Exotic Primate Sanctuary Caregiver

location
2 - 12 weken  ·  Leeftijd 18 - 50+

rating  Briljant 4.7  · 
  Geverifieerd door Volunteer World
  Uitstekend Responsgraad

Highlights

  • This ethical sanctuary provides a safe haven for Marmosets, Sugar Gliders, Tamarins, Capuchins, Galagos and a Lemur. With so many animals in need of care, we welcome dedicated volunteers to help.
  • Assist with food preparation and design enrichment activities for the primates, placing them in enclosures to stimulate their minds and prevent boredom in captivity which can lead to depression
  • Monitor the primates during feeding time to ensure they are healthy and free from illness. Assist in administering medication, caring for sick monkeys, and supporting new rescues that may arrive.

Highlights

  • This ethical sanctuary provides a safe haven for Marmosets, Sugar Gliders, Tamarins, Capuchins, Galagos and a Lemur. With so many animals in need of care, we welcome dedicated volunteers to help.
  • Assist with food preparation and design enrichment activities for the primates, placing them in enclosures to stimulate their minds and prevent boredom in captivity which can lead to depression
  • Monitor the primates during feeding time to ensure they are healthy and free from illness. Assist in administering medication, caring for sick monkeys, and supporting new rescues that may arrive.
  • Veterinary students and veterinarians will have the chance to work with the sanctuary’s exotic veterinarian at their clinic. Approved volunteers may also help care for primates in the ICU.
  • In your free time, enjoy a variety of activities, including shark diving, wildlife safaris, local markets, historical tours, Zulu cultural shows, horse-riding and relaxing on stunning golden beaches.


  • Vooral geschikt voor

    Leeftijd 18+
    Alleenstaanden
    Koppels
    Families
    Groepen
    50+

    Over het programma

    The Exotic Primate Sanctuary is home to 11 different species of rescued primates, totaling around 200 individuals. Join us in South Africa to help care for them.

    Founded in 2014 by a passionate couple determined to rescue marmosets, the Exotic Primate Sanctuary has evolved into a thriving haven for various smaller exotic primate species that are non-releasable. Initially focused on marmosets, the sanctuary rapidly expanded as the need for a safe haven for ...

    Over het programma

    Founded in 2014 by a passionate couple determined to rescue marmosets, the Exotic Primate Sanctuary has evolved into a thriving haven for various smaller exotic primate species that are non-releasable. Initially focused on marmosets, the sanctuary rapidly expanded as the need for a safe haven for misunderstood primates became evident. Today, the sanctuary stands as a beacon of ethical care, providing a lifelong refuge for every primate that crosses its path.

    The sanctuary takes a strong stand against the exotic pet trade, refusing to engage in breeding, selling, or trading primates to sustain operations. Instead, it is deeply committed to educating and assisting primate owners, advocating against the purchase of primates as pets. With all necessary permits and regulations in place, the sanctuary works closely with local government authorities to ensure that the primates' wellbeing remains the top priority.

    Over the years, the sanctuary has grown to become home to 195 rescued, abused, neglected, and rehomed exotic primates. These include Bushbabies (Galagos), Squirrels, Sugar Gliders (actually a type of possum), Tufted Capuchins, Weeper Capuchins, Golden Tufted Capuchins, Cotton Top Tamarins, Golden Hand Tamarins, Marmosets, Squirrel Monkeys, and most recently, a Mongoose Lemur.

    To accommodate its diverse residents, the sanctuary features 92 enclosures and cages, including 44 large enclosures, 8 hospital cages, and 40 temporary cages for newly rescued arrivals. As the sanctuary continues to grow, so does its impact—providing a vital lifeline for exotic primates in need.

    Volunteer duties

    At the Exotic Primate Sanctuary, your volunteer experience will be hands-on and rewarding, with guided duties that may include:

    Food Preparation and Feeding:

    • Prepare specialized meals, including monkey food and porridge.
    • Serve fresh food and water to the primates during morning feedings.
    • Monitor the primates during feeding to ensure their health and spot any signs of illness.

