Reptile Care Centre
South Africa
This hands-on project involves assisting in a reptile centre and sanctuary as they strive to rescue and rehabilitate a plethora of different reptile species. You will be involved in the day-to-day care of the centre’s residents, assist on impromptu rescue missions to remove reptiles safely from neighbouring areas (and either release or rehabilitate the patient dependant on circumstances), and have the opportunity to handle a range of different reptiles.
You do not need any qualifications to attend this project.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Work alongside a dedicated team of herpetofauna specialists
Assist in the rescue and relocation of reptiles within the surrounding areas
Understand reptile management and care for a wide range of species
Learn how to handle a range of different reptiles, maintain animals exhibits, prepare animals' diets, create animal enrichment and participate in research or document filming
Visit some of the best South African attractions on your days off
Contribute to reptile conservation efforts
Project video
Reptiles and amphibians are often misunderstood and persecuted within the modern world. This project provides the perfect opportunity to work hand in hand with a dedicated team determined to provide a safe haven for these creatures and instill a deeper appreciation and understanding of their importance within the ecosystem.
The centre's onsite herpetologist and conservationist, together with the dedicated staff at the centre provide the perfect team for a hands-on, wholistic experience from animal care to rehabilitation. When there are medical cases the volunteers may be exposed to medical procedures such as administering medications, wound management, reconstruction (carapaces, broken legs etc), supportive care or anything else an animal may need. Please be aware that this is not a clinical project, however a veterinarian will be called in should any medical emergencies arise.
The centre's mission is to reeducate the local community and rehabilitate surrounding populations - a perfect balance of conservation through education. As a volunteer on this project you will be treated as part of the family and learn how to handle different reptiles, maintain animals exhibits, prepare animals diets, create animal enrichment, and even get involved in rescue and rehabilitation missions for these outstanding creatures. There will also be the additional opportunity to learn how to handle venomous snakes for those who are interested.
During your days off you are welcome to explore the nearby local attractions with fellow volunteers such as visiting Blyde River Canyon or the Kruger National Park amongst many other awesome opportunities!
KEY VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
The centre has some awesome permanent residents that volunteers will be very involved in caring for from feeding to cleaning enclosures and everything in between! Focused on husbandry and learning about care for a diverse range of reptiles, this project provides the amazingly unique opportunity to gain an understanding of reptile management.
Some of the permanent residents include a Nile Crocodile, baboon spiders, alligator snapping turtles, scorpions, and a variety of indigenous and exotic snakes.
· Daily assessment, cleaning and maintaining of enclosures.
· Upgrading of enclosures.
· Administration duties such as maintaining animal records.
· Food preparation and feeding of animals.
· Medical work with sick or hurt animals- when applicable.
· Animal enrichment.
· Animal handling training.
· Attend any courses/programmes/lectures being given at the Centre.
· Attend any emergency call outs for rescue/injured reptiles.
· Attend any community outreach or excursion programmes scheduled
Project Photos
ACCOMMODATION
Mamba Manner, nestled within the park property, offers shared accommodation for those seeking to contribute their time and efforts. With its self-catering kitchen and shared bathrooms, volunteers can enjoy a comfortable and convenient living space.
The lounge provides a cozy area for relaxation and socialising, while the large garden and swimming pool offer refreshing outdoor activities. To stay connected, free WiFi is available throughout the house, ensuring volunteers can stay connected with friends and family.
Volunteers at the house cook their own meals using the ingredients provided. The self-catering kitchen is equipped with everything they need to prepare their favorite dishes. By utilizing the provided ingredients, volunteers can exercise their culinary skills, create delicious meals, and enjoy a personalized dining experience during their stay.
LOCATION
The Reptile Centre is located in the town of Hoedspruit, situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Hoedspruit is a small town known for its proximity to various natural wonders. The immediate area surrounding Hoedspruit boasts remarkable biodiversity, with the presence of diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.
During your stay, there will be scheduled rest days within the program. On these days you can choose to either relax with your fellow volunteers at the volunteer house or to explore the surrounding areas and take in all of the local attractions. The Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world, is just a short distance away from the reptile centre, offering breathtaking views of towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and the meandering Blyde River. The iconic Kruger National Park is easily accessible from the reptile centre, making it an ideal base for wildlife enthusiasts, researchers and the good conservation work the centre does.
ASSOCIATED COST:
2024
2 weeks: £846
3 weeks: £1269
4 weeks: £1692
5 weeks: £2115
6 weeks: £2538
7 weeks: £2961
8 weeks: £3384
2025
2 weeks: £888
3 weeks: £1332
4 weeks: £1776
5 weeks: £2220
6 weeks: £2664
7 weeks: £3108
8 weeks: £3552
2026
2 weeks: £1094
3 weeks: £1641
4 weeks: £2188
5 weeks: £2734
6 weeks: £3281
7 weeks: £3828
8 weeks: £4375
In order to provide you with a fun, safe and rewarding stay, we have a project fee to cover your accommodation, food, and all transfers when staying with us. This cost also allows you to be covered by our public liability and professional indemnity insurance. We do not charge for your training or spending time with our reptile specialists. So you can focus on having an amazing time and we will take care of the rest.
Want to know what’s included? Great news, it is pretty much everything! Including your:
Pre departure assistance with planning your trip from one of our destination specialists
Pick up and drop off to the airport
Accommodation
Fully equipped and stocked self-catering kitchen
Support at the volunteer accommodation by on site staff
Someone is always available in case of emergency
OUR PRICES EXCLUDE:
Required: Personal medical insurance. Optional: trip/flight/luggage insurane
Flights to your destination
Visas
Extra activities
PROJECT SPECIFICS
AGE: 18 +, no upper limit
QUALIFICATIONS: gap year, prevet and preclinical vet students. This project focuses on husbandry and thus medical interventions are only as needed, so if you are a clinical year vet student or a qualified professional needing clinical hours, you can look at our more clinically intensive courses.
EMS (other)
START DATES
Volunteers fly in and out of Hoedspruit Airport and can start every Monday of the year. There is some flexibility with the start dates of this project so please ask us if you are looking at a different start date.
Volunteer feedback
Kaitlin Jones
September 2023
"An amazing experience to work so closely with a team so passionate about the reptiles and other creatures in their care"
Thomas Stead
November 2023
"An unforgettable experience- the whole team was knowledgeable and friendly"
WHAT NEXT?
If you want to gain valuable work experience, develop a variety of skills and grow your CV, whilst learning to care for animals and support conservation, then this project is for you.
To chat to our team, discover availability and have all your questions answered by our volunteer coordinators, just click the "apply now" button, fill in our form, and we will be in touch with you right away.
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