- Working and bonding (no hands-on interaction) with our
resident wild cats ambassadors: leopards, cheetahs, African
wildcats, Black-footed Cats, Caracals and Servals
- Learning about the Native South African wild cat species and
the environment they live in
- Being involved in the daily care and activities. It all depends
on your own interest and passion to bond with the cats and the
people you work with
- Obtaining info about the other Wild Cats World projects around
the world
- Preparing food for the ambassadors (big and small) and assist
feeding them (of course you have to be able to prepare
meat)
- Cleaning enclosures and camps
- Cleaning of waterholes and feeding stations
- Maintenance and other farm work
- Any other animal related tasks
- Observing the different species in order to get to know them
and their specific behaviour
- Making friends for life and having new experiences
- Leave your cellphone and daily hassles, and enjoy the time in
Africa with the most amazing cats
Wild Cats World is interested to meet true
die-hard, passionate wild cats enthusiasts, who will enjoy every
moment working at our sanctuary with the amazing ambassadors to the
fullest. Good mood required.
No previous knowledge or
experience is required. It can be hard work, but it will be
incredibly rewarding. Participants must be in good health and able
to carry out all duties required of them. It is important to note
that you are expected to be fully involved in the preparation of
the meat feeding the cats (this includes removing the meat from the
bone).
You don’t need any
experience to join us, and upon arrival you will receive a
comprehensive orientation and will be fully briefed and trained in
all areas. You will be shown where everything is and
briefed exactly how to use everything. You
will not be expected to carry out any duties without the
appropriate training and supervision.
The Wild Cats World
sanctuary & conservation/awareness centre, is situated on the
Daniell Cheetah Farm near the small village Kirkwood. We are
situated on a small hour drive from Port Elizabeth (airport) in the
Addo Area. The Addo National Elephant Park is on a 45 minutes drive
from us. You can find us alongside the R75 from Uitenhage to
Kirkwood, opposite restaurant Mayogi with nice food and friendly
people.
There is never a dull
moment, volunteering and working with/for the endangered wild cats.
There’s always something with which you will be able to assist. You
will gain skills and knowledge that are priceless. You will form
bonds of understanding, love and trust between you and the animals
while interacting with people from all walks of life. Also, we are
a project who makes sure you are responsible volunteering. Read the
guide lines here, and wherever you start as a volunteer at a wild cats
project, keep thinking and asking questions, as welfare of the cats
is most important of all to us!
Typical day
Early start (7h00, morning feeding), cleaning camps, nighthouses, checking camps on irregularities, giving water, arranging meat, preparing meat (lots of work with meat, cutting/preparing the right portions for every individual cat), medical treatment if necessary, visits to collect meat/visit to vet (if necessary), keeping meatroom/freezers organised and clean, collecting and cleaning bowls and buckets after every feeding.
End of the day late afternoon (depending on season and temperature) afternoon feeding, cleaning and preparing for next morning.
Volunteers are of course welcome to take days off to do a trip and travel a bit to see more of the surroundings or South Africa. This in contemplation with the caretakers/owners.
Details on Arrival
Volunteers can join our program depending on availability during that period. No specific arrival days and/or time slots.
Free-time activities
Note: our project is not meant for volunteers who like to do "other things" apart from the regular daytrips or outings as herewith described. Our offer is for die-hards who come specifically to work with the cats and learn as much as possible. Weekends and evenings off are seldom happening, but for long-time volunteers (outside our project) it is of course possible at set times to take time off. A day trip to National Park or Game Reserve is something we do with our long-term volunteers for sure, few times.
Free time activities to the preference of the volunteer. Possible to make a day trip to Addo National Elephant Park or Private Game Reserves like Amakhala. Daytrip to the coast and Port Elizabeth. From us easy way to Cape Town by bus, flight or car from PE.
Weekends are free off for volunteers. Extra time off for these activities need to be discussed and approved of by caretaker or owner first, and is to own expense/responsibility of the volunteers.
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Program Requirements
No previous knowledge or experience is required. It can be hard work, so participants must be in good health and able to carry out all duties required of them. Dealing with meat and preparing meals is essential part of the job.
Included Services
Before your journey
On-site services
Pick up and drop off at Port Elizabeth airport arranged but excluded in fees.
volunteers stay with the caretakers in a house in Kirkwood, little town closest to our project (approx 15 minutes drive). Each have a private room (or double room if requested). Also included: bathroom, kitchen, living room, place to have a "braai" (is barbecue), a garden, parking place for few cars. House situated in a safe street, close to the supermarket and other small shops/restaurants. Dog of the caretaker is also living in and outside the house.
Program Fees
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