The wildlife park is set on 14 hectares with numerous animal enclosures and camps. All of the animal that are permanent residents are non-releasable for a variety of reasons because either to conditioned to humans, saved from the trophy hunting industry or exotic to South Africa and therefor non-releasable. Founder Melanie has a huge love of wildlife and in particular with her much loved lions and could not bear the idea that these animals could end up being hunted for trophies. Many of the animals have a story how they have been saved. For example, one of the elderly lions is blind and therefore in his case he is in a smaller lion camp for his safety and familiarity with a companion to assist him for the rest of his natural life.
Due to past trauma when rescued, some of the animals are off limits to the public as they do not like people. Volunteers will have access to these areas closed to the public.
You will find a variety of birds of prey, garden birds and exotic birds from other continents like owls, kites, hawks, hornbills, vultures, cranes, ostriches, and emus.
The animal enclosures and camps accommodate Lions, Leopards, Tigers, Serval cats, Caracal, Pumas, Cheetahs, Bobcats, Black-footed cats, Ocelots, Geoffroy’s cat, African Wild cats, Lynx, African wild dogs, Ferrets, Warthogs, Honey badgers, Porcupine, Polecats, Nile crocodiles, Genets, Wolves, Baboons, Capuchin monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Fennec foxes, Racoons, Coatis, various species of Mongoose, and Meerkats.
There is a newly established reptile section which is home to snakes, tortoises, iguanas and more.
Volunteering at the wildlife park can be a rewarding and impactful experience, as it allows individuals to contribute to wildlife care efforts while gaining valuable skills and knowledge about wildlife, animal care and conservation.
Some of the volunteer duties at the wildlife park that you may be involved in:
Animal Care: Volunteers may assist with the daily care of the animals, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, providing enrichment activities, and monitoring behaviour and health. This can involve working with a variety of species, from large mammals to smaller birds, reptiles, primates and other smaller mammals.
Enclosure Maintenance: Volunteers help maintain the animal enclosures and camps within the park by planting native vegetation, clearing invasive species, building and repairing fences and enclosures, and ensuring that enclosures and camps are clean and safe for the animals.
Educational Programs: The wildlife park offers educational programs and tours for visitors and local schools. Volunteers may assist the local knowledgeable tour guides, leading groups through the park, providing information about the animals and their habitats, and answering questions from visitors and even acting as translators.
Veterinary: Some volunteers with relevant training, interests or experience may assist the wildlife manager and private veterinary doctors with animal health checks, administering medications, assisting with medical procedures, and providing rehabilitation care for injured or orphaned animals if the need arises.
Special Projects: Depending on the needs of the park, volunteers may be involved in special projects such as building new enclosures, creating educational materials, designing exhibits, or developing conservation initiatives. Planned future projects include a reptile sanctuary and expanding and developing neighbouring land to enable the adoption of more animals that need a safe home.
Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the mission of the park and helping to ensure the well-being of the wildlife in their care.
