Info

We offer an opportunity of a lifetime to people aged over 21 to work with endangered primates on self-funded volunteer placements for 1 to 3 months.

All our volunteers live and work at our forest site, Mefou, which is home to 100 chimps, 18 gorillas and a whