COME AND VOLUNTEER AT WILD CATS WORLD!
Volunteering at Wild Cats World, Eastern Cape S.A. means working with different species of wild cats, like leopard, cheetah, but also with the smaller species African wildcats, Black-footed cats, Caracals and Servals. We have a short term and a long term volunteering offer. Write for the most accurate info to info@wildcatsmagazine.nl
Volunteers at work
- Thomas and Lorraine
- Andrea Zimmermann
- Nancy van der Lans
- Penny Hamilton
- Jason Lobdell
- Samantha Dann
- Walter Münz
- Melanie Koller
- Rutger de Lange
- Fiona Barnes
Special volunteering opportunity for longer periods
For true die-hards or genuine caretakers we in Wild Cats World have a special offer. We do offer people the chance to come and work for a longer period of time at our Spotted Cats Conservation project in South Africa. We give you the opportunity to spend time in South Africa and actually work with the amazing African wildcat species in our project, like leopards, cheetahs, servals, caracals, African wildcats and Black-footed cats, caring for them, spending time with them and learning about them, having the ultimate African experience for a longer period of time. A different way of volunteering without the extra volunteering costs. There’s accommodation in Kirkwood (close town near our farm), room(s) for rent for a very good monthly price. For more info write to us, info@wildcatsmagazine.nl. It is important to ask for availability and book in advance as we can only have 2 (or max. 3) people at the same time. This opportunity is just for volunteering periods of time for one month and more.
Project Highlights / What Do Volunteers do?
- Working and bonding (no hands-on interaction) with our resident wild cats ambassadors: leopards, cheetahs, African wildcats, Black-footed Cats, Caracals and Servals
- Learning about the Native South African wild cat species and the environment they live in
- Being involved in the daily care and activities. It all depends on your own interest and passion to bond with the cats and the people you work with
- Obtaining info about the other Wild Cats World projects around the world
- Preparing food for the ambassadors (big and small) and assist feeding them (of course you have to be able to prepare meat)
- Cleaning enclosures and camps
- Cleaning of waterholes and feeding stations
- Maintenance and other farm work
- Any other animal related tasks
- Observing the different species in order to get to know them and their specific behaviour
- Making friends for life and having new experiences
- Leave your cellphone and daily hassles, and enjoy the time in Africa with the most amazing cats
Participant Requirements
Wild Cats World is interested to meet true die-hard, passionate wild cats enthusiasts, who will enjoy every moment working at our sanctuary with the amazing ambassadors to the fullest. Good mood required.
No previous knowledge or experience is required. It can be hard work, but it will be incredibly rewarding. Participants must be in good health and able to carry out all duties required of them. It is important to note that you are expected to be fully involved in the preparation of the meat feeding the cats (this includes removing the meat from the bone).
You don’t need any experience to join us, and upon arrival you will receive a comprehensive orientation and will be fully briefed and trained in all areas. You will be shown where everything is and briefed exactly how to use everything. You will not be expected to carry out any duties without the appropriate training and supervision.
The Wild Cats World sanctuary & conservation/awareness centre, is situated near the small village Kirkwood. We are situated on a small hour drive from Port Elizabeth (airport) in the Addo Area. The Addo National Elephant Park is on a 45 minutes drive from us. You can find us alongside the R75 from Uitenhage to Kirkwood.
Write us and ask for the different offers for volunteering, with different prices. Accommodation self- catering.
There is never a dull moment, volunteering and working with/for the endangered wild cats. There’s always something with which you will be able to assist. You will gain skills and knowledge that are priceless. You will form bonds of understanding, love and trust between you and the animals while interacting with people from all walks of life. Also, we are a project who makes sure you are responsible volunteering. Read the guide lines here, and wherever you start as a volunteer at a wild cats project, keep thinking and asking questions, as welfare of the cats is most important of all to us!
RESPONSIBLE VOLUNTEERING
Africa captures the fascination of everyone who is fortunate to visit. In particular when visitors are able to interact with wildlife. Many lodges, game farms and breeding centres offer volunteer opportunities working with wildlife. However, before taking an opportunity to work with or photograph any captive carnivore as a volunteer or visitor, please take an active role in putting an end to the unethical keeping of wild animals by asking the following questions:
- Where is the cub’s mother
- Why is the cub not being raised by its mother?
- What happens to the facility’s cubs when they grow up?
- If they are released into larger wildlife areas, where are these and can the facility provide documentation to prove a viable and ethical release process?
- If, and therefore once cubs have been released, do they have the opportunity to live out their natural lives, or are they hunted?
- If they are sold to game reserves, is their future secure or is this a cover for simply being hunted?
- If they become part of a breeding programme, for what purpose?
- What happens to the facility’s surplus animals?
