The centre is managed by the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF) and the Pandrillus Foundation, a US non-profit NGO also registered in Nigeria and Cameroon. Our aims are to:
- Rescue, rehabilitate and release wildlife rescued from the illegal bush meat and pet trades, and ensure high quality animal husbandry standards and veterinary care for all animals.
- Help secure the long term survival of threatened and endangered species native to Cameroon through conservation education and alternative employment programmes to hunting for the local community.
- Work with law enforcement agencies to combat the illegal bush meat and wildlife trades.
Every year we welcome approximately 50,000 visitors to the centre, of which 95% are Cameroonians. Furthermore, every year we engage with more than 1,100 children through our education outreach programmes. Our ultimate goal is to enable rehabilitated individuals of threatened species to be reintroduced to restore wild populations when and where appropriate, while supporting national law enforcement efforts.
Currently, we provide care to more than 250 animals. These animals include the Western Lowland Gorilla (critically endangered), Central and Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee (endangered), Drill (endangered), Preuss Monkey (endangered), and the African Grey Parrot (endangered).
Become a Volunteer
Short-Term
Limbe Wildlife Centre runs a volunteer program that allows individuals to participate in the daily work of the sanctuary. As a volunteer, you will work hands-on with our staff and help to care for rescued primates, including gorillas, chimpanzees, drills, mandrills, and baboons.
Volunteers assist our experienced caregivers with their daily activities, including:
- Animal observation and monitoring
- Food preparation and feeding of animals
- Cleaning of cages
- Providing enrichment
- During the school year, volunteers have the opportunity to work alongside the education team and travel to local schools to educate children about wildlife conservation.
Our program is open to anyone who has an interest in wildlife conservation. Volunteers typically work for 5-6 days a week for a period of 1-3 months, and are provided with housing a short 10-minute walk from the project. The cost of the program is €250 per week, with fees going directly to the running costs of the project and living expenses, including basic accommodation and lunch on work days. Your time and financial support make a big difference for all of the rescued animals that have been given a second chance at life by Limbe Wildlife Centre.
Volunteer Veterinarian Program
LWC also runs a volunteer veterinarian program to provide assistance to our Cameroonian veterinary team. We are looking for qualified veterinary surgeons, preferably with the experience of a post-graduate qualification in working with wildlife species. This rotating position is for a minimum duration of 6 months.
Our veterinary team consists of two veterinary surgeons and a nurse/laboratory technician. The clinic currently has a basic field laboratory with parasitological, haematological, and microbiological capacity. Volunteer veterinarians work in the clinic and become part of our veterinary team for the duration of their stay. This is an excellent opportunity to work in the field of conservation medicine whilst gaining invaluable practical experience working with endangered Central African wildlife species.
Questions?
If you are interested in applying to be a volunteer at LWC, please contact us.
