban.

     

    For arrival your flight will need to arrive any time by 13:00. If your flight arrives very early, you may need to wait for other volunteers that are coming in on later flights. If volunteers' flights are severely delayed on arrival, they may need to get private transport at their own cost, so it is best to arrive in the morning and not to close to 13:00.

     

    Departure flights must be after 13:00.

     

    Your volunteer accommodation is on an 800ha wildlife farm outside the town of Ladysmith which is approximately 278kilometers or 3 hours and 15-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport hence the flight arrival and departure times. One trip will be made for the airport collection and one for the airport drop off.

    Accommodation

    Accommodation is shared with one other participant of the same gender at a bush camp.  It is in the form of glamping safari tents. Bedding and towels are provided but bring an extra blanket for cold nights. The bathrooms are shared with each having an enclosed outside shower and toilet.There is a communal area and a lounge, fire pit, boma and a pool for hot days as the temperatures can reach 31 degrees Celsius.

    There is washing machine if laundry needs to be done.

    There is WIFI up at the lecture room yard. We do suggest that participant buy prepaid sim cards at the airport in South Africa and load with prepaid data too.

     

    Food & Beverages

    A casual South African style braai on the 1st night you arrive will help you settle in and meet the other participating volunteers on the team.

    • Breakfasts consist of cereals, toast and spreads and a cooked option.
    • Lunch if onsite is a cooked meal or if onsite, a packed lunch
    • Dinner is a hearty South African style home cooked meal.

    Tea, coffees and juice are provided. There is fresh water for drinking. Vegetarians can be accommodated for.

    There is a kitchen up by the lecture room camp and another by the main accommodation bush camp.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban. 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

    This programme has set dates so you will need to arrive at King Shaka International Airport in Durban, and you will be returned to the same airport.

    • Your flight will need to arrive any time before 13h00. If your flight arrives very early, you may need to wait for other volunteers that are coming in on later flights. If volunteers' flights are severely delayed on arrival, they may need to get private transport at their own cost, so it is best to arrive in the morning and not to close to 13h00.
    • Departure flights must be after 13h00.
    Dates are:
    7th to the 18th of July 2024- FULLY BOOKED
    29th of September to the 10th of October 2024 4 SPACES LEFT

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

    Program fees

    1 week 5 days 1,967€
    Average fees 1,147€/week

    Program fees

    1,147€ per week 1 - 1 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 1 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

    Kemly Yambay rating5

    2024 at Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation

    An experience that I will never forget and forever in my heart thanks to all the team of the Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation. Amazing team and good people My best wishes for the new farm and see you guys very ...
    Lynn van den Broecke rating5

    2024 at Ethical Predator Sanctuary Assistant

    A massive thank you to everyone who was involved in this project! I felt safe and well taken care of. I think about this experience a lot. I would definitely recommend it to everyone! ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    Karine Bottiglieri rating5

    2024 at Whales, Sharks and Penguins Conservation

    truly exceptional, Where to start, the warm and sincere welcome. I am French, my English is average, but they made themselves available to me, they took the time to explain to me so that I understood, always with a smile and patience. the whole team goes out of their way to show you the wonders of ...

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