   
What an opportunity to work with lion cubs, the park has regular litters of cubs
as a breeding centre. Working as a volunteer you will have the rare opportunity
of hand rearing lion cubs of different ages. Hand rearing means being
responsible for the cubs’ well being. This is an amazing experience working with
white lions.
THE PROJECT:
Working as a volunteer you will have the rare opportunity of hand rearing
lion cubs of different ages. Hand rearing means being responsible for the cubs’
well being. Giving the cubs comfort, feeding them with milk formula from a
bottle. Replacing their mother in all ways. Doing the mothers’ job of
assisting them to urinate and defecate. (For at least the first three weeks as
they cannot do this for themselves). Cuddling and just sitting with them you
will enjoy your days in the company of the most sociable of all cats. They love
to fall asleep on your lap! Your days on Cub’s duty will include making the
various feed mixtures and preparing meat for the various age groups and having
interaction with the paying public coming to see the cubs. Interacting with the
public extends to assisting our restaurant staff during busy periods or
functions.
THE LIONS:
The lion
population in the Park is approximately 65, of which nearly 25 are sub-adults
and cubs. All the lion cubs born at the Park are hand-reared. The
cubs have been inoculated against all known feline diseases including rabies,
and have all been tested and found to be free of feline aids and TB. All
the cubs are micro-chipped. The Park boasts a variety of wildlife species like Giraffe,
Zebra, Wildebeest, Impala, Blesbok, Duiker, Monkeys, etc.
ACCOMMODATION:
Volunteers share accommodation in a four-bedded wooden cabins with
shower/toilet/basin. The beds have bedside lamps and are equipped with electric
blankets! The cabins are located within the Park, approximately 300 meters from
the restaurant / Visitors Centre and a torch is recommended for walking from the
restaurant to the cabins. Another cabin is shared and used for lectures, TV,
chatting, etc., with an adjoining kitchen. We do not allow smoking inside the
cabins. There are usually between three and twelve volunteers at any one time
THE PROGRAM:
The centre is a haven not only for lions but also several species of wildlife,
including Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Tigers, Caracals, Meerkat and several antelope
species.
Other volunteer tasks include
:
-
Conservation talks
on fauna and flora found in the region as well as identification of mammals,
wildlife spoor, animal dung etc.
-
Assisting with upkeep of
the reserve such as road maintenance, removal alien vegetation etc.
-
Upkeep and improvement of
lion enclosures for all lions.
-
Walking lions on a daily
basis, at times with paying clients.
-
Assisting with community
projects in the area.
-
Observing and studying the
lion cubs and their behaviour, cubs are very individual and even the litters
vary.
-
Checking reserve and boundaries for snares.
VOLUNTEERS
MUST KNOW BEFORE ARRIVAL
-
The
breeding centre does not always have new born baby lions available. Please verify if
that is the main reason you are coming.
See the forum to see when cubs have arrived or are expected
Lion Cub Volunteer Forum
-
The
project is located on a reserve set in 120 hectares of superb coastal forest overlooking the
Indian Ocean, and 25kms from town.
-
The
centre has in the past made most of its income from tourists, both local and
international, as well as schools coming for an educational day trip.
Visitors visit the centre to get close to the animals, especially the
lions. In some cases, to even hold the baby lions. This has made it possible
for the centre to sustain itself over the last 15 years.
-
Helping
with maintaining the property (hard work & weather permitting)Caring for
the other wildlife on the property which includes injured or orphaned
animals brought into the park. Most of them are released into the Park
Meals
All meals are provided and thus are included in your program fees.
We welcome all vegetarians and vegans as well as any other special dietary
requirements.
You will also be required to prepare your own
evening meals, This is done by volunteers together as a group.
Communication
Internet access is available at a nominal cost, and is charged at the going rate. If
you take your own laptop don't forget to bring your own converter and adapter.
Medical
All volunteers must arrive with a medical & travel insurance. We have hospitals
and medical clinics nearby and we can get normal medical care within a
reasonable time. Medical rescue is available in most countries in Africa -
please ensure your medical aid will cover that.
Volunteers must have anti-tetanus injections. Many
areas in Africa have a malaria risk, should you travel afterwards it is best to
take something for MALARIA. We suggest you consult your local doctor for malaria
medication. The area mentioned above are free of Malaria.
Requirements
· Dress
code for most projects should be natural colour clothing. (Rules of the project
should be respected to avoid expulsion from the program.)
· Wildlife
rehabilitation, re-introduction is a sensitive program where Wildlife are
encouraged to return to the wild (if possible) therefore contact with animals is
sometimes limited unless the animal is injured, orphaned or needing to be
nursed.
· There
is age restriction of min of 18yrs, but applicants are expected to
be physically able to complete tasks and generally get involved with the rest of
the younger group of volunteers.
· A
basic English understanding is required. Should there be an applicant with poor
English command he/she must be accompanied by applicant of the same language or
attend our language school.
· Our
programs are open to anyone who has an interest in Africa her Wildlife & her
people.
What Happens to my Fees
Volunteer’s fees
pay for the following:
Accommodation & meals
Transfers to and from nearest airport or similar.
Project 24
hour support
Money received from volunteers for these projects is used amongst other things
to :
o Build
new & better breeding & recovery units for wild animals in our care.
o
Improve the general conditions of the project
o Milk
formula for baby lions
o Purchase
much needed yet expensive drugs for wildlife (inoculations etc)
o Dart
gun and drugs
o Upliftment
of rural classrooms
o
Maintenance of electric fencing around breeding enclosures
o Purchase
of Wildlife to stock reserve.
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