South Africa Elephant Sanctuary

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1 South Africa Elephant Sanctuary Care for and protect South Africa s mighty elephants as you make a valuable contribution towards their conservation while taking your time to explore the spectacular Rainbow Nation Visit South Africa a "Rainbow Nation" that combines modern culture with an ancient landscape that is simply breathtaking. South Africa has evolved over thousands of years to become the biologically and culturally diverse nation that it is today and attracts thousands of visitors a year to its wide, sandy beaches and cosmopolitan cities and of course the dramatic natural monument that is Table Mountain. If you have a passion for animal conservation, or just love elephants then this project is perfect for you. You will get up close and personal with these friendly giants in a way that very few people have the opportunity to do caring for and observing these magnificent creatures in their own environment. The experience will leave you feeling humbled and inspired as you support and make your own crucial contribution to their conservation. PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS Help care for one of the most beautiful animals on the planet Contribute towards valuable conservation research Discover the world famous Garden Route of South Africa PROJECT REQUIREMENTS Minimum age of 18 years FAST FACTS Location Activities Transport Accommodation Western Cape, South Africa Observe and record elephant behaviour Assist guides with tours Help educate visitors Clean and maintain elephant enclosures Airport pick-up (depending on arrival time) Volunteer bunkhouse

2 WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO? The vulnerability of elephant populations around the world is something widely acknowledged as a result of which many conservation initiatives have been set up to protect this mighty and magnificent animal. However, despite the large scale conservation efforts across much of the globe the opposite has occurred in South Africa. As a result of increasing population numbers over the last few decades, the country now considers itself to be facing the challenge of too many elephants. This overpopulation has led to the culling of many elephants, sadly leaving many more orphaned and unable to fend for themselves. Fortunately a number of reserves have been set up in order to rescue orphaned or threatened elephants from further harm. However, these sanctuaries only have limited capacity, which restricts the number of animals that they can help. You will provide vital support to nature reserve staff, who will appreciate the extra pair of hands helping to care for their resident elephants. You will also make a significant contribution to the reserve s research goals, which focus on the welfare and management of captive elephants in South Africa. WHAT WILL I BE DOING? Your time at the park and the work you do will vary depending on the needs of the animals. No need to worry though as the elephants will definitely keep you busy! As a volunteer you will get involved in all aspects of running the park, including research, marketing, events, maintenance, guiding, education and more. Daily tasks may include assisting the guides during daily tours, maintaining and cleaning enclosures, preparing food for the elephants and maybe even preparing milk and feeding the baby elephants if there are some in the park at the time of your visit. You will also be asked to help out with any marketing or advertising campaigns which the park wants to implement. You will support staff in educating visitors about the current environmental issues facing South Africa and the vital role of conservation in the preservation of fragile species and ecosystems. You will devote much of your time to assisting the research team in their studies. You will collect data and monitor behaviour on some of the following: social interactions between elephants, night time observations, interactions between the elephants and visitors, plant surveys and feeding behaviour. Your contribution will assist in improving the welfare and management of captive elephants in South Africa. During the day you will tend to work the same hours as the elephants up early and finishing around 5:30pm. The days will be long and sometimes tough, but the rewards for your dedication will certainly be worth it. You will start to feel something very special when the elephants begin to recognise and trust you. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE? You will fly into George Airport, which is just a short flight from Cape Town international airport. Upon arrival you will receive a warm welcome from one of the friendly project staff who will then accompany you to the sanctuary. Please arrive at George Airport on the first or third Monday of the month between 11.30am and 3.45pm.

3 WHERE WILL I BE STAYING? Throughout your placement, you will be living at the park s very own volunteer bunkhouse where you will share a room and bathroom with your fellow volunteers. The rooms will be traditional and comfortable, ensuring that you have a relaxing environment to return to after a hard day s work. Laundry facilities will also be available for you to use something you ll find necessary after spending long days in the field! Chill out in the evenings on the terrace and witness spectacular views overlooking the park and dam as the sun sets. WHAT WILL I BE EATING? You will be responsible for your own food for the duration of your project. The volunteer bunkhouse has a fully equipped kitchen, which includes a stove, fridge, kettle and microwave for you to use. Shopping trips will be arranged weekly for you to buy supplies or you may even decide to visit the park s restaurant every so often and experience local speciality African food. COSTS 3 weeks US$ 1,545 Extra week US$ 395 DEPARTURE DATES Please arrive between 11.30am and 3.45pm at George Airport th January 29th January 19th February 12th March 2nd April 23rd April 14th May 4th June 25th June 16th July 6th August 27th August

4 17th September 8th October 29th October 19th November 10th December DURATION 3 weeks + Projects will conclude on Mondays and return flights should be booked from 12.00pm onwards. WHAT S INCLUDED? Before you go Pre-departure support &documentation Travel &medical advice &documentation Advice on visas &equipment Discounted medical kit Free Frontier t-shirt In-country Accommodation Airport pick-up &transfer to project (depending on arrival time) Project orientation &training In-country emergency support 24-hour international HQ back-up AIRPORT INFORMATION Nearest airport(s): George (GRJ) CONTACT INFORMATION Call us on (UK) / (US) Mail us on info@frontier.ac.uk Check out our social media here: Project details were correct at the time this document was generated. Price, dates and other details

5 are subject to change. Please see our website for current details for this project.