General Info
The orphanage was founded in 1983 when a badly injured chimp was brought to the cattle ranch in northern Zambia. In time, news of the sanctuary has spread and it is now home to over 100 chimpanzees.
The owners' work has won them a steady stream of honours and awards, including the United Nations Environment Programme's Global 500 Award (2000), the Audi / Terra Nova nomination (2001), a special commendation from the Nedbank / mail & Guardian Green Trust Awards (2000), and the Jane Goodall Award (1995). In 2001, the owners were granted MBEs by Queen Elizabeth II in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
In 2002, an Education Centre was built to provide a facility to teach the youth of Zambia about ecology and wildlife conservation. It is also used by local and international students researching group behaviour and ethnic studies. The Trust bears the cost of bringing groups of under privileged children to the Orphanage, while those from affluent societies are charged a moderate fee to cover expenses.
Although chimpanzee rehabilitation is the primary focus of the orphanage, other animals benefit from the care and attention received at the orphanage as well. Antelopes, baboons, monkeys, tortoises, squirrels, bush babies, dogs and birds have all been nursed back to health at the orphanage, including the biggest resident of all - Billy the hippo.
Be part of the day to day care of animals in a Wildlife Orphanage whose main focus is Chimpanzee Rehabilitation The help received from volunteers at the Orphanage is truly needed and much appreciated.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
* An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure learning about Chimpanzees, their characteristics and living in such close contact!
* The enormous satisfaction of knowing that you made a difference to the chimpanzees by helping at the centre
* New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a conservation.
* An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
* And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!
WORK CONTENT:
* Prepare chimpanzee and monkey/ baboon food for daily feedings
* Assist with feedings
* Prepare African Grey parrot food
* Clean food buckets and boxes; return to food shed
* Wash down food shed; clean and sort produce
* Walk fence line around enclosures to check for overhanging branches, grass, weeds that might stop the electrical fence from working
* Clean and fill water for geese and chickens
* Clean out plastic bottles used for the feeding of milk to chimpanzees
* Pick Lemons for chimpanzees from trees
* Sweep and clean visitor areas
* Assist orphanage manager in other duties
Typical Day:
Every day is different as animals rarely operate to our schedule – we ask that you remain flexible The orphanages staff and volunteers start work each day at 7am and work through to 4pm, six days a week. You will have a rest day each week.
Benefits:
Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £1,295 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.
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, homestay, apartment or flat).
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:
No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.
