Working at a Wildlife Rehab Center in South Africa

In the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center project center there are a ton of different animals. Most were injured in the wild as a result of human activity so we bring them back here to have a safe home for rehabilitation. Most of them are destined to be re-released into their natural habitats.

We host a variety of animals such as: lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wolves, caracals, griffon vultures, eagles, badgers, owls, and more.
In my stay at the center there was a baby rhino that was abandoned by her mother, which was no less than incredible to see and be a part of.

All the volunteers were really nice and friendly and I got to build relationships with people from all over the world that will last a lifetime. The center itself is managed by a wide host of staff from student coordinators to vets, the atmosphere is really pleasant and relaxed. Our managerial staff and co-workers were friendly and respectful and everyone had fun together.

While I stayed there we were scheduled a shift to go out in the bush to nurse two cheetah cubs and the baby rhino. This experience for me was beyond wonderful – to be surrounded by animals from duck ’till dawn, all the while in close contact with them. Every night I fall asleep to the sounds of hyenas answering the roars of lions. Every morning I woke up with a huge smile on my face that I carried with me throughout the day.

If you enjoy close contact with animals and want to see that stars at night like you’ve never seen before, this was a one-of-a-kind experience that is truly unique and different from any safari or other kind of tourist-oriented trip, and I highly recommend you do this volunteering.