    Cleaning and Maintenance:

    • Clean enclosures every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with most enclosures offering safe separation areas, even for the large capuchins.
    • Regularly inspect and repair enclosures as needed.
    • Keep the kitchen, office, and ICU area clean.
    • Maintain the garden and contribute to general upkeep on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
    • Build new enclosures for incoming rescues and perform maintenance on existing ones.

    Enrichment and Stimulation:

    • Get creative on Tuesdays and Thursdays by designing and placing enrichment activities in the enclosures to keep the primates mentally stimulated and prevent boredom.

    Health and Veterinary Care:

    • Assist with the introduction of newly rescued primates.
    • Provide care for sick monkeys during vet visits.
    • Help administer medication as needed.
    • Approved volunteers may assist in the ICU with primates requiring special care.

    General Assistance:

    • Help with grocery shopping for primate food.
    • Participate in market day activities twice a month.
    • Wash, dry, and fold blankets for the primates.

    This diverse set of responsibilities ensures that your time at the sanctuary will be dynamic, impactful, and full of opportunities to connect with these incredible animals.

    Veterinary students and veterinarians will have the unique opportunity to work alongside the sanctuary's appointed exotic veterinarian at their private practise, actively participating in the treatment and care of the animals they treat during their project time gaining valuable hands-on experience with other exotic animals. This is to be arranged on booking. 



    Dagelijkse activiteiten

    Here’s a general outline of the daily schedule from Monday to Friday. Weekends are your time to relax or explore, but you're welcome to lend a hand at the sanctuary if you prefer.

    05:45 - Kickstart the day by joining the local staff in the food prep room. You'll help prepare specialized meals for ...

    Dagelijkse activiteiten

    Here’s a general outline of the daily schedule from Monday to Friday. Weekends are your time to relax or explore, but you're welcome to lend a hand at the sanctuary if you prefer.

    05:45 - Kickstart the day by joining the local staff in the food prep room. You'll help prepare specialized meals for the primates and distribute fresh food and water to the sanctuary’s residents.

    07:30 to 07:50 - If you missed breakfast earlier, take a quick break at the volunteer cottage to grab a meal and fuel up for the day’s activities.

    07:50 - Begin your morning volunteer duties.

    11:45 to 12:30 - Break for lunch. With the volunteer cottage right on site, you can easily prepare a meal and take some time to relax.

    12:30 to 15:30 - Continue with afternoon tasks or complete any remaining duties from the morning.

    15:30 - Wrap up for the day and return to the volunteer cottage. Use this time to unwind, prepare supper, watch Netflix, read, or do laundry using the on-site washing machine.

    Note: You may be called to assist after hours if there’s an emergency with any of the primates.


    Vrijetijdsactiviteiten

    Durban is in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the home of the mighty Zulu Kingdom famous for the warrior Shaka. It has a subtropical climate and is home to the most amazing wildlife and vegetation. There is plenty to do in your free time whether wildlife, cultural or marine life are your interests. ..

    Vrijetijdsactiviteiten

    Durban is in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the home of the mighty Zulu Kingdom famous for the warrior Shaka. It has a subtropical climate and is home to the most amazing wildlife and vegetation. There is plenty to do in your free time whether wildlife, cultural or marine life are your interests. Here are a few suggestions

