Moholoholo is currently home to over one hundred resident animals ranging from eagles, vultures, servals and honey badgers to lions, leopards, wild dogs and hyenas. For some, the nature of their injuries makes them unsuitable for life in the wild but for others, habitat loss restricts their release and they remain at the centre as ambassadors for their species. Volunteers join the dedicated team and are involved in a wide variety of tasks providing the everyday care these animals require.

The volunteer program was established in 2001 and ever since volunteers from all over the globe, travel to the wildlife rehab centre for an unforgettable experience.

The reactionary nature of the rehab will at times see volunteers involved in call outs and rescues as well as releases. When animals are admitted to the centre, volunteers are given the opportunity to observe our clinic team administering the necessary nursing treatment. For more complex cases, a veterinary surgeon will be consulted.
  • Age: min. 18
  • Location: Hoedspruit area
  • NB: You will be working 7 days a week
  • Requirements: 18 years, good physical fitness, flexible
  • Group size: max 20 participants
  • Project duration: 1 week - 8 weeks
  • Laundry:Free laundry service for your everyday clothes, but you are requested to wash your underwear and delicate items by hand or use the washing machine provided in the common room.
  • WIFI: WIFI is available for R10 per hour
  • Linen/towels:You will be provided with bed linen, however you are expected to bring your own personal toiletries and towels .
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Location
Moholoholo wildlife rehab is located near Hoedspruit

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Requirements
    The minimum age is 18 years old. There is no restriction in terms of max. age. Being fit and able to work are the main requirements due to the nature of the programme.

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    Accommodation & meals
    Accommodation and volunteer amenities are situated within the rehab grounds.Volunteers are housed in dormitory style rooms of between two and four beds. Females and males have separate accommodation. Married couples will have the option to request a two bed unit if available. All female accommodation has en-suite bathroom facilities and ceiling fans. The male dormitory has a fully equipped ablution block situated next door. Housekeeping staff will regularly clean rooms and living areas. You will be provided with bed linen, however we expect you to bring your own personal toiletries and towels. We do not provide mosquito nets but should you wish to bring your own, hooks are available above each bed. An open plan kitchen / dining area is available for communal use.

    The laundry will take care of your clothes (except underwear which is to be hand washed by yourself; washing powder is provided) or you may use the washing machine provided.

    Meals
    You will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner; these meals are included in the cost of your placement and are served in a buffet style form. Please let us know when booking if you have any dietary requirements.

    On a Wednesday dinner is provided by our sister park, Ya Mati which is a short drive from the rehab. This meal does not incur any extra charges but volunteers often take some extra Rand for a milkshake or cool drink.

    On Thursdays you will have the opportunity to relax and unwind by visiting a local restaurant however this is at the expense of the volunteer. For those who do not wish to go, dinner will be provided as normal at the rehab.

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    Babyseason
    It can start as early as the beginning of November and run through to late February. However we never guarantee that there will be babies at the centre. Nature is unpredictable; we have had some baby seasons with very few animals admitted yet found ourselves with an influx of orphans later in the year. Babies can be admitted at any time of the year and remain under the care of our staff until they have been stabilized at which point, a suitable volunteer may be asked to help care for the young orphan. Caring for one of our orphaned babies is a big responsibility but a wonderfully rewarding experience. If asked to help, you will be fully supported by the clinical team who will continue to oversee the baby’s care.

    Please understand that admitting a baby to the rehab is a last resort; where possible, these young animals should remain with their mothers in the wild.

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    Tasks
    Your day to day tasks are most important at the centre. Please keep in mind that no previous experience is needed in order for you to fulfil your daily tasks, all you will need is a love for animals and nature and be prepared to do the dirty work. Dedication and team work is the ‘key’ to a successful day of work. Working together and the tasks given be done with enthusiasm and properly will be appreciated. Remember that you are there for the animals.

    Volunteer placements are by no means easy! The very nature of the work often involves long and unsociable hours. They require hard work, a good deal of cleaning, manual labour and a degree of physical fitness and stamina. You will are involved with all aspects of animal care from enclosure cleaning to food preparation and should expect to be undertaking the following tasks:

    • Cleaning water bowls
    • Removing food bowls
    • Raking enclosures
    • Removing faeces
    • Scrubbing surfaces
    • Sweeping pathways
    • Lifting and carrying tools and equipment
    • Repairing damaged enclosures
    • Fixing fences
    • Collecting / cutting browse
    • Preparing feeds
    • Cutting up meat and chicks
    • Cleaning and sterilizing feeding utensils

    There is no typical day at the centre…ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN! Working with animals is not easy. The day often results in the disruption of the best laid plans. Animal emergencies are not glamorous. Caring for animals will delay your meals and rob you of your sleep. Please be prepared for this.

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    An average day
    (Earlier starts may be required and times can alter depending on your duties and the needs of the rehab)

    7am – Morning Rounds
    On arrival, each volunteer is placed into one of four groups; each group is responsible for the daily care of a designated number of resident animals. Delivering this care involves visual health checks, enclosure cleaning and maintenance, preparing feeds and providing enrichment. You will gain an in depth knowledge of the animals you are responsible for and will quickly recognise changes in their health or behaviour.

    8am – Clinic Clean
    Health and hygiene is of paramount importance; the clinic is cleaned twice daily.

    8:30am – Breakfast
    Volunteers take a short walk to Forest Camp where breakfast is provided for them.

    9:30am – Morning Meeting
    Updates are given on resident and rehab animals; jobs are allocated and any other business is discussed.

    10am – Big Jobs
    Under the direct supervision of staff, predator camps will be cleaned and food prepared for evening rounds.

    12:30pm – Lunch
    A buffet style lunch is brought to the common room. Volunteers are responsible for clearing away after themselves.

    2pm – Big Jobs Continued
    Volunteers return to the clinic to complete any unfinished jobs. If all tasks have been completed, volunteers can offer attention and enrichment opportunities to some of our resident animals.

    4pm – Afternoon Rounds
    Volunteers clean the enclosures and feed their designated animals.

    5:30pm – Clinic Clean
    The clinic is cleaned and disinfected in preparation for any night time emergencies.

    7pm – Dinner
    Staff drive the volunteers to dinner at Forest Camp where a hot meal will be waiting.
Dates

Very flexible! You can start at any given day of the week (except for Sunday)

Rates

Duration 2017 Fee 2018 Fee
2 weeks 1280 EUR 1400 EUR
3 weeks 1780 EUR 1900 EUR
4 weeks 2180 EUR 2300 EUR
Rates includes
  • Pre-departure information/advice on flights, visa, vaccinations, travel insurance by Intern Africa
  • Shared accommodation
  • 3 meals
  • Laundry
  • Pick up/drop off Hoedspruit - project
  • Town trips
Rates excludes
  • Flights/transfers to Hoedspruit
  • Visa fees (if required)
  • Travel Insurance

Click on below link for more information on the program

MOHOLOHOLO WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTRE









Application form volunteering

PERSONAL INFORMATION

EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS

VOLUNTEERING

OTHER INFORMATION