Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Africa Conservation Experience

Vacancy: Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Company: Africa Conservation Experience
Category: Gap year projects (Conservation, Agricultural, Wildlife)
Dates: Various throughout the year
Cost: From £2050 for 2 weeks (incl flights)

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, injured raptors, poisoned vultures, “Porsche” the Cheetah, “Chui” the leopard, and many more.

Moholoholo runs a hugely successful breeding programme for the rare Serval Cat, and 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.

Because of the reactionary nature of the centre, the programme 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 centre 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 it is not all interesting and glamorous work! Volunteers will be required to clean enclosures, mop floors, scrub bedding mats and cut grass for bedding on a regular basis. This kind work is vital to the running of the Centre and should be undertaken with enthusiasm!