Wildlife Vet Externship

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Gain real-world experience of sanctuary-based vet work that can count towards your qualification.
  • Support a high-impact organisation working hard to protect Malawi's wildlife and combat wildlife crime.
  • In addition to clinical and lab work learn about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation and take part in rescues and releases when they occur.

Highlights

  • Gain real-world experience of sanctuary-based vet work that can count towards your qualification.
  • Support a high-impact organisation working hard to protect Malawi's wildlife and combat wildlife crime.
  • In addition to clinical and lab work learn about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation and take part in rescues and releases when they occur.
  • Work alongside some of the best names in their field, including primate experts and Malawi's top wildlife vet.
  • Explore the 'Warm Heart of Africa' with game drives in Liwonde National Park, snorkelling or diving in Lake Malawi, horseback riding at Kande Beach, and cycling in Kuti Wildlife Reserve.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Gain valuable experince in wildlife veterinary medicine at Malawi's only sanctuary.

    Join us at Malawi's only wildlife sanctuary to gain valuable work experience to support your studies. As a vet or veterinary nurse student you can get a real insight into sanctuary-based vet work in Africa's 'warm heart'. We are the only organisation sanctioned by the Government of Malawi to conduct ...

    About the program

    Join us at Malawi's only wildlife sanctuary to gain valuable work experience to support your studies. As a vet or veterinary nurse student you can get a real insight into sanctuary-based vet work in Africa's 'warm heart'. We are the only organisation sanctioned by the Government of Malawi to conduct wildlife rescues nationwide and Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is the only sanctuary in the world to hold accreditations from the Pan African

    Sanctuary Alliance, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the Born Free Foundation PAW scheme. Working with us will give you the
    chance to learn from a team of local and international experts dedicated to the very best of practice.

    The specific tasks will vary according to the types of animals we are caring for at any particular time, but you can expect to get involved in a mix of clinical work and wider welfare activities. Clinical work can include diagnostics, lab work and procedures. Externs will also be expected to get stuck into the day-to-day care of our animal residents including enrichment, integrations, observations and animal husbandry. Our aim is always to rehabilitate animals and return them to the wild.



    Typical day

    The working day starts at 8am when you will head to our state-of-the-art clinic to support our Head Vet with any clinical or lab tasks. This will depend on what animals are at the sanctuary and in need of medical care. After a lunch break the afternoon will involve a mixture of animal welfare duties ...

    Typical day

    The working day starts at 8am when you will head to our state-of-the-art clinic to support our Head Vet with any clinical or lab tasks. This will depend on what animals are at the sanctuary and in need of medical care. After a lunch break the afternoon will involve a mixture of animal welfare duties for the residents - of which there can be 200 at any given time - and supporting the vet team with any administration work. Students finish at 5pm when it's time for dinner and relaxing at our Volunteer Centre and sharing stories with fellow students and volunteers.


    Free-time activities

    Malawi is known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa' for its friendly people, warm climate and stunning landscapes. Lilongwe is a safe, clean city and you are welcome to try the local restaurants, local markets and sample the nightlife.
    On your days off you could go diving or snorkelling at Lake Malawi, go ...

    Free-time activities

    Malawi is known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa' for its friendly people, warm climate and stunning landscapes. Lilongwe is a safe, clean city and you are welcome to try the local restaurants, local markets and sample the nightlife.
    On your days off you could go diving or snorkelling at Lake Malawi, go on safari at Liwonde National Park or go hiking in the mountains of Mulanje.
    We can even arrange a safari trip to South Luangwa in Zambia which is renowned for its top game viewing.

    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 (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    Veterinary medicine at Bachelors/masters student or equivalent level

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    For vet students only. Qualified vets and vet nurses are also welcome. For vet students needing to conduct any clinical research please submit your project requirements for review with your application.

    Time Commitment

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Lilongwe Wildlife Trust

    Prices include:

    • Accommodation 
    • All meals, unlimited tea and coffee 
    • Airport transfers (on a Tuesday) and all work-related transport 
    • Orientation and full support during your stay 
    • Local SIM card and t-shirt 

    Prices exclude: 
    • Flights 
    • Visas 
    • Vaccinations 
    • Excursions, souvenirs, nights out, personal expenses, snacks, etc.

    Airport Pickup at Lilongwe International Airport

    It’s best to fly into Lilongwe (Kamuzu International Airport) and we will pick you up from there. Someone will be waiting fo you so look out for a sign with your name on it! The Wildlife Centre is about a 30 minute drive from the airport. If you are travelling overland get in touch and we can let you know the best way to get here. Arrivals and departures are on Tuesdays. 

    Accommodation

    Our accommodation building can host up to 18 people at a time across six bedrooms. It also includes a lounge, kitchen, inside and outside dining spaces, two bathrooms, laundry space, an outdoor deck and garden. The building is located in the middle of our wildlife sanctuary, which means that you’ll experience the magic of bush life after a hard day or work – spending evenings by the fire listening to the sounds of the forest. 

    Food & Beverages

    Meals are cooked by our local chef every day except on Sunday. The menu is vegetarian with a mix of international and local dishes. Let us know if you have other special dietary requirements, and students are welcome to buy in other luxuries or meat if they wish. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Lilongwe International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe. We assist you to find cheap flights to Malawi. 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 Malawi provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Malawi you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Malawi. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Placements start and finish on Tuesdays. We will pick you up from Lilongwe airport. If you are unable to arrive on a Tuesday let us know and we can make alternative arrangements for your transfer to the sanctuary. 

    We accept students throughout the year, but we only take four students at the same time to ensure you all have the best experience. 

