Malawi - Wildlife Rescue Center

Due to an increase in deforestation and the struggles between man and wildlife, many of Malawi’s wild animals are not only losing their natural habitats but are often found injured or in severe distress. This project offers a safe haven for these animals, assisting in their recovery and rehabilitation and wherever possible releasing them back in to the wild where they belong. Those that can’t be released find a permanent home in large, natural enclosures where they can roam freely.

There are currently around 200 animals on the reserve, including birds, reptiles, lions, monkeys and antelope. Many are orphans and victims of the illegal pet and bush meat trades which are unfortunately still very common in Malawi. Others may have been caught in snares, hit by cars or stoned after wandering into the local village. Thanks to a state-of-the-art clinic, orphan care center and experienced animal care team, as well as the volunteers, many of these animals fully recover and are able to return to the wild.


Volunteers will help with a host of different tasks and projects while volunteering at the wildlife center.

Animal Care: Alongside the animal care professionals you may be able to help with various aspects of rehabilitation including the possibility of assisting in clinical procedures or the release of animals back into the wild. The center maintains a strict hands-off policy, but orphaned animals, in particular, may need special attention for full rehabilitation and there is a chance you may be able to help with surrogacy work.

Rehabilitation and Release: Animal releases at the center are often more successful than not and this is due to the high level of effort and expertise that goes into the care and hard work that gets put in to every aspect of the rehabilitation and release process. This includes focusing on the different stages of the process including observation, integration and the actual release and monitoring.

Some of your tasks may include:

• Orphan care, including feeding and hand-rearing orphans.
• Veterinary assistance, including supporting the on-site veterinarian in all aspects of veterinary care including initial exams, minor trauma, health checks and routine diagnostics.
• Rehabilitation including integration and observation.
• Volunteers can also help with community outreach including conservation education programs, tree planting and fuel briquette projects.

Please note: The nature of the work as well as the types of animals in care can vary from day and not all tasks may be required at the time of your volunteering. Nonetheless, all work that gets done is incredibly beneficial and worthwhile.

Volunteers work six days a week and schedules vary depending on what animals are in need of particular attention at the time, but there will often be animal feeds, observations, enrichment, orphan sitting (not guaranteed), as well as general orphan care duties (cleaning, food prep, washing etc). Work is evenly split among volunteers, but volunteers can expect busy days including some early starts and late finishes. There is a great sense of achievement in helping the animals.

Evenings and breaks in schedules offer free time for volunteers to do as you wish – take a trip to the supermarket, go for lunch/dinner in town, out in the evening etc.

Volunteers that are at the project for more than four weeks get one long weekend off per month – a perfect opportunity to visit the famous Lake Malawi or hop over the border into Zambia for a safari in the world- renowned South Luangwa National Park.


Research-Based Program Extensions: Volunteers staying for four or more weeks may elect to spend two or more weeks at one of the project extensions below. Both the regular volunteering program and the project extensions each have a minimum two-week duration.

Samango Monkey Research: Collect data on the population health of samango monkeys through GIS surveys, vegetation plots and related techniques.

African Elephant Research: Observe African elephants in a  large conservation area and conduct research on the movements and behavior of this specific population.

Please take note of this project's minimum requirements:

• Minimum age 18 
• Good command of English
• Physical fitness
• Motivation to work with animals
• Immunizations (please consult your local travel clinic) All of the standard vaccinations for Malawi plus Rabies vaccination and proof that you are not a carrier of TB.

The rescue center can arrange for volunteers to venture on a weekend safari in South Luangwa in Zambia, one of the best places to see game in all of Africa, for a special price. Other optional activities in free time include game drives or boat trips in Liwonde National Park, snorkelling or diving in the famous Lake Malawi, horseriding in Kande and cycling in Kuti Wildlife Reserve.