General Info
LOCATION
This Project takes place in an amazing environment - a 3,000 acre Game Reserve and tourist spot about 10 kilometres from Gweru. The main camp facility - made up of thatched African rondavels and buildings rests on the shores of a beautiful lake and is a Game Reserve with many species of wildlife and bird-life.
The Lion Project takes place in two locations, the second of which is based 5 miles from the magnificent Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls is one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles. This is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and has also been declared a World Heritage Site. The Falls and much of the town of the same name fall within a 23,4km² national park that neighbours the 573km² Zambezi National Park.
At Victoria Falls, the project takes place within 3,000 acres of state owned land next door to the Zambezi National Park. This unfenced game reserve has been classified as a big 5 area. The local wildlife consists of buffalo, elephant, kudu, waterbuck, zebra, impala, wildebeest, eland, duiker, steenbuck, warthog, baboons and monkeys.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Some of the work on this project is quite unusual, to say the least. (Where else would you take lions for a walk every day to exercise them and to familiarise them with a game reserve environment!). On the walks, the lions are 'free roaming' - no leashes - they romp, they play and they stalk, and you may frequently be lucky enough to have a large cub sitting on your lap sucking your thumb.
There's also an opportunity to work with elephants and horses.
Travellers' placements are very flexible and you can combine this project with any other Travellers project, either in the same country or in different countries.
As heartbreaking as it is, the lions of Africa are decreasing at an alarming rate. Current patterns indicate that within a very short time there will be no lions left on this continent.
The project leaders who own this park feel passionately about Zimbabwe and the state of the lion population in Africa. As a result they run a Lion Breeding Programme with the express objectives of preserving the African lions by producing a quality gene pool and rebuilding the diminishing numbers of lions, and also reintroducing the offspring back into the wild in environments where they will have the best possible opportunity for survival and a good quality of life.
Having started with just six lions and run-down, only partially fenced facilities, they have built the programme into a magnificent Game Reserve and Lion Breeding facility. Since 1987 new bloodlines have been imported from Tanzania and various other captive breeding units in Zimbabwe and a strictly monitored breeding programme was commenced to ensure that no in-breeding took place.
DNA and TB tests were carried out with the assistance of a veterinarian attached to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the lions are regularly vaccinated against Rabies.
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT
► An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure!
► The rewards from helping others and Making a Difference!
► New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
► 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!
WHAT TO DO NEXT
►Talk to us - We're there to help you. Call +44 (0) 1903 502595
►Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
►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.
►It’s as easy as that.
OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY..
"I gained a greater confidence when working with animals and also a greater respect for them. The best thing was meeting new people, comparing and sharing experiences and being able to work so closely with the lion cubs. I would definitely recommend this placement. The staff here are very supportive and helpful. Volunteers worked well as a team and made new volunteers feel very welcome. Facilities are excellent and extra spending money is very minimal." Di Hanson
