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Other days’ duties, usually alternate days, include feeding any
other small animals we might have received for rehabilitation. The
general beautifying and improving the Park and it’s facilities, the
removal of alien plants etc., in fact anything to improve the
general welfare of the animals and the enjoyment of the public,
including improving the facilities of the
volunteers!
Volunteers can enjoy meeting others from all around the
world. Lasting friendships have been formed and even further
travelling plans made. T.V. is available in the communal
lounge along with games to be learned and played. We also have
a number of interesting books and manuals about all things
pertaining to the Park, birds, animals, game-management, common
diseases, ethnic design etc.
Observing and studying the lion cubs and their behaviour you will
notice the changes almost daily, such is the rate at which they grow
and progress. Lion cubs soon respond to our voices and even “talk
back to us”, albeit the cubs are very individual and even the
litters vary. Volunteering has proven to be of such
pleasurable interest that some have returned again and again!
Although this is a short overview of the Park, we trust that this
information will encourage you to come to South Africa and try
overseas, volunteer working. We look forward to hearing from you.
Volunteer work is not for the
faint-hearted, but the rewards are great”
To enjoy South Africa to its fullest, you should arrive with an
open mind, be willing to adapt, and use your initiative.
Clothing
Port Elizabeth’s weather is extremely varied, and while you can
expect some hot days there is usually a refreshing breeze. We have
both Winter and Summer rain which can cause it to become cold
suddenly. Warm, lightweight layers for peeling off are the most
suitable. Visitors to Port Elizabeth are told that whatever the
weather – hot or cold, rain or shine – we guarantee it will
change!
We provide you with two navy-blue t-shirts and a stone coloured
peaked cap (baseball cap) decorated with our logo. This enables you
to be identified by the public and the animals are used to this
“uniform look”. Strong pants or shorts in shades of khaki, dark
colours or blue jeans are suggested working attire. Animals are
easily upset by bright colours and get frightened by us “changing
our spots”. A washing and ironing service is provided daily. Walking
boots are best suited to the Game Park terrain.
Accommodation
Volunteers share accommodation in a four-bedroomed house with two
bathrooms (one with a bath, one with a shower). All the beds are
equipped with electric blankets! The house is located within the
Park, approximately 300 meters from the restaurant / Visitors Centre
and a torch is recommended for walking from the restaurant to the
house. A communal lounge is shared with the single, permanent staff
members. We do not allow smoking inside the houses. There are
usually three to four volunteers at any one time.
We strive to reflect a clean, responsible image to the public and
therefore will not consider applicants with facial-piercings or
heavy tattoos.
Please remember to bring all of your prescribed medication with
you. If you have not recently had a tetanus inoculation, we strongly
recommend you do so before your arrival.
Meals
We usually start the day with a communal breakfast. All meals are
taken in the restaurant, and are self-catered from the restaurant
supplies. Volunteers usually cook and eat together.
As your accommodation and food are included in the programme, you
do not need to bring a large amount of money. Pocket money is
recommended for buying gifts and calling
home.
Internet
Internet facilities are available at a small charge, and ‘time’
will need to be booked in advance as the computer is in the private
office in the house. If you own a laptop, you are welcome to use the
telephone link from the restaurant. Don’t forget to bring your
converter and charger!
Hours
Volunteer’s hours are usually 8am – 5pm, and they are expected to
help wherever necessary. This includes any area of special interest.
Looking after the baby animals requires the most time, but the
making and giving of food frequently includes bottle-feeding the
lion cubs.
Volunteers can take two days leave every second week, or one day
every week. This time can be used to enjoy the nightlife in
town.
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