    • uShaka Marine World is definitely one of the star attractions if in Durban. You can snorkel lagoons, feed fish and rays, cage dive with sharks and “walk the ocean”. Or just catch the penguin or seal feeding times
    • Take a boat tour with the KwaZulu-Natal Shark Board, travel through harbour and watch the servicing of the shark nets
    • Visit PheZulu Safari Park to part in a Zulu cultural tour. Learn about Nqombothi (traditional Zulu beer) brewing, spear making, beading, weaving, pottery and also traditional dancing and singing. This is not to be missed and can be incorporated too with the reptile sanctuary tour.
    • Beaches…beaches and more beaches…Umhlanga is one of our favourites for swimming. And the water is usually so warm
    • Elephant Experience and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Big 5 Safari Tour. This is a full day trip to one of South Africa’s best Big 5 wildlife reserves. The full day safari starts very early and can take up to 12 hours but so worth it! You can also include visiting the elephants at Bayete Zulu
    • Visit the Anglo-Zulu war battlefields on tour
    • Do a ½ day Durban city tour visiting landmarks, botanical gardens and market for famous Durban curry spices and souvenirs
    • Do a ½ day Durban wildlife tour of Natal Sharks Board and Umgeni Bird Park
    • Overnight in the Drakensberg at a backpacker and take a 4 x 4 tour up the Sani Pass the next day to the top and visit the mountainous country of Lesotho, the highest point of southern Africa.
    • Go shark diving with black tipped sharks. As the sea has the warm Indian ocean, Durban's makes for a more pleasant swimming experience than lower down the coast.
    • Take part in surfing lessons on the golden mile of beaches or a beach horse ride
    • Plenty of nature reserves to go hiking. Durban has the most wonderful fauna and flora thanks to its subtropical humid climate

    Durban has the largest Indian community outside of Indian which has made its mark on the local cuisine. One of the most famous culinary delights coming out of Durban is the spicy bunny chow. Despite the name, bunny chows do not involve bunnies but are a spicy curry. You choose your preference for meat or vegetarian in a hollowed-out loaf of white bread and are absolutely delicious although notoriously spicy! Also enjoy fantastic samosas, breyanis and rotis!

    Boredom is definitely not an option in Durban with culture, history, wildlife, shopping, beaches and stunning scenery!


    Voorwaarden

    Voorwaarden

    Minimum leeftijd: 18 jaar

    Om deel te nemen aan het programma dien je tenminste 18 jaar oud te zijn op de startdatum van het programma. Er kunnen uitzonderingen gemaakt worden indien je een bewijs van toestemming kan aantonen van uw wettelijke voogd(en) of samen met je ouders deelneemt.

    Taalkennis

    Je dient over volgende taalkennis te beschikken Engels (basis niveau)

    Nationaliteitsbeperkingen

    Geen beperkingen. Helpende handen van over de hele wereld zijn welkom.

    Tijdsinzet

    Uw helpende hand wordt verwacht op maandag, dinsdag, woensdag, donderdag en vrijdag van 06:00 - 15:30

    Diensten ingesloten

    Diensten ingesloten

    Diensten door Volunteer Int. Adventures

    Food provided for your three self-prepared meals, shared volunteer accommodation, meeting you at the King Shaka International airport in Durban, airport collection and drop-off, pre-departure support and admin, in-country staff, 24- emergency help and a donation to the project. 

    Discounts available on group bookings and long stays. 

    Afhaal aan de luchthaven op King Shaka International Airport

    The closest airport for the Exotic Primate Sanctuary project is in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa and is King Shaka International Airport (KSIA). Arrival flights must land no later than 15h30 and departure flights must leave no earlier than 10:00. It is roughly an hour’s drive from KSIA to the project base and we like volunteers to arrive in daylight hours. 

    There will be a driver with your name on a board ready to fetch you. When your project is finished, you will be transported back to the airport for your departing flight which should leave any time after 10h00

     


    Accomodatie

    The volunteer accommodation is a charming off-the-grid stone cottage powered by solar energy and gas. Due to the limitations of solar power, high-electricity appliances such as kettles, heaters, hair dryers, electric stoves, and toasters cannot be used. However, volunteers can boil water using the four-plate gas stove.

    A short distance of 70m away are the local staff quarters and the manager's house. The cottage features a shared bedroom with two bunk beds, accommodating up to four volunteers. There is ample space for unpacking clothes, a side table, and bedside lamps. The bathroom includes a basin, toilet, and shower.

