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GYC2159 - Work with South African wildlife Country: South Africa Cost: £1945.00 Please note: The price for the one month project is £1345. Cost Includes: The price includes accommodation, food and pickup from airport but does not include flight, insurance, kit or visas     Duration: 2 months Company Rep Nearby: All the time 0845 344 7585 or

 

	This placement would suit... Those who love animals and the great outdoors. The sanctuary is home to many different wild and domestic animal species and about 150 different species of birds. Most of the animals were taken in because they had been badly injured, abused or orphaned, and some are 'unwanted pets'. On this very worthwhile and necessary Project, your work will assist in hand-rearing, feeding and looking after the wildlife, as well as many other chores in the Sanctuary. The Sanctuary and Wildlife Park is situated 50 km south west of the city centre of Port Elizabeth, on the Eastern Cape’s sunshine coast, in a malaria-free area. Set on 1000 hectares of superb bush and grassland, the sanctuary was started, and is run, by Percy and Sandy, who were originally farmers on the current piece of land and have lived there for over 25 years. Having always had an interest in the rehabilitation of orphaned and injured animals, they decided to retire from farming and concentrate on building a larger sanctuary where they could take in and look after animals who needed a home. The owners boast the most incredible animal enclosures and aviaries in which they house the many species brought to them by the public. They currently accommodate some wild cats, crocodiles, impala, kudu and other buck species, marmoset monkeys, emus and wallabies, and even some giraffe and zebra. They also have over 150 species of birds, including some Spotted Eagle Owls. Apart from the wildlife, there are also domestic animals (rabbits, tortoises, etc.) and the owners have six dogs who have the run of the property. They are constructing natural habitat enclosures for two new lion cubs as well (as at June 2005) which they are hoping will be with them in the near future. The Sanctuary will also shortly be acquiring some cheetahs who are being donated to the Park to live out the rest of their lives. Some animals are able to be returned to the wild, like some of the buck, raptors and birds, but unfortunately most will need to stay in the Sanctuary for the rest of their lives. Work on this project ranges from hands-on with the animals, to helping and guiding the tourists or assisting in the restaurant and bar. Some of your work will also include general chores in the Park itself. Briefly, your responsibilities will include some or all of the following: -Food preparation for all the animals and birds. You'll learn which animals eat what food, how to prepare it and and how much to give them. -Hand rearing of orphaned wildlife, including birds. -Mucking out and tidying enclosures, and, when necessary, helping to expand existing enclosures or constructing new ones. -Collecting data on wildlife within the game reserve section of the park. This will include, for example, monitoring the movements of wildlife and occasionally doing game counts. South Africa is a huge, beautiful and rapidly changing country. Taking our wild life sanctuary placement will put you at the forefront of this change. Travellers’ placements are very flexible and can be combined with any other Travellers placement and tailor made to your requirements! 0845 344 7585 Travellers Worldwide: Live and work abroad helping children, adults, animals and entire communities in less advantaged countries. Learn about their culture from the inside! Stay from as little as two weeks to as long as one year - you choose your dates and duration!