Big Cats Caretaker

Non-profit
·
founded in 2010
Patrick
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Coordinator | Patrick
Coordinator | Patrick
Book with Flex Option! Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Join us and help take are of Big Cats at the amazing Western Cape of South Africa. This big Cat Sanctuary is one of the few vetted and approved big Cat sanctuaries! This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
Interested in Volunteering? Animals? Why not take part in this amazing volunteering opportunity at our Big Cats Sanctuary located in Stanford, South Africa where you will have a chance of working with experienced animal caretakers/coordinators and other volunteers from around the world to care for these magnificent big cats! 

This sanctuary focuses on being a safe haven for big cats, in addition to being an educational platform to raise awareness about the truth behind the lion and tiger industry in South Africa, and to give volunteers a unique opportunity to take part in a truly purposeful and ethical project! They share their passion, love and dedication with you, and show how animal welfare plays a crucial role in giving them the best captive life possible.

Located on 40 Hectares of land filled with the unique fynbos, large trees, a natural spring and a stunning mountain view, is what we call ‘the paradise’ that is considered home to these amazing creatures! Some of the residents are; Leopard, Lions, Tigers, Caracals & Black Backed Jackals. Come be a part of this amazing opportunity and volunteer for a minimum of 2 weeks! The work with the wildlife on the Sanctuary can be physically demanding, yet very rewarding! Join the pride and learn about the many issues that these wild animals face in captivity and get a better understanding about them and also, what it takes to care for them on a day to day basis.

The sanctuary is located in Stanford, South Africa which is the rural areas situated in the heart of the Cape Whale and White Shark Coast about 140 km from Cape Town. There are various opportunities in the area to go Kayaking, Shark cage diving, Wine tasting, Horse Back riding, Quadbiking, paragliding and so much more! 

You will be volunteering together with other international volunteers and local experience staff who will train and guide you during your stay. There are no special requirements, skills or equipment needed. 

 

Typical day

The project will offer you the unique opportunity to be involved behind the scenes and as such, your daily tasks will include:

  • Caring for the amazing big cats.
  • Enrichment program (stimulation program to activate all the animals’ senses).
  • Preparation of food and feeding.
  • Cleaning and maintaining enclosures.
  • General farm work.
  • Assisting with educating visitors.
Certain tasks will repeat itself every day for example the feeding and cleaning of these great animals while other tasks like maintenance of the compound will be more project based. 

Free-time activities

Volunteers have the opportunatiy to partake in tons of activities however,  due to the working hours you only have limited time. We therefore recommend that you do this before or after completeing the project!

Concert/
Music
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Climbing
Safari/
Zoo
Hiking
Museum/
Opera

Require­ments

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 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.
Language Skills
You need to speak English (intermediate level)
Required Documents
CV, Resume, Letter of Motivation, Two pics and Signed Policies and Liability form (provided during application process)
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 07:00 - 18:00

What's Included

Services by Fronteering Travel

The Fee includes:


  • Accommodation - You will be living in semi-private room in the Sanctuary’s guest house. Depending on how many other volunteers are attending this project at one time, you may share your room with 1 other volunteer (same sex). The house consists of 4 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, a spacious and fully equipped kitchen for everyone to cook, a big living and dining room area where everyone enjoy dinners together, game nights, film evening or just relaxing with a nice book. Outside there is a traditional South African braai (BBQ) area, and a lovely pool with a garden to sunbath for the hot summer days!
  • Meals - Volunteers will need to prepare their own breakfasts with groceries provided by the Sanctuary, Lunches are provided and prepared by the project itself, and finally volunteers will need to purchase and make own Dinners. Full kitchen privileges are available for your use, special arrangements such as vegan or vegetarian food can be made as well. The lunches offered is 99% vegetarian. Please specify any special dietary needs before you arrive, this includes special dietary needs for medical conditions.
  • Transportation - Transfers to and from Cape Town International Airport for arrival and departure and weekly transport to grocery shop and weekly excurions
  • Ongoing service and 24/7 Emergency Contact

Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

You will arrive in Cape Town where you will be met by the Project’s transport team at the arrival hall. You’ll then be transferred to the Sanctuary Guest House! 

Accommodation

You will be living in a semi-private room in the Sanctuary’s main house. Depending on how many other volunteers are attending this project at one time, you may share your room with 1 other volunteer (same sex). The house consists of 4 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, a spacious and fully equipped kitchen for everyone to cook, a big living and dining room area where everyone enjoy dinners together, game nights, film evening or just relaxing with a nice book. Outside there is a traditional South African braai (BBQ) area, and a lovely pool with a garden to sunbath for the hot summer days.

Guesthouse
Food & Beverages

Volunteers will need to prepare their own breakfasts with groceries provided by the Sanctuary, Lunches are prepared and provided by the project and finally volunteers will need to purchase and prepare own Dinners. Full kitchen privileges are available for your use, special arrangements such as vegan or vegetarian food can be made as well. The food offered is 99% vegetarian. Please specify any special dietary needs before you arrive, this includes special dietary needs for medical conditions.

Internet Access
Good access at the project site
What's NOT included?
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
Flight Tickets
The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa.
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.
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.

Dates & Fees

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Details on arrival

The project prefers applicants starting and ending on Saturdays. We advise that you arrive/depart at the Cape Town International airport between 10am and 2pm on the specific date.  Should you, however, like to make alternative arrangements with them, they will do their best to accommodate you. Please be reminded that there is a fee attached to offschedule pickups.
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Duration
2 - 4 weeks

Program fees

Costs: Prices in USD
2 weeks (min. stay)
$2,195
3 weeks
$2,795
4 weeks (max. stay)
$3,295
Average fees
$961 /week

Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated. Fronteering Travel will let you know about the final price during your application process.
Deposit (15%)
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 (85%)
Your final payment will be agreed with Fronteering Travel 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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Change your reservation at no extra costs
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We refund your fees if Fronteering Travel cancels your trip
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Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Fronteering Travel.

What are people saying about Volunteer World?

Big Cats Caretaker

Join us and help take are of Big Cats at the amazing Western Cape of South Africa. This big Cat Sanctuary is one of the few vetted and approved big Cat sanctuaries!

$961/week

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