SOUTH AFRICA: Conservation with Lions and other Big Cats in a Wildlife Sanctuary nr Cape Town

Company : Travellers Worldwide
Location : Knysna
Duration: 1 week to 3 months
Approx Costs: 1250 to 3000+ £ Pound (UK)

Lions, Leopards, Tigers, Caracals ... Get up close and personal with big cats! This is a truly unique and exhilarating experience to get involved behind the scenes in a big-cat sanctuary.

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Get up close and personal with big cats! You'll work behind the scenes in a sanctuary currently looking after Lions, Leopards and Tigers. You’ll help with all aspects of the day to day running of a big cat sanctuary, with the focus being on education and enclosure enrichment for the cats. This is a true conservation sanctuary and no ‘cub-petting’, breeding or trading takes place!

The sanctuary is situated on a 40 Hectare ‘piece of paradise’, environmentally friendly and was created to rescue and care for captive-bred big cats, giving them a safe haven.

You’ll help with all aspects of the day to day running of a big cat sanctuary, with the focus being on education and enclosure enrichment for the cats. You’ll work in some or all of the following areas:

Caring for the amazing big cats
Enrichment program – to improve the enclosures and provide entertainment for the cats
Preparation of food and feeding tasks
Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
General farm work
Educating visitors (training provided)

Hear and feel a lion roaring up close, get love and recognition from a leopard, experience the loud ‘chuffing’ of a tiger and see these previously rescued cats appreciate the toys and enrichment you provide for their enclosures and everyday enjoyment.

The sanctuary is caring for 23 predators, mostly big cats. The animals currently there include:

1 Leopard
1 Black leopard
11 Lions
2 Bengal Tigers
2 Cheetahs
3 Caracals
3 Jackals

"I have the amazing news that we have had our tiger operated today for cataracts on both eyes, and she is now back and can see!! AMAZING!!! Miracles truly do happen!!

Just wanted to share this and thank you again for sending [volunteers] to us, so we can continue this important work for the cats!" Catherine (Project Founder)

ACCOMMODATION:
During your stay you will enjoy the modern, yet cosy home on site. The house is situated in the middle of the property, so you'll be surrounded by the spectacular mountain views and feel at peace with nature whilst listening to the lions roar.

The house consists of 5 bedrooms with 5 bathrooms, a spacious and fully equipped kitchen, a big living and dining room area and an indoor and outdoor braai (BBQ). There is also a nice swimming pool to cool down during hot summer days. There is WIFI in the house.

You'll share a room with 3 other volunteers. For the nature lovers and brave-hearted people, you also have the choice to spend a night or two in hammocks under the African stars!

FOOD: Breakfast and lunch is provided, but you'll need to provide and cater for your own dinner. You have the choice of cooking your meals at the house, which has all the facilities you'll need. Alternatively, you can enjoy a variety of suppers at one of the many restaurants close by.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

Start Dates

All year round – programmes begin and end on Saturdays.

Costs / Benefits

From £945 for 1 week, then £250 for each additional week. Price includes:

►Arranging your Programme,
►Full pre-departure support and assistance,
►Payment Protection insurance,
►Accommodation,
►Food (breakfast and lunch)
►Meeting you at the nearest airport,
►Transfer from Cape Town to your Project site
►Local in-country team support and backup,
►24-hr emergency support,
►Certificate of Completion.

NOT INCLUDED:
Flights, Insurance, Cost of Visas, Return transfer to airport.

Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, home stay, apartment or flat).
You'll also receive a free T-shirt.
You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

Minimum age 18. No qualifications necessary. No qualifications needed, just a big heart and a love of big cats and their conservation. Please note, you will need to be able to carry out physical tasks on a daily basis as part of your placement.

Booking / Enquiry

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