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

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 1,727€
    3 weeks 2,103€
    4 weeks 2,479€
    5 weeks 2,855€
    6 weeks 3,230€
    7 weeks 3,606€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 5,485€
    Average fees 659€/week

    Program fees

    659€ 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 Lilongwe Wildlife Trust during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Lilongwe Wildlife Trust

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (40 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2007

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Mercy

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    Lilongwe Wildlife Trust was set up in 2007 to help protect the wildlife & habitats of Malawi.

    Meet your organization

    About Lilongwe Wildlife Trust

    Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world and has one of the fastest growing populations in Africa, placing natural resources under immense pressure. Wildlife crimes – such as the illegal ivory, bush-meat, pet and charcoal trades – impact both wild animal welfare as well as species conservation in Malawi, and also stand as one of the greatest threats to wildlife survival worldwide. Lilongwe Wildlife Trust is dedicated to protecting Malawi’s wildlife and its habitats. 

    Our story started in 2008 when our first project, the Wildlife Centre, opened as a sanctuary for animals rescued by the Government, primarily from illegal wildlife trades, and also as the country’s largest conservation education facility. Whilst the Wildlife Centre remains a flagship project, our NGO has evolved and we now work nationally campaigning for conservation justice and mobilising local communities to defend nature.

    There are around 200 animals currently in residence, including birds, primates and antelope. Many were rescued as orphans and victims of the illegal pet and bushmeat trade. Others have sustained injuries ranging from being caught in snares, hit by cars or stoned. 

    As habitats are disappearing, wild animals are losing their homes and human-wildlife conflict is increasing. Lilongwe Wildlife Trust offer a lifeline to these wild animals in distress, saving the lives of individual animals and wherever possible releasing them back in the wild where they belong. Those that can’t be released live in large natural enclosures where they can roam freely.

    Thanks to our vet clinic, orphan care centre and experienced animal care team supported by volunteers we can handle the majority of intakes on site. Our Wildlife Emergency Response Unit is also available for cases around the country that require attention, such as elephants or rhino.

    Rescue & Rehabilitation

    Lilongwe Wildlife Centre has built up a reputation for having some of the highest welfare standards of any sanctuary in Africa, shown through the accreditations it has received. The majority of our residents have been rescued within Malawi, but we have also provided sanctuary to some animals that have been rescued from captivity and abuse in other countries.

    Thanks to our state-of-the-art vet clinic, orphan care centre and experienced animal care team supported by volunteers, the majority of rescue callouts can be managed on site.  LWT’s Wildlife Emergency Response Unit is on hand for other cases that need treatment in-situ, especially for large animals like elephant and rhino.

    We make every effort to return rescued animals back into the wild where they belong.  For those that can never be released, we offer the best quality of life possible in large, natural enclosures where they can roam freely.

    Environmental Education

    We welcome over 25,000 school children through Lilongwe Wildlife Centre’s gates every year who participate in our environmental education programmes. 

    Responsible Tourism 

    Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is located right in the heart of the capital city within a beautiful wildlife reserve, and we aim to offer the tens of thousands who visit us each year an enjoyable outing, at the same time inspiring a passion for wildlife and a desire to protect it.  We have won awards for our commitments to responsible tourism, an ethos which we have adopted throughout our operations.

    Investment into our visitor facilities – such as the café, gift shop, amphitheatre, playground, gardens and walking trails – have all helped to drive visitation, and all of the revenue generated as a result goes back into feeding and caring for the rescued animals at the sanctuary. We also operate a tiered entry fee scheme so that those on a lower income can visit us – the majority of Malawians can’t afford to visit wildlife in their own national parks.

    What’s more, the existence of such a visible and popular tourist attraction within prime urban development territory has undoubtedly contributed to the protection of this beautiful 180 hectare wildlife reserve, one of the last examples of acacia combretum woodland in the region and itself an important area of urban biodiversity that is home to abundant wildlife.

    40 reviews · rating4.7

    It was an amazing experience and the staff was very friendly. However, it should be specified that new volunteers (that are not veterinarian) will be working 95% with different types of monkeys. The program itself should mention it in the description. There are no lions and any other wildlife ...
    I was at the center for 22 weeks (5 months) and I loved every second of it! It was all that I thought it would be and so much more. From the moment I arrived, late because I missed a flight; the staff took care of me. They made sure that I got picked up at the airport and help me to settle in and ...
    Ed Clark rating4.8

    2016 at Primate Release Assistant

    Working at LWC, I really got to see all sides of rehabilitation. The animals there get the opportunity to actually be released back into the wild. While I was there I got to see lots of the relocation preparations for a troop of vervet monkeys that have now been released into a National Park. And ...
    Beckie Calder-Flynn rating4.8

    2016 at Wildlife Sanctuary Rescue and Rehabilitation

    LWC has been my most amazing volunteer experience to date. Fostering orphaned monkeys, assisting with lion’s health check, traveling to Zambia on safari and exploring Malawi are only a handful of the things I’ve been involved in, and contributing to conservation and animal welfare has been ...
    LWC has been my most amazing volunteer experience to date. Fostering orphaned monkeys, assisting with lion’s health check, travelling to Zambia on safari and exploring Malawi are only a handful of the things I’ve been involved in, and contributing to conservation and animal welfare has been ...
    I had a great experience and a lovely time during the course. It gave me a lot of new knowledge and taught me to rethink some of my ideas and the way I think about certain things. I liked that the group was so small and that everyone could get the opportunity to try everything. I enjoyed both the ...

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Malawi > Lilongwe

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    English

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