    The cottage also has its own kitchen, equipped with a gas stove, fridge, and all necessary amenities for meal preparation. The cozy lounge area offers seating, a dining table, and a TV with a media box for Netflix access. For safety, the property is equipped with an alarm system, spotlights outside the cottage, burglar bars and a security gate. Volunteers also have a two-way radio with them at the cottage in case of emergencies.

    Conveniently, the power outlets have USB fittings for charging cell phones, and there is Wi-Fi available. Volunteers have access to a washing machine for laundry needs. Bed linen and towels are provided and changed weekly. During hot summers, a fan is available for added comfort.

    Volunteers are expected to tidy up after themselves and keep the volunteer cottage clean.

    Eten & Drank

    Meals are self-prepared using the provided basic food supplies, and the water is safe to drink. You will be given a shopping list to mark your food preferences for the managers to buy for you for your meals. While we are unable to accommodate specific high-cost dietary needs such as gluten-free, lactose-intolerant, and certain vegan items, volunteers are welcome to purchase these items themselves from nearby shops. The kitchen is equipped with a kettle, a four-plate gas stove, and a fridge/freezer. Once a week normally on the weekend, you will enjoy a typical South African braai (BBQ) with the managers on the ground.

    Internet toegang

    Makkelijke toegang op de project site

    Wat is er NIET inbegrepen?

    Wat is er NIET inbegrepen?

    Vlucht tickets

    De dichtste luchthaven is King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban. We assisteren u met het vinden van goedkope vluchten naar Zuid-Afrika. VIND GOEDKOPE VLUCHTEN

    Reisverzekering

    Naar het buitenland reizen is een avontuur en het is best om goed voorbereid te zijn. Plots ziek worden of gewond raken, annulaties of diefstal - een reisverzekering voor Zuid-Afrika biedt zekerheid en is een meerwaarde. KRIJG EEN OFFERTE

    Vaccinaties

    Als je de intentie hebt om als vrijwilliger aan de slag te gaan in Zuid-Afrika dien je eerst medisch advies in te winnen alvorens je eropuit trekt. Kijk de benodigde vaccinaties na voor Zuid-Afrika. VACCINATIE CHECKER

    Gegevens over jouw aankomst

    Starting days are Monday to Fridays, all year around. We do not have arrival and departure days on weekends or South African public holidays. Volunteers must arrive at King Shaka Intenational Airport in Durban by 15h30 (daylight hours) as it is an hour's drive to the sanctuary. 

    Beschikbaarheid
    jan. feb. mrt. apr. mei. jun. jul. aug. sep. okt. nov. dec.

    Programmakosten

    2 weken (min. verblijf) 971€
    3 weken 1.374€
    4 weken 1.778€
    5 weken 2.181€
    6 weken 2.585€
    7 weken 2.900€
    8 weken 3.278€
    9 weken 3.657€
    10 weken 3.997€
    11 weken 4.375€
    12 weken (max. verblijf) 4.754€
    Gemiddelde kosten 440€/week

    Programmakosten

    440€ per week 2 - 12 weken Leeftijd 18 - 50+

    Betaalmethodes

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    GEEN CREDITCARDKOSTEN


    Duurtijd

    2 - 12 weken

    Waarborg

    De waarborg dient om je plek als vrijwilliger te verzekeren. Betalingen worden door PayPal behandeld, onze betrouwbare betalingsprovider. Indien je niet over een PayPal account beschikt, kan je ook met een credit kaart betalen.


    Finale betaling

    Uw finale betaling zal worden goedgekeurd door Volunteer Int. Adventures gedurende de aanmeld procedure. Veel voorkomende oplossingen zijn een banktransfer of contante betaling op de projectsite.


    Ontmoet je organisatie

    Volunteer Int. Adventures

    Briljant 4.7 rating (70 beoordelingen)

    Agentschap - opgericht in 2020

    Geverifieerd door Volunteer World

      Uitstekend Responsgraad

    Gepresenteerd door

    Sharon

    Gesproken talen: Afrikaans, Engels

    Over de organisatie

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

    Ontmoet je organisatie

    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 beoordelingen · 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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