Prepare for lots of monkey hugs as a volunteer at this primate rehabilitation centre in rural Africa. Become a surrogate parent to orphaned and mistreated monkeys and baboons, helping them on a journey back to life in the wild. Find out more!
What will I be doing?
All tasks undertaken here are demand-driven, and these can vary throughout the year and depending on whether a release is imminent. One day you may be caring for orphaned babies, the next you may be transporting seven or eight monkeys and baboons around the centre on your head, in your arms or clutching your feet. Actual tasks that you might help in, though, are as follows:
• Feeding baby monkeys and baboons
• Cleaning enclosures
• Preparing food for the adult monkeys and baboons
• Taking the young monkeys and baboons to bathe – one of the highlights of volunteering with monkeys!
• Helping to prepare for current and future releases
• Planting and picking fruit and vegetables for the monkeys from the centre’s own garden
• Chopping down grasses for the monkeys
• Helping with the food collection forays at local farms- a fantastic way to see the surrounding area
• Caring for the various quarantined adult monkeys
• Helping with veterinary procedures when necessary
• Feeding and caring for the other animals at the centre
• Monitoring the progress of the 400 monkeys and baboons as they gain strength, adapt to family life and get released into the wild in their new family.
What vaccinations will I need?
You should visit your doctor or travel nurse to find out what vaccinations you will need. Your routine vaccinations will need to be up to date; hepatitis A and Typhoid are likely. You should follow your doctor’s advice.
How far from town will I be?
The town is 30 minutes’ drive away on a good road. It has all you need – shopping malls, banks, lively places to eat and drink and good medical facilities. There are regular trips there. However, it is a testament to life at the centre that once volunteers settle in, most prefer to stay there rather than take the opportunity to go to town.
Program Location:
Tzaneen, Limpopo, South Africa
Reviews (1)
Such a hands on project
Reviewed
on Sep/23/2020 by Harriet
I had such a great time on this project, it was so hands on and I met loads of nice people. We were busy all day and it was hard work, but it was all fun and you spend so much time with other volunteers that it doesn't feel like hard work!
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I had such a great time on this project, it was so hands on and I met loads of nice people. We were busy all day and it was hard work, but it was all fun and you spend so much time with other volunteers that it doesn't feel like hard work!