Vervet Monkeys <strong>Province</strong>: Kwazulu Natal<br />

Vervet Monkeys

Town: Durban

Province: Kwazulu Natal

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Rate per week: R 3250

Duration: Min. 1 month. You can extend for any length of time.

Dates: This project can be joined at any time of the year.

Introduction: The Community and Wildlife Project incorporates local community upliftment, including skills training, environmental education and aid work; with the rehabilitation of injured and/or orphaned wildlife for future release and monitoring. Also provides sanctuary for other displaced animals.

Location: Kwazulu Natal near Greytown, 170 km from Durban Airport. Volunteers will be collected and returned to Mooi River Coach Terminal.

Project: This project is set on a breathtaking 7000 acre property, in the South African bush, the perfect refuge for wildlife. Volunteers will have a unique opportunity to work closely with South African wildlife, primaril the South African vervet monkey. Volunteers will have a direct and positive impact on the conservation of wildlife and the environment through snare/trap clearing, game counts, and environmental management.

Accommodation: Male/female accommodation is separate unless travelling as a couple. Volunteers will be provided with a brief isuZulu word/phrase list to help in communicating with the local people. Inexpensive clothing and other supplies can be bought locally, so there is no need to overload yourself; the following list is to help get an idea of what you will need: Runners/hiking shoes; everyday footwear. Raincoat, sun block & sunheat (broad-rimmed) can be bought locally. Personal items that are essential. Sleeping bag, pillow case etc. Clothing for changeable weather (i.e. usually warm during the day; cold at night). Nothing too revealing as the project is situated in a rural and conservative area. Protective equipment will be provided. (This includes boots, overalls and gloves). There is very limited mobile phone reception at the reserve, however there is full reception in the main parts of Greytown. "Recharge vouchers" (pay as you go vouchers) can be purchased at serveral stores. Don't forget to 'unlock you SIM' before leaving your home country.

Program: Secific volunteer activities include painting, small-scale building, general repairs, household chores, interior decorating, dam-wall reconstruction, fixing/constructing animal enclosures, general animal care, monkey food preparation and enclosure cleaning, rescue and rehabilitation of monkeys and other animals (domestic and wild), livestock food preparation and feeding (dogs, cats, cows, a goat, ducks, geese, chickens etc.), snare/trap clearing (in nearby forest/bush areas), invasive weed removal and other environmental management activities, walk and game counting (there is a wide variety of game in the area), bird watching, assistance at local rural Zulu school (environmental education, maintenance work etc.), maintenance of feeding station in order to supplement the diet of the nearby wild vervet monkeys (necessary due to their continued loss of habitat).

Program may include: Closer observation/contact with the monkeys that cannot be released due to injury. Visits to local Zulu schools regarding environmental education, maintenance work etc. Participation in an up-coming project involving more intensive snare/trap clearing in forest plantations, invasive weed removal and other environmental management activities. Skills training of local Zulu community memebers (funds permitting) whenever possible; the aim is not only to create jobs to help improve the standard of living and the lives of local rural people, but also to provide long-term community upliftment. The local rural Zulu community members will join this initiative to learn various skills from the volunteers. This is an excellent upliftment project that will create a positive ripple effect throughout the whole community. The individuals involved thus have the opportunity to build on their skills, providing an income and/or the ability to teach others. Any help would be welcome and appreciated.

Includes: Basic accommodation, all meals, laundry once a week.

Excludes: All flights, excursions, insurance.

Applicants: Previous experience (i.e. carpenter, zoologist, etc.) is appreciated but not necessary. A love of animals and the environment. A willingness to learn and be a part of a communal environment.

Freetime: There are opportunities to live with a Zulu family (for a day etc._ and visit other attraction in Kwazulu Natal (i.e. CROW, game reserves, St. Lucia Wetlands etc.).

Volunteers Feedback: "My daughter Danielle Enright volunteered in South Africa. She has been there 3 months and had the most rewarding fantastic experience of her lifetime. The quality time she is spending there has enriched her stay and reflects very positively on the caretakers, who have kept me secure knowing that they are looking after her best interest. Both her practical experience there and providing care, food etc. Danielle has grown very fond of them and intends to return there again in her primate-orientated career. Our hope is many more people have the chance to volunteer and lend their valuable time and talents to such a wonderful conservation purpose." Kind Regards, Pauline Enright

Contact Tyron for more info +27 83 661 5393