Assisting Animal Caretaker
Coordinator | Babette
Coordinator | Babette
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Volunteer to make unforgettable experiences with the African wildlife
Assist caretakers to give the best care
Show a hands-on mentality and turn your cat enthusiasm into expertism
Form bonds of understanding, love and trust between you and the animals while also interacting with the native people
Benefit as a long-term volunteer from a variety of free time activities
Volunteer with us & have a wonderful time working in our sanctuary with the amazing African species: leopards, cheetahs, servals, caracals, wild- & Black-footed cats!
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 19+
Singles
Couples
50+
Wild Cats World Sanctuary, dedicated to give the African native wildcatspecies, big and small, a safe and healthy forever life.
We don't have the "ordinary" volunteering program as we
really need serious people, assisting our caretaker team, who
preferably stay long-term. (starting from 2 weeks stay).
Project Highlights / What Do Volunteers
do?
- 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 in Bela Bela (warmbath). We are
situated on 2 hours drive from Johannesburg airport. We are living in a natural area with lots of wildlife, amazing birds and mammals living freely on the farm and surrounding area. Meet a fantastic herd of elephants at our close neighbours. You are welcome to travel and visit places like the Kruger park or other private game reserves or wildlife sanctuaries in the neighbourhood and our skilled caretakers will help you out during your journey to get the best trip ever.
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!
We were based in Kirkwood, Eastern Cape until February 2021, but now we continue the official sanctuary on own property, Bela Bela/Limpopo.
To be really free to visit other projects and places close to our sanctuary, it is best to rent a car. No problem to arrange "chill time" when volunteering with us.
Wildcat Conservation
Caracal Conservation
Leopard Conservation
Cheetah Conservation
African Wildcat
Black-footed Cat
Caracal
Serval
African Leopard
South African Cheetah
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.
We are living in a natural area with lots of wildlife, amazing
birds and mammals living freely on the farm and surrounding area. Meet a
fantastic herd of elephants at our close neighbours. You are welcome to
travel and visit places like the Kruger park or other private game
reserves or wildlife sanctuaries in the neighbourhood and our skilled
caretakers will help you out during your journey to get the best trip
ever. To be really free to visit other projects and places close to our
sanctuary, it is best to rent a car. No problem to arrange "chill time"
when volunteering with us.
Free-time activities
We are living in a natural area with lots of wildlife, amazing birds and mammals living freely on the farm and surrounding area. Meet a fantastic herd of elephants at our close neighbours. You are welcome to travel and visit places like the Kruger park or other private game reserves or wildlife sanctuaries in the neighbourhood and our skilled caretakers will help you out during your journey to get the best trip ever.
Everything is to own expense/responsibility of the volunteers.
Swimming
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 19 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.
You need to speak English (basic level)
motivation letter
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Volunteers have to be true die-hards, passionate wild cats enthusiasts.
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.
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.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
07:00
- 18:00
What's Included
In the price is included: pick up and drop off airport, welcome meal, accommodation with breakfast/dinner (soft and strong drinks not included), volunteering opportunity and guidance, transport to nearby town.
We organise pick up and drop off at set times. We will organise this with the volunteers before booking the flight.
Volunteers stay with the caretakers in a house with great look-out, on the property. Each have a private room (or shared room for couples). Also included in the house: bathroom, kitchen, living room, place to have a "braai" (is barbecue), a garden, parking place for few cars. Our lovely domestic cats are keeping the guests company. Also an Anatolian shepherd is living in/near the house. This is for extra protection.
Welcome meal, daily breakfast and dinner, coffee/tea but no soft drinks or alcohol included.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa.
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.
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.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
Volunteers can join our program depending on availability during that period. No specific arrival days and/or time slots. Preferable arrival at Johannesburg airport around noon. You can always stay the night in Johannesburg, as there's many hotels close to the airport, to set a better time for pick up.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 24 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$800
5 weeks
$1,350
7 weeks
$2,000
9 weeks
$3,400
24 weeks
(max. stay)
$9,600
Average fees
$400
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Wild Cats World
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
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.
Your final payment will be agreed with Wild Cats World during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
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application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
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High ethical standards & transparent social impact
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Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Wild Cats World cancels your trip
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Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Wild Cats World.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Assisting Animal Caretaker
Volunteer with us & have a wonderful time working in our sanctuary with the amazing African species: leopards, cheetahs, servals, caracals, wild- & Black-footed cats!
$400/week
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