South Africa – Monkey and Wildlife Rehabilitation Center – Images

This project is located in the Limpopo province of South Africa. This province borders three of South Africa’s neighboring countries: Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Limpopo is rich with national parks and wildlife; it is a spectacular part of the country.

This rehabilitation center was established to accommodate and provide a temporary sanctuary for wildlife casualties, rehabilitate them to a point of self-sufficiency, and ultimately reintroduce them into nature. This center has been operating from its current premises since 1992. At first, the rehabilitation center only worked with monkeys and two indigenous species of bushbabies; however, they have expanded to accommodate baboons as well as various other animal and bird species.

Many of these primates have been injured or orphaned and; therefore, must fully mature before they can be released. The center aims to make at least 2 releases each year. This involves quite a bit of organization, research and monitoring, making volunteers a valuable resource in the rehabilitation process.

You will be involved in many tasks at the project, such as maintenance and construction of the center, feeding animals, cleaning their enclosures and handling animals. You will work alongside the full-time staff to rehabilitate the monkeys which can be released and provide ongoing care for those that cannot. You will be able to learn about the behaviors of the monkeys, how the monkeys function as a troop and more. Seasonally, you can expect to take part in the planting or harvesting of food which is used to feed the monkeys.

A typical day: At 7:00 AM, before having breakfast, you will start the day with cleaning out the cages and feeding the animals. After breakfast and lunch, your main tasks will be to care for the animals, repair enclosures or work on special projects. After dinner, you will feed the nocturnal animals.
Weekends are free after the animals have been fed and cleaned, but please be aware that during the week, free time is limited.

Please note that volunteer activities and schedules can change at any time based on the current needs of the project.

Internet: There is limited free WiFi available. You will be asked to use the Internet only between 16:00 – 19:00, except in the case of an emergency or upon your arrival (to let family know you have arrived safely). During weekends you will have more time to use the Internet.

Laundry: Laundry services are available for a small, additional fee. Sheets, duvets and pillows are provided.

Accommodations: You will stay in dormitory-style rooms with shared hot showers and western toilets. Dormitories can sleep between 2-8 people. Couples are able to receive private accommodations. The rooms are on-site and a mere 500 meters away from the animals.

Food: You will be given three meals a day. You will also have the opportunity to buy snacks and drinks in town (30 km from the center) twice a week. *If you have a specialized diet (i.e. Gluten-Free), please let us know upon registration. Some diets are difficult to keep based on the availability of certain foods.

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

• Basic level of English
• Flexibility and open mindedness
• Suggested minimum stay of one month
• Prepared to work hard
• Immunizations (please consult your doctor)
• Rabies vaccination is strongly recommended due to the nature of the work at the center

There are plenty of activities and attractions in the area including visiting the biggest baobab in the world, visiting a local village and touring the area through tree top canopies. You can also take a trip to the famous Kruger Park or hop on a bus to tour Cape Town or Johannesburg. South Africa has a popular wine route that is great to travel as well as spectacular beaches and water sports all along the coast. There are also some fun games to take part in at the center after work.

Please note: any excursions with the rehabilitation center are subject to availability and a minimum number of participants. Most require an additional fee.

Add on our eight-day Garden Route Road Trip to enhance your South Africa experience!