Big Cats Sanctuary

Non-profit
·
founded in 2015
Panthera Africa
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Coordinator | Steph
Coordinator | Steph
Prenota con l'opzione Flex! Scegliete nuove date di partenza o passate a un altro programma di volontariato senza costi aggiuntivi.

Punti Salienti

Protect and work with captive bred big cats!
Explore our environmentally friendly sanctuary that is 40 hectare big!
Create awareness about the importance of animal welfare!
Work together with our experienced staff throughout the day!
Visit South Africa's top tourist attractions!
As a volunteer at Panthera Africa, we will offer you the unique opportunity to be involved behind the scenes and you can learn what it takes to run a sanctuary. This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singoli
Coppie
Gruppi
50+

Our Unique Volunteer Program

Panthera Africa is an environmentally friendly sanctuary for any captive bred big cats, where they will be protected and prosper for the rest of their lives. We have found our 40 hectare paradise with a beautiful home for the animals, the owners and the many volunteers visiting. The land is filled with lots of large trees, a natural spring and an amazing 180 degree mountain view. Panthera Africa believes in the connection between both environmental and wildlife conservation, and aims to become the first "green" big cat sanctuary in South Africa, and run solely on solar energy.

One of Panthera Africa's main purposes is to be an educational platform where we create awareness about conditions big cats face in captivity, and how animal welfare and enrichment play a vital role in giving them the best captive life possible. We are a true sanctuary where no cub petting, breeding or trading takes place. We are a blue print of how a non-profit sanctuary, focusing on animal welfare, can become self-sufficient, and we aim to change all breeding facilities into sustainable ethical programs. 

We believe in the equal importance of both humans and animals, and we will do our absolute best to give you the experience of a lifetime. We know from personal experience that this includes both quality time with animals, as well as with staff and the other volunteers. Hearing a lion roar up close, getting love and recognition from a leopard, hearing the chuffing of a tiger, or seeing them appreciate and love the toys you make to enrich their lives = BLISS.

In addition to the indescribable bonds you will form with the animals, friendships will be formed and together at the end of the day we all can share stories, hopes and dreams around the bonfire with a cold drink watching the famous African sunset.

The international volunteer program will offer you the unique opportunity to be involved behind the scenes - daily tasks will include:

  • Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
  • Creating enrichment for our big cats
  • Preparation of food and observing feeding
  • General farm work, including alien clearing
  • Assisting to educate visitors

You will work together with our staff throughout the day, who will guide and supervise you so that you will learn as much as possible from their experience.

Our Pride

Our pride consists of 28 big cats and a jackal, namely:

  • Pardus  (Black Leopard)
  • Arabella and Rays (Tigers)
  • Oliver, Obi, Jubatus, Neptune, Elsa, Zakara, Lei-ah, Jade, Achilles, Chaka, Baguira, Karlos, Ivana, Alpha and Cora (Lions)
  • Pema (Cheetah)
  • Maya (Jackal)
  • Amy, Max and Jack (Caracals)
  • Mahaba, Kamagelo, Lakanya and Balozi (Servals)

(Plus our little house pride consisting of our dogs Buddha, Orion, Kira and Leo and our cat Tarzan).

All of our animals have been rescued from breeding facilities, and most of them have been taken away from their mothers to be hand-raised by humans for the profit of money. The whole Panthera Africa pride is now living the rest of their days with us given love, respect and the best life possible in captivity.

Home Sweet Home

During your stay you will enjoy our modern, yet cozy home. The house consists of 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, a spacious and fully equipped kitchen for everyone to cook, a big living and dining room area where we enjoy dinners together, games nights, film evening or just relaxing with a nice book. Outside we have a traditional South African braai (BBQ) area, and a natural dam!

So can we start to look forward to meeting you in beautiful Stanford? Are you ready for that life changing experience? We can promise you a lot of fun and magical moments – both with animals and your new friends from all around the world! 

Being situated close to many of South Africa's top tourist attractions - Cape Town with its Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Point to mention some, Hermanus with its unbelievable whale watching cove and wine tasting, and some of the world's most amazing beaches on your door step, we and our passionate staff will do our upmost best to make this experience the best holiday of your life!

Bookings

We request bookings to be made at least 30 days before the intended arrival date, although due to the popularity of the project, we recommend further in advance. However, should you have an immediate booking request, please just send us your wish and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

We would recommend that your stay will be a minimum of 2 weeks to ensure a full experience. Shorter or longer stays can be arranged and price varies accordingly.

Our start- and end dates are on Saturdays, so please arrive and depart at Cape Town International airport between 10am and 2pm on the specific date.  

Typical day

Please find below a general outline of your days with us. We believe in not having a fixed schedule for everything, and have also learnt that plans can change every day, so the days with us are varied. There will be a difference between summer and winter months due to temperature and hours of light during the day. 

We have a morning meeting where we go through every day's schedule so everything will be planned and set up for you. There will be plenty of breaks during the different tasks, and flexibility for off sight activities, so you can expect a good variety of work and relaxation! 

Daily Schedule

6/7:00 Breakfast – Make your own with food provided

7/8:00 Morning Meeting

7/8:15 Morning Tasks

12-2:00 Lunch – Meal provided by Panthera Africa

2:00 Afternoon Tasks

6:00 Dinner – Make and purchase your own food for meal, then leasure time!

Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays are normally your days off. Thursdays are your activity days, where you might do some small work on the farm, but most of the days you will be enjoying the amazing Overberg area together with the other volunteers and staff. Saturday and Sunday you are free to explore some of the area alone or with other volunteers - this includes a night in Cape Town, a visit to a safari park...or lots more!

Free-time activities

Being situated close to many of South Africa's top tourist attractions - Cape Town with its Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Point to mention some, Hermanus with its unbelievable whale watching cove and wine tasting, and some of the world's most amazing beaches on your door step, makes this experience a perfect volunteer stay.


Water Sports
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Hiking
Riding
Yoga/
Meditation

Requisiti

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 (basic level)
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Other Skills
The main requirement we have is that there is a love for animals!
We also require a good physical and mental health as much of the work entail outside work that requires a lot of consentration and focus.
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on lunedì, martedì, mercoledì and venerdì

Servizi inclusi

Services by Panthera Africa

  • Transfers to and from Cape Town International Airport for arrival and departure
  • Accommodation
  • Breakfast at volunteer accommodation and lunch (when on-site)
  • Weekly transport to grocery shop
  • Transportation to local excursion activities once a week
  • Copy of book, "Cuddle Me, Kill Me" by Richard Peirce detailing the origin story of our sanctuary and issues facing captive big cats today!
Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

Our start- and end dates are on Saturdays, so please arrive at Cape Town International airport between 10am and 2pm on your start date, and please do not book a flight that leaves before noon on your departure date as the earliest we can get you to the airport is 10am. Should you decide to spend an extra day or two to explore Cape Town before or after your time with us, we will still use the airport as the central pick up and drop off location. Once you booked your flights, please communicate your flight details with us.

Accommodation

During your stay you will enjoy our modern, cozy home which is situated 5 minutes drive, or 25 minutes beautiful walk, from the sanctuary. The house consists of 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, a spacious and fully equipped kitchen and dining room for everyone to cook and enjoy dinners and games nights together, a cozy living room area with a fire for film evenings or just relaxing with a nice book. Outside you will enjoy beautiful mountain views, and we have a traditional South African braai (BBQ) area. There is a lovely dam and large garden with space to play games, walk or sunbathe. While enjoying a peaceful evening outside, you may just hear our pride of lions roaring in the distance.

Food & Beverages
Shopping takes place once a week to buy food for dinners and snacks, and we will take you on a small shopping trip on the way to the farm on the pick-up day so you can fill up a little bit. Please let us know at your convenience if there are any special requirements with regards to food or medical conditions so we can make arrangement should there be any.
Internet Access
Limited 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 Sudafrica.
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 Sudafrica provides security and is a plus to have.
Vaccines
If you are intending to volunteer in Sudafrica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Sudafrica.

Date e Prezzi

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Details on arrival

We have set arrival dates throughout the year, usually every other week, so please contact us with your availability.

Our start and end dates are on Saturdays, so please arrive and depart at Cape Town International airport between 10am and 2pm on the specific date. 

Availability
gen feb mar apr maggio giu lug ago set ott nov dic
Duration
2 - 12 weeks

Program fees

Costs: Prices in USD
2 weeks (min. stay)
$1.250
3 weeks
$1.740
4 weeks
$2.180
5 weeks
$2.560
6 weeks
$2.895
7 weeks
$3.370
8 weeks
$3.850
12 weeks (max. stay)
$5.770
Average fees
$553 /week

Si prega di notare che le tariffe sopra indicate sono stimate. Panthera Africa vi informerà sul prezzo finale durante il processo di candidatura.
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 Panthera Africa during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Perché prenotare con Volunteer World

Extra security layer by Volunteer World
Volunteer World è la piattaforma di confronto leader mondiale per le opportunità di volontariato internazionale. Vi guidiamo attraverso un processo di candidatura facile e sicuro - inclusi tutti i pagamenti necessari. Pianificare il vostro prossimo viaggio significativo con Volunteer World vi dà accesso gratuito al nostro:
Garanzia di qualità
Elevati standard etici & impatto sociale trasparente
Opzione Flex
Cambia la tua prenotazione senza costi aggiuntivi
Garanzia di Rimborso
Vi rimborsiamo le spese se Panthera Africa annulla il vostro viaggio
Supporto & Mediazione
Ti copriamo le spalle, qualunque cosa accada
I nostri servizi sono gratuiti!
Tutti i costi del programma sono addebitati direttamente da Panthera Africa.

What are people saying about Volunteer World?

Big Cats Sanctuary

As a volunteer at Panthera Africa, we will offer you the unique opportunity to be involved behind the scenes and you can learn what it takes to run a sanctuary.

$553/week

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