Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

  South Africa

• Other Cities in South Africa: 
Hoedspruit,  Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Year round

Description: Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre contributes to the conservation of endangered species and the rehabilitation of injured and poisoned wildlife. Moholoholo also facilitates a number of successful breeding programmes. Situated in the shadow of the majestic "Mariepskop", and run by the very knowledgeable and experienced Brian Jones, this unique conservancy is home to, amongst others, three abandoned lions from an Egyptian circus, numerous injured raptors and poisoned vultures, "Humpfree" the hippo, "Porsche" the cheetah and "Chui" the leopard, and many more.

Moholoholo runs a hugely successful breeding programme for the rare Serval Cat. Over 150 of these cats have been bred and released back into areas where they have previously become extinct. Reports have been received that some of the females have since mated with wild males in the area where they have been released. Another first for Moholoholo is being the only facility in Southern Africa to have successfully bred the endangered Crowned Eagle. Wherever possible, rehabilitated birds and animals are returned to the wild and those not so fortunate, due to the nature and extent of their injuries, are used to educate visitors to the centre. The management and staff are a group of dedicated conservationists committed to the preservation of wildlife. Their intimate knowledge of the animals they so lovingly care for and protect is nothing less than impressive. Placement students become part of this dedicated team.

Highlights: Because of the reactionary nature of the center, the program is both changeable and unpredictable. Volunteers can expect to assist and participate in some of the following activities:

* Hand rearing of orphaned animals from cheetah cubs to warthogs.
* The care and welfare of the permanent residents which, because of the nature of their injuries, cannot be released back into the wild.
* The treatment and care of sick and injured animals which can subsequently be released back into the wild.
* Attending call-outs to capture animals for relocation or to be brought into the center for treatment. This may be by darting or humane trapping.
* Wildlife veterinary work, much of which is carried out by the centre's own staff.
* Game capture and relocation when appropriate.

Of course its not only the interesting and glamorous work, volunteers will be required to clean enclosures, scrub bedding mats and cut grass for bedding on a regular basis, to name but a few. This kind of work is vital to the running of the Center and should be undertaken with enthusiasm!

Qualifications: No qualification or previous experience are necessary, just an interest and passion for animal rehabilitation.

Cost in US$: 3,500

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Most of our volunteers have either finished college and want some international work experience before starting their career, or are taking a break from their career. Many are interested in wildlife conservation, but most have no previous experience or qualifications.

Age Range: 17 - 70

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 11

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

African Conservation Experience's Mission Statement: African Conservation Experience organizes work placements for volunteers of all ages on wildlife conservation projects in Southern Africa. We work only with projects that we assess as having a real and beneficial contribution to conservation efforts. Volunteers get very much involved with the work, rather than sitting back and observing, and provide a valuable resource to the projects. We pride ourselves on the quiality, integrity and frendliness of the service that we provide. We ensure that volunteers understand fully what is expected of them and place particular concern on volunteers' security and safety.

Year Founded: 1999