General Info
The wildlife Orphanage was established in 1973 by ex-game ranger Vivian Wilson and his wife Paddy, and its primary function is to offer a home to orphaned, abandoned and sick wild animals. It is however not a zoo. Wherever possible, rescued animals and birds are rehabilitated and returned to the wild. If safe release into their natural habitat is not possible, animals are cared for and kept for educational purposes and zoological study. In the case of endangered species, captive breeding programs may also be undertaken. The Wildlife Orphanage is a registered Welfare Organization (38/77) in Zimbabwe. Another of the wildlife orphanages aims is to educate the Zimbabwe public, especially young children, with the aid of live viewing of many species not easily seen in the wild. Provide relevant lectures, film and slide shows for visiting groups. Thus providing a local resource centre for children to appreciate the important value of Zimbabwe’s natural heritage.
Why The Needs Of Volunteers?
Volunteers are required at the wildlife orphanage to help make a difference to these animals lives as well as to help the local communities understand about the importance of preserving these wonderful animals for future generations to come. The more help received by volunteers the more the orphanage can improve its facilities and operations in helping orphaned and stranded animals in the wild.
Volunteer Activities
During your first week you will be getting to know how the orphanage runs, during this time you will work with the different teams. You will get an introduction into working with the carnivores, primates, birds of prey, snakes and domestic animals.
Your main duties will include;
- Preparing food for the animals, all the different sections are different as they all require a specific diet.
- Feeding the animals, some of the animals are dangerous so the volunteers get to observe while the workers feed them, these are animals such as the snakes and crocodiles.
- Clean out enclosure, this does including the large carnivores.
- Helping with enrichment ideas for the animals.
- Helping to build and maintain enclosures.
- Giving tours and educating the public.
- Hand rearing orphans that come into the orphanage, this is the most rewarding task as you get to comfort them when they cry, feed them when they get hungry and generally just play with baby animals. This can also be very tiring as they may need feeding during the night or just need a cuddle when they get scared.
Volunteers are expected to work 6 days a week and have Mondays off. No experience is needed to work with the animals as all the training will be provided. All we ask is that you’re enthusiastic and dedicated to working with animals. You will work 7 hours a day but will always be on call during fire season and when we have babies in. Baby shifts will be shared out between the volunteers as we would not expect them to be awake with them all night.
The Required Skills
You will need to be hard working and have a love for animals. You need to be committed to your placement and embrace the local community. You will require patience and good entrepreneurial skills along with good initiative. You are sometimes required to work long days so you must prepare for this.
Local Facilities
You will be located on site within the wildlife orphanage, everything you need as your day to day requirements will be available to you on site including all food, water and plenty of activities for you to participate in. The wildlife orphanage is located 25kms east of Bulawayo so it is possible to travel to and from the city at weekends.
Trip Highlights
The wildlife orphanage is offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with the wild animals of Africa. Not only this but you are given the opportunity to hand rear some animals as well as visit them in their natural environment. If you are a conservation enthusiast or have a love for animals then this is certainly the project for you.
Requirements:
Must be over 18 years of age & have a valid passport which must be valid for at least 6 months upon departure from your project country.
