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Wildlife Orphanage and Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

What is the Wildlife Orphanage and Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe project all about?

Volunteer with Kaya and get first hand experience in rescue, rehabilitation and release at Bulawayo’s wildlife rescue sanctuary. Established in 1973, the wildlife orphanage was set up to offer support to orphaned, abandoned and/or sick wild animals. The centre caters to four main areas; carnivores, primates, birds and a nursery with various animals that are rescued and released back to their natural habitat, when it is safe to do so. When it is not possible, the animals are cared for and used for educational purposes, zoological study or, in the case of endangered species, introduced into breeding programmes. Community education is a vital aspect of this placement. Fear and lack of understanding about wildlife and the environment has led to many animals being killed and their habitats being destroyed by local communities.The center relocates animals reported to be creating nuisances in the surrounding areas. It also organizes visits to local schools, thus far having educated 75,000+ children about the wildlife of the area. It also welcomes families and visitors into the centre to improve their understanding and awareness. The project has 25 full-time staff members, whom you will work with to secure a protected future for Zimbabwe’s wildlife.

Why choose this Wildlife Orphanage & Rescue Sanctuary project?

The centre is always welcoming new animals and appreciates extra support to care for them. The project also benefits by having volunteers who can help gather and sort research data and materials, such as photographs. Volunteers benefit from having up-close exposure to wild animals, whilst learning about the skills involved in animal protection and rehabilitation.

Role of the Conservation Volunteer

Volunteers on this project are involved in feeding, cleaning, bug catching, maintenance and sick/injured/orphaned animal care. You will help with animal release and rescue missions as well, with the chance to see how camera traps work. Volunteers rotate across the four areas of the sanctuary, getting the opportunity to work with a range of wildlife. You should be prepared to help with a wide range of work, as the needs of the centre change daily depending on the animals present and their needs. Volunteers will also join staff at the local school outreach programmes and help conduct talks for centre visitors.

What skills do I need to be a Conservation Volunteer in Zimbabwe?

There are no specific skills required for this program. You should be of good health and fitness and have a love of animals, of course! Vets and veterinary students are highly valued as well as those involved or studying animal sciences. Six month placements are available, but are subject to the successful completion of the first three month period.

Travel during COVID times

The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate. We encourage you to inquire to your placement advisor to learn more about your specific project as you plan for your responsible return to travel!

Read all about our project reopening response to COVID-19

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WHY JOIN THE PROJECT

To experience amazing wildlife

To provide a safe place for wildlife to recover before being released

To support the efforts against wildlife poaching

PROJECT TESTIMONIALS

"We had a lot of responsibilities and could participate in all the tasks. We were really close to all the animals and even had baby times to spend with little monkeys or other small animals... I feel lucky to have lived such an experience and even more concerned about animal rescue. I feel stronger ...

Alicia H.

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"I wanted to say thank you so much for all of your help the past few months. You have been so informative and a great source of help for my trip, and it has really helped me because as I am travelling alone for the first time I needed all the help I could get. Thank you again and best wishes!" ...

Molly B.

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"I can't thank you enough for providing and organising such a wonderful experience for Sophie in Zimbabwe. She had an amazing time and would like some day to return. I'm already recommending Kaya to so many people!" ...

Sophie H.'s Mum

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“We both had an wonderful time in Zimbabwe and wished we had stayed for longer. Thanks for helping us to embark on the amazing adventure.” ...

Anna D. & Sophie H.

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Where will I work in Zimbabwe?

The project is located 20 minutes outside the city of Bulawayo – the second largest city in Zimbabwe. You will live in the private game area of a rural suburb in comfortable on-site huts with lounge areas, a mini library, and a game room. There is a swimming pool for the hot summer days and a fire pit for cold nights. The atmosphere is relaxed, which you will enjoy after a hard day’s work. Volunteers eat meals with the family that runs the centre, thus having the opportunity to connect with locals.

You can go on weekly trips into the city. For those staying three weeks or longer, there is the opportunity to travel to Victoria Falls (extra cost).

Details & Costs

Duration: 2-12 weeks
Cost: £1281/$2000 for 2 weeks
£461/$720 per additional week
Requirements: Age 16+
Location: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Working hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 7:00 - 17:00 (night shifts may be required for some sick animals)
Project availability: Projects start every Monday of each month and run year-round
Arrival day: Monday

What is included

Accommodation: shared room in a volunteer cabin on-site some with en-suite bathrooms, game room, fire pit, pool & volunteer dining area
Food: 3 meals a day
Airport pickup and drop off from Bulawayo Airport
Training: pre-departure information pack and on-site orientation
Support: 24 hour support
Excursion Planning: staff help organise additional activities (prices may be extra). Trips include; Matapos National Park, Bulawayo Natural History Museum and Victoria Falls.

What is not included

Flights
Insurance
Visas
Police/Government Background Check: US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies); all other nationalities must provide local police check.
Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country

Pictures from our Wildlife Orphanage & Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe project

Animal close up Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Animal education Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Animal treatment Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Animal up close Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Eagles sign Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Classroom Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Feeding young impala Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Injection Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Lion Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Lion close up Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Lion rescue Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Measuring Leopard Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Rescue animal Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Surgery Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Teeth examination Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Treating animal Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Treatment up close Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Volunteer and Jackal Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Volunteer Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Volunteer hut Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Volunteer with lion Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Volunteers and locals Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Volunteers checking lion Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Working with cages Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Young boys animal education Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Bulawayo volunteer accommodation bed and wardrobe

Bulawayo volunteer accommodation chalets

Bulawayo volunteer accommodation dining area

Bulawayo volunteer accommodation fire pit and pool area

Bulawayo volunteer accommodation shared room for 4

Bulawayo volunteer accommodation storage space

Bulawayo volunteer accommodation twin room

Bulawayo volunteer projects accommodation communal bathrooms

Bulwayo volunteer accommodation ensuite bathroom

Easy 4-step application process

APPLY ONLINE

Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW

Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.

CONFIRMATION

Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.

GET PREPARED

When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

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