Pre-vet Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Placement in Zimbabwe

What is the Pre-vet Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Placement in Zimbabwe all about?

Volunteer and get first-hand experience of animal management at a pre-vet wildlife rescue and rehabilitation placement in Zimbabwe. Based at one of Africa’s oldest wildlife sanctuaries, it is great way to support your studies and to work with orphaned, sick, and misplaced animals. The centre was set up in 1973 and now has 25 full-time staff. Species include leopards, lions, buffalo, monkeys, antelopes and a range of exotic birds. Wherever possible these animals are rehabilitated and returned to their natural habitat. The animals’ weight, teeth, and size are recorded to monitor the overall well-being of animals in the area.  

The sanctuary focuses on 4 main areas; carnivores, primates, birds, and an animal nursery. Much of the treatment of the animals is undertaken by the experienced and government authorised local expert and, where needed, a local vet is called upon for major surgery and other more delicate interventions.

Animals that cannot be re-released play a role in educational activities, zoological studies and in the case of endangered species, are introduced to breeding programmes. The extensive education programme has worked with 168 local schools to prevent animals from being killed, and habitats destroyed.

Volunteer on this wildlife rescue and rehabilitation placement and get an up-close view of the realities and hard work that goes into protecting wild animals in their natural habitat.

Why choose this Pre-vet Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation project?

This is a great opportunity to compliment your studies in veterinary science, animal welfare or zoology, or to simply help you to prepare for a career working with animals. Trained veterinarians are more than welcome. You will get direct experience of wildlife management and animal welfare for a range of species through providing care, safe habitats and participating in interventions. Volunteers may also gather and sort research data if there is a need at the time of your placement, important aspects of veterinary work on a game reserve. Prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime and the privilege of working up-close with a range of wild animals, whilst developing your own skills and experience, an asset to any CV/Resume.

Role of the Conservation Volunteer

Volunteer on this project and develop your theoretical and practical skills by gaining an insight into all aspects of the sanctuary, from feeding, cleaning and carrying out maintenance to enclosures, to assisting in providing care for injured, sick or orphaned animals. The sanctuary director has authority for tranquillising and moving animals around the reserve with his experienced local team, and they are also responsible for the treatment of wounds and general animal welfare. Where surgery or more technical assistance is needed, a local vet is called upon.  Volunteers should be able to observe a number of animal initiatives and treatments and occasionally even surgery if it is warranted during the volunteering placement period (this cannot be guaranteed!).  

Work on the reserve is varied from contraception interventions, predator monitoring to the relocation of animals. You will gain an insight into different equipment and techniques essential for the welfare of the animals as you work across the 4 sanctuary areas. You will learn about safe capture methods, release techniques, as well as important information about the care and rehabilitation of a range of species. As a volunteer you will experience how educating the local community is an important aspect of the work to protect and preserve local wildlife and its habitats.

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

This placement is highly recommended for volunteers who are interested or already studying animal sciences and for those who are qualified veterinarians. Volunteers will need to be of good health, have a decent level of fitness and a love of animals. Working with animals is dirty work and volunteers must be prepared to get involved with a wide range of work, as the needs of the centre change daily depending on the animals present, and their needs.

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