About the project
Volunteers are welcome to assist with this exciting conservation project for the re-introduction of lions on a beautiful reserve.
It is estimated that only 10,000-15,000 free-roaming African lions remain, down from 50,000 a decade ago. African lions are now listed as Endangered (West African subspecies) and Vulnerable (East and Southern African subspecies) by the World Conservation Union. The reason for their decline is due to disease, hunting and diminishing territories.
The reserve is set in 120 hectares of superb bush and grassland, and offers a unique aspect of close-up interaction with young lions with the view of re-introduction into the wild. 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 in excess of forty species of wildlife. Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Impala, Blesbok, Duiker, Monkeys, etc. As a volunteer in this project you will be involved in many aspects of conservation and lion care. You will also work and live with volunteers and professional staff from around the world.
Animals in focus
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Scientific name
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English name
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Panthera leo krugeri
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South African lion
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Minimum stay
Two weeks.
Number of participants
Project takes a maximum of 10 volunteers.
Minimum requirements
· There is minimum age restriction of 18, and a maximum age restriction of 50. Applicants are expected to be physically able to complete.
· Conversational English
· Strong motivation
· Keen interest in species conservation and Africa
Volunteer tasks and contribution
Working as a volunteer you will be involved in many aspects of conservation and lion care under professional supervision.
· When there are lion cubs at the reserve you will have the rare opportunity of caring for them this means being responsible for the cubs’ wellbeing. (Note: it isn't possible to determine if there will be lion cubs in advance)
· Giving the cubs comfort, feeding them with milk formula from a bottle. Replacing their mother in most 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)
· Daily Conservation course on fauna and flora in the region as well as identification of mammals, wildlife spoor, animal dung etc
· Assisting with upkeep of the small 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 at least 1 day a week
· Observing and studying the lion cubs and their behavior, cubs are very individual and even the litters vary
· Checking for snares
· Preparing lions for re-introduction program
Accommodation
Accommodation at the reserve consists of one large log cabin currently housing 6 volunteers. This facility has its own kitchen and lounge, and separate bathroom facilities for men and women. We are busy building another three log cabins each accommodating 4 volunteers each, which will allow us to accommodate a total of 20 volunteers comfortably. Each cabin will have its toilet and shower. Volunteers will also have their own pool table, entertainment area with sound system and private bar.
Not just work...
After work volunteers can relax at the reserve and play darts and pool or just sit around a bon-fire and socialize. Volunteers will enjoy cooking together and sharing cuisines from their own country. After dinner it is also possible to walk to nearest hotel bar and sometimes enjoy a night at in Port Elizabeth.
Two days can be taken off every second week, and some volunteers utilise this time to stay out overnight in town to enjoy the nightlife. One day can be taken off each week, instead of two days every second week. Time off must be arranged in advance as this normally means a lift into town. Bring your drivers licence as it is easy to hire a car for sight-seeing. It will save you hassle if you also bring a photocopy of the licence too. Volunteers have the option of doing any of the optional excursions offered by Wild At Heart, or spending their two days in Port Elizabeth itself, and taking advantage of the facilities in town, like shopping, and going to the beach.
Project start dates
7/01/08 , 21/01/08 Full
15-29/02/08 (last places)
14-31/03/08 (last places)
14/04/08 , 28/04/08
12/05/08 , 26/05/08
9/06/08 , 23/06/08
7/07/08 , 21/07/08
4/08/08 , 18/08/08
1/09/08 , 15/09/08 , 29/09/08
13/10/08 , 27/10/08
10/11/08 , 24/11/08
8/12/08 , 22/12/08
Cost
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Period
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Cost
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2 weeks
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€1,035
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3 weeks
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| 4 weeks |
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Note: These prices are based on the South African Rand and are subject to change due to shifting exchange rates.
Price includes
· GoEco's administration fee
· Accommodation at project
· All meals at project
· Training and supervision
· Airport transfers
· Transportation during project. (Does not apply to any personal visits into town – volunteers may be charged for such a service)
· Transportation between projects (combination program). Note – bus only. If volunteers want to take a quicker flight, this will be for their own expense.
You should take in to account
· Flights to Port Elizabeth, South Africa
· Travel insurance
· Personal expenses (e.g. drinks, bar, telephone etc…)
How do I Register?
Stage 1: If you would like to join this project, please complete the application form and submit it to GoEco.
Stage 2: Once we receive your application form, GoEco will evaluate your suitability for the project that you have chosen. At the same time, we will check availability of dates. (When completing your registration form, it is advisable to indicate a second and third choice in case your first choice is fully booked or the dates wanted are not available). Once GoEco receives confirmation of your acceptance to the project, we will notify you immediately by e-mail.
Stage 3: Once you have been accepted on a project and we have answered any additional queries that you may have, you will be asked to send a deposit within 7 days of €190 in order to reserve your place. This deposit is non-refundable.
Stage 4: After receiving your deposit, GoEco will send you a Disclaimer form and a Declaration form as well as a file containing all the relevant information about the project, including recommended ways to reach the site. You should return the two forms, duly signed, by mail to our office. Only upon the receipt of these forms, will we be able to complete the registration process.
Stage 5: The balance of the project fee must be transferred to GoEco no later than 60 days before the commencement of the project.
General note: It is important for you to know that during the registration process and the duration of the project, the GoEco team is always on hand to answer your questions and offer any assistance needed.
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