Wildlife Rescue in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Volunteer and live at an animal reserve and wildlife park located near Port Elizabeth.

This placement is definitely for nature-loving enthusiasts who are willing to work hard and aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty, but the rewards are well worth it.

The Sanctuary is home to wild cats, crocodiles, impala, kudu and other buck species, marmoset monkeys, emus and wallabies, and even some giraffe and zebra. They also have over 150 species of birds, including Spotted Eagle Owls. Apart from the wildlife, there are also domestic animals (rabbits, tortoises, etc.) and the owners have many dogs who have the run of the property.

In order to financially support the animals, the owners decided years ago to open the Sanctuary to the public as an education centre and tourism destination.

Volunteers' main duties include:

• Food preparation for all the animals and birds.
• Hand rearing of orphaned wildlife.
• Cleaning animal enclosures.
• Helping to construct/expand enclosures.
• Collecting data on wildlife within the game reserve

Other responsibilities might include:

• Helping guide tours around the sanctuary.
• Assisting with general duties in the restaurant.
• Helping unload supplies when they arrive.
• Some general admin work.
• Clearing of unwanted vegetation.
• Collecting any rubbish on the property.
• Bush clearing and road construction.
• Assisting staff with any project or maintenance work (i.e. painting fences, repairing etc)

The park itself is a lovely and a very safe place to go walking after work - it has beautiful indigenous forests of yellowwoods and milkwoods, and small savannah grassland.

The location is also an excellent springboard for traveling around South Africa. You'll have the opportunity to visit the Addo Elephant Park plus other game parks in the region. A popular trip with volunteers is to go toJeffrey's Bay (a big surfing centre in South Africa) and visit the Billabong factory.