Cape Town Wildlife Care & Community Education Volunteer Program

This experience involves volunteering to support the care and conservation of rare birds, primates, and other mammals. Based at Africa’s largest bird park, volunteers help care for birds and mammals that have been wounded or are captive for educational purposes, this includes feeding, cleaning, maintaining enclosures, nurturing and participating in school education programs.

Wildlife Sanctuaries and zoos play an important role in the conservation of threatened species world-wide, both for educating people about the importance of wildlife and nurturing support while also breeding up captive populations. Wildlife sanctuaries in Africa have come under increasing economic pressure to sustain themselves and still maintain global animal care standards and with many falling by the way-side the role of those remaining is becoming increasingly important to keep Africa’s children in touch with their legendary wildlife heritage.

Highlights

The highlights of this rewarding experience include:

• Actively participating in conservation and the education of future generations
• Gain hands-on experience while working in a successful African wildlife sanctuary, learn from experts and have up close encounters with iconic bird species
• Experience the vibrancy of life in a South African Township
• Live in and explore the city of Cape Town, soak up the sun on the beautiful sandy beaches, hike up Table Mountain and learn about the history of this iconic city

Optional extras

You can also add the following activities to your adventure of a lifetime prior to or upon arrival:

• See the penguins at Boulders Beach and explore one of Africa’s most southern points, Cape Point National Park
• Visit the Cape Wineries nestled amongst beautiful mountains
• Tour along the spectacular garden route and explore the beaches, wildlife and adventure activities such as bungy jumping and tubing
• See the great white shark up close and personal in a shark cage diving experience

Included in the cost

• Comprehensive 24 hour, 7 day a week support from All Out Africa
• Volunteer projects specifically designed to enable you to make an active contribution during your stay
• Support of volunteer project coordinators who are experts in their fields which ensures the volunteer experience is valuable
• Comprehensive orientation to the country, its culture and your role as a volunteer upon arrival
• All food and accommodation throughout your stay
• Donation to our non-for-profit foundation which supports our humanitarian and  community and conservation activities

Volunteer role

Your role is based at Africa’s largest bird park and is to assist with the daily tasks of maintaining the park including hands on care for the birds and animals. You will be involved in the preservation, breeding, feeding and caring of the birds and primates at the park, as well as educational based activities and research into the different species. You will initially work with a park ranger who will explain your role, and over time you will take on greater responsibilities for working at the park. Longer stay volunteers may participate in active roles in the animal hospital, or hosting educational groups around the park.

As a volunteer you may get involved in many of the following activities:

• Cleaning of enclosures and general maintenance
• Providing food and water to the birds and animals
• Assisting with stimulation and caring for the animals and health checks

Helping teach school groups about the wildlife and the importance of conservation