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Brilliant 4.75rating (69)

Animal Sanctuary Helper

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Join us in caring for a diverse range of exotic and indigenous birds and animals at the sanctuary. In your free time, explore the wildlife reserve alongside giraffes and antelopes on guided hikes
  • Learn from expert animal managers as they share invaluable insights into ethical care, focusing on the well-being and enrichment of the animals they protect.
  • Help treat, rehabilitate, and potentially release rescued wildlife brought in by members of the public. The neighboring nature reserve offers the perfect environment for their return to the wild.

Highlights

  • Join us in caring for a diverse range of exotic and indigenous birds and animals at the sanctuary. In your free time, explore the wildlife reserve alongside giraffes and antelopes on guided hikes
  • Learn from expert animal managers as they share invaluable insights into ethical care, focusing on the well-being and enrichment of the animals they protect.
  • Help treat, rehabilitate, and potentially release rescued wildlife brought in by members of the public. The neighboring nature reserve offers the perfect environment for their return to the wild.
  • Embark on a unique volunteer adventure where your passion for animals meets meaningful action. Make a positive impact through hands-on care, creating lasting change in the lives of these creatures.
  • Discover the wonders of South Africa in your free time—explore Big 5 wildlife reserves, take surf lessons on golden beaches, enjoy beach horseback rides, go quad biking, bungee jumping, and much more.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Volunteer at a sanctuary, offering hands-on care for exotic and indigenous animals that are in captivity and cannot be released back into the wild.

    What You Can Expect

    The animal sanctuary's vast size offers a wide variety of areas where you can contribute. Volunteers work together as a team, and the duties are both rewarding and allow for special moments with the animals. You’ll join groups to complete daily feeding routes, ensuring all ...

    About the program

    What You Can Expect

    The animal sanctuary's vast size offers a wide variety of areas where you can contribute. Volunteers work together as a team, and the duties are both rewarding and allow for special moments with the animals. You’ll join groups to complete daily feeding routes, ensuring all animals are well-cared for. The schedule is 5 days on, with 2 days off, giving you ample time to explore nearby Jeffreys Bay, South Africa’s surfing capital, visit wildlife reserves, or enjoy other local activities. You can also hike the adjoining nature reserve, where you might spot giraffes, zebras, and other free-roaming antelopes while bird watching or wildlife viewing.

    The Sanctuary

    Currently, the sanctuary is home to around 250 bird species, including Ostriches, Emus, Hawks, Owls, Pygmy Falcons, Blue and Crowned Cranes, Flamingos, Macaws, African Greys, Cockatoos, Amazons, and many other exotic parrots and garden birds.

    In addition to the diverse avian population, the sanctuary and the adjoining nature reserve host a variety of wildlife, such as Servals, Caracals, Ground Squirrels, Meerkats, Marmoset, Tenrecs, Grysbok, Steenbok, Blue and Common Duiker, Suni, Springbok, Goats, Rabbits, Tortoises, and various reptiles including Bearded Dragons, Snakes, and Crocodiles. Larger animals like Giraffes, Kudu, Zebras, Bushbuck, Blesbok, Impala, Nyala and Waterbuck roam freely on the nature reserve. Please note, the giraffes, particularly protective after the recent birth of a baby, are currently staying deep within the bush. Volunteers may hike the nature reserve in the free time to take in all the wonderful free roaming wildlife. 

    Morning feeds start early at 07:00 and the day normally ends at 16:00 with lots of little breaks in-between. Volunteers may be asked to help out with "seed duty" on a weekly basis which is until 17:30. 

    Your duties may include:

    • Food preparation- you will receive instruction on how to do this and what each animal's diet is and how much to give them
    • Feeding routines through designated areas around the sanctuary
    • Checking the fences of the nature reserve
    • Cleaning, tidying and repairing animal enclosures
    • Building new enclosures and expanding existing enclosures
    • Assist with the rehabilitation and release of rescued wildlife
    • Animal enrichments
    • Removing alien and invasive vegetation
    • Data collection on the nature reserve
    • Guiding tourists around the sanctuary and helping with tours
    • Cutting firebreaks- this has helped save the sanctuary during wildfires in the past
    • Assisting with general duties in the restaurant
    • Unloading deliveries
    • Administration work and any other general maintenance or project



    Typical day

    6am: grab a quick coffee or tea at the restaurant before heading to the food preparation room. Or catch a few minutes extra sleep if you prefer a bit longer of a lie in. If volunteer numbers are low and depending on the season, then an earlier or later start will take place to complete all the ...

    Typical day

    6am: grab a quick coffee or tea at the restaurant before heading to the food preparation room. Or catch a few minutes extra sleep if you prefer a bit longer of a lie in. If volunteer numbers are low and depending on the season, then an earlier or later start will take place to complete all the feeding routes in time.

    6.30am: make your way to the food preparation room where  volunteers group up and are given various feeding routines for the animal enclosures around the sanctuary to make sure the animals and birds get their necessary daily dietary needs

    9am: a quick break for breakfast at the restaurant helps you refuel for the day ahead

    9.30am to 12pm: various duties are then taken part in around the sanctuary which can be anything from cutting firebreaks, checking and cleaning animal enclosures, maintaining the wildlife reserve fence, removing alien vegetation or food preparation for the afternoon's feeding routine for a few examples

    12.30pm: time to break for lunch and take a quick break from the South African sun at the restaurant 

    2pm: the feeding routines for the animals starts again. This is always the most enjoyable time of the day spending time with the animals

    3pm to 5.30pm: time to finish off the day's duties and hopefully finish earlier than 5.30pm. Some of the allocated duties will only need a short amount of time and many hands make light work so you may be finished for the day a lot earlier by 4pm

    5.45pm: its time for a dinner and no doubt after lots of helping with the animals and birds at the sanctuary, everyone is hungry! Volunteers take it in turns to do washing up duties after everyone has eaten. For those who are not off to bed early from the long day, it is time to chill in the social area and unwind with the other volunteers, catch up on a book or watch a bit of TV

    Volunteers have 2 days off every week to get to sightsee and explore the area. 



    Free-time activities

    As the volunteer accommodation is based next to an adjoining wildlife reserve, there is plenty of time to hike and explore the reserve and view the free roaming wildlife which includes giraffe and various antelope species. 

    Beach horse-riding is also a fun activity that volunteers enjoy and free ...

    Free-time activities

    As the volunteer accommodation is based next to an adjoining wildlife reserve, there is plenty of time to hike and explore the reserve and view the free roaming wildlife which includes giraffe and various antelope species. 

    Beach horse-riding is also a fun activity that volunteers enjoy and free time is often spent at nearby Jeffrey's Bay - South Africa's surfing capital where you can go shopping ,enjoying restaurants, swimming in the beautiful ocean and even taking up surfing lessons. 

    Volunteers often hire a local taxi for trips to the world's highest bridge bungee, elephant sanctuaries, primate sanctuaries or game drives to Big 5 reserves so there is plenty to do. 

    For the ultimate experience, follow up two weeks on our Animal Sanctuary Helper project with two weeks at our Big Cat Sanctuary on a Wildlife Reserve project


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The cost of the project goes towards:

    • pre-departure support
    • staff salaries
    • marketing costs
    • admin costs
    • airport arrival and departure collections from Port Elizabeth Airport
    • shared accommodation
    • 3 meals a day
    • assisting towards the running costs of the sanctuary and animal care


    Airport Pickup at Port Elizabeth International Airport

    You will need to fly into Port Elizabeth International Airport for your collection before 15h30 (not evening arrivals) or alternatively if visiting Cape Town, you can take a coach liner up to Jeffreys Bay for collection. Airport drop offs are included in the cost of the project and we advise volunteers to book departing flights after 10h00. No weekend arrivals or departures and strictly no airport arrivals in the evening. If your flight arrives. in the evening, you will need to overnight in Port Elizabeth and make your way back to Port Elizabeth Airport in daylight hours. 

    Please do not book flights until you have booked your project and we have confirmed your dates. 

    Accommodation

    The volunteer accommodation is less than a 5-minute walk to the sanctuary and onsite. Bedrooms are rustic and shared from twin rooms to same gender dormitory-style rooms. Rooms for couples and families can be organised if booking early in advance. Bathrooms are shared. There is a small kitchenette with a kettle and a fridge for volunteers to have tea and coffee and keep cooldrink and snacks, but breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared in the main kitchen and served up at the restaurant at the Sanctuary.

    It is up to the volunteers to keep their living spaces tidy as cleaners come in on Mondays and Fridays only. Linen is provided but please bring your own beach towels. Laundry is available for a surcharge. If you would need a prepaid South African sim card, this can be bought at the project and there is Wi-Fi up at the main reception. Please bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth on your bed for the cooler winter and spring nights (June through to October).

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided. Breakfast is self-service. Meals are hearty and consist of toasts, spreads and cereals for breakfast. Lunch is normal a toastie or a wrap with a side salad or chips and dinner is a delicious, home cooked meal. South African portions tend to be quite generous. Volunteers often assist preparing meals in the communal kitchen and take turns helping to wash up afterwards. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements can be accommodated within reason but high-end vegan, gluten-free, luxury or imported food items cannot be catered for. Occasionally volunteers and staff will enjoy a typical South African braai (BBQ) together which is always a great way to end the day!

    There is a small shop to buy snacks like chocolate, ice lollies, cooldrinks and crisps

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    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

    Starting days are Monday to Friday all year around with flight arrivals at Port Elizabeth Airport no later than 15h30. Departure flights can be any time after 10h00. The day of the week you arrive, must correspond with the day of the week you finish your project. We do not do weekend arrivals or departures for this project. You will be met at Port Elizabeth Airport by a staff member and taken to the sanctuary. 

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

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 988€
    3 weeks 1,414€
    4 weeks 1,852€
    5 weeks 2,284€
    6 weeks 2,654€
    7 weeks 3,074€
    8 weeks 3,457€
    9 weeks 3,889€
    10 weeks 4,198€
    11 weeks 4,568€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 4,938€
    Average fees 452€/week

    Program fees

    452€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 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.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Volunteer photos

    2023
    I had a great time at Animal Sanctuary Helper with very supportive people. The sanctuary mainly consists of a grand variety of birds as well ...
    Maximilian Krahn

    Animal Sanctuary Helper

    2023
    I recently embarked on a truly transformative journey by volunteering at the Animal Sanctuary in South Africa. Through Volunteer World, I ...
    2023
    The sanctuary is very large and beautiful! There are 2500 birds, servals, caracals, turtles, deers, snakes, marmoset, crocodile,... And in ...
    Solange Lodomez

    Animal Sanctuary Helper

    2023
    After 2 years, i've decided to go back to Animal Sanctuary to help out! After 2 hours i've remembered everything. Still there are a lot of ...
    Yentl Regemortel

    Animal Sanctuary Helper

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Sharon
    69
    reviews
    4.75
    Brilliant
    2020
    Founded

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Afrikaans
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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