Assisting Animal Caretaker

• 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.