South Africa Wildlife Sanctuary: How You Can Volunteer
Have you always dreamed of being a wildlife volunteer in Africa?
My month long experience volunteering with wildlife conservation in South Africa was one of the most amazing times of my life. And you can do it, too!
Africa’s epic wildlife is one of the earth’s finest natural resources. The South Africa Wildlife Sanctuary is a facility that provides refuge and protection for a wide range of wildlife species.
This includes endangered ones. Located near Hartebeespoort, South Africa, it’s an oasis for any animal that needs sanctuary.
Orphaned or injured animals such as lions, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs and giraffes are just a few of the creatures that come through the doors here.
Every day our wildlife faces dangers and hardships, many of which are caused by humans. When a rhino mother is poached, her calf is left motherless.
If a lion is caught in a snare left for other animals by locals to protect their livestock, the lion will suffer and die without help.
The Sanctuary works hard to provide all these species with a safe, secure and comfortable environment. They also have a dedicated team of professionals that work to monitor, study, and care for the animals.
If you’d like to join them in their wildlife conservation efforts, read on to learn about the opportunity to volunteer!
The South Africa Wildlife Sanctuary
This extraordinary Sanctuary works hard to be an example of conservation excellence. It works closely with the local community to foster a symbiotic relationship between humans and wildlife species.
The work they do helps to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our planet’s fragile ecosystems.
The Sanctuary is dedicated to helping preserve some of our most precious wildlife species for future generations.
Every year, they receive countless animals in need of medical attention and general care. It might be an orphaned baby elephant or a lion that has been injured by poachers.
These creatures arrive at the sanctuary with various health issues ranging from malnutrition to infection.
They often require intensive care and attention from trained professionals in order to recover and go on to live healthier lives.
Many of these animals come to the sanctuary with injuries that require extended treatment. This very often means that the animal becomes too habituated to humans to safely leave the Sanctuary.
This South African animal sanctuary works diligently to address this issue and provide the best possible care for each animal they receive.
Veterinarians are employed who are skilled in diagnosing and treating a variety of medical issues. This makes them able to provide the best possible care for each type of situation they encounter.
They also have programs in place that focus on providing nutrition. Special diet plans are devised to help animals recover from malnourishment and gain strength.
Animals that have suffered trauma due to poachers or other humans require special attention in order to heal and recover fully.
With the help of dedicated staff and volunteers, they provide a second chance for many vulnerable animals.
How You Can Help the Sanctuary Help the Animals
If you want to lend a helping hand, consider volunteering at the South Africa Wildlife Sanctuary! The contribution of your time can make an immense difference in saving these innocent lives.
The Sanctuary has a highly rated and ethical program for volunteers to help with the day-to-day operations of the sanctuary.
➤ As a wildlife sanctuary volunteer, you might assist with ongoing construction projects, such as firebreaks to protect vulnerable animals and the sanctuary itself from bushfires.
➤ Enclosures and anti-poaching fencing, as well, are in constant need of maintenance or new construction. Other tasks such as painting may also be on your to-do list.
➤ On other days you might find yourself involved with keeping the facility clean for the animals. Volunteers are needed too, to assist with feeding and exercising the patients and inhabitants of the sanctuary.
➤ The vulture kitchen is another interesting aspect of the work that’s done at the Sanctuary. It is a common practice by poachers to poison vultures to prevent the scavengers from alerting authorities to a kill.
The vulture kitchen provides healthy, clean meat for the endangered birds. You could get the chance to discover how interesting these often-misunderstood creatures are.
Keep in mind, though, that working directly with the animals is not a given. These opportunities depend on the animals who are calling the Sanctuary home while you’re there, as well as their condition.
During your time here you will only be on duty for 6 days a week. On Sundays, volunteers are free to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the area.
The Sanctuary is located 40 minutes from the urban centre of Johannesburg. It lies just outside the resort town of Hartbeespoort – “Harties” – between the Magaliesberg Mountains and Hartebeespoort Dam.
The Sanctuary has planned outings that you can purchase, such as hiking, game drives, and elephant walks.
As well as, there are add-on excursions that you can take advantage of once your volunteer experience has come to an end.
For example, you and your new volunteer friends may decide to spend 3 days exploring Kruger National Park. Or you could dive into an 8-day road trip along South Africa’s world-renowned Garden Route.
What It Takes to Volunteer with the South Africa Wildlife Sanctuary
➤ Volunteers are required to commit to a minimum of 1 week plus a 2-day orientation. The maximum term is 12 weeks.
➤ You must be aged 18-25 and an English speaker in order to be eligible to volunteer at the Sanctuary.
The cost of this volunteer experience is quite in keeping with other wildlife volunteer programs in Africa.
You can even find scholarships and links to fund raising ideas for volunteers who need assistance to take part in the program.
There is nothing more rewarding than helping save our planet through our wildlife.
What does the South Africa Wildlife Sanctuary do?
Their purpose is to provide medical attention to animals that have been injured and/or orphaned. They will continue to care for the animals, providing a home and comfortable life, for as long as necessary.
How does the South Africa Wildlife Sanctuary support the community?
The Sanctuary supports the community by taking in and caring for injured animals that may be a danger to the people there. They also welcome volunteers who contribute to the local economy.
Is South Africa famous for wildlife?
Yes! South Africa is known around the world for its spectacular wildlife. The country is home to many parks and reserves, especially, where the public can go to see Africa’s epic wildlife.
In South Africa, you can see the Big 5, which includes lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and Cape buffalo, as well as hundreds of other mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects.
Summing It Up: the South Africa Wildlife Sanctuary
The South Africa Wildlife Sanctuary is a remarkable place that is dedicated to conserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species.
If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in the world, consider visiting the South Africa Wildlife Sanctuary.
Your visit will not only help support this amazing cause but will also give you an up close and personal view of some of the most fascinating animals on earth.
So, come and discover why this Sanctuary is so important and help make a difference in our planet’s fragile ecosystems.
Happy travels!
Read More About Africa:
➵ 14 Reasons to Visit South Africa
➵ 30 Photos to Inspire You to Visit South Africa
➵ Find Your Dream Destination in Africa
➵Volunteering in Africa with Animals – Best Programs in 2023
➵ Travel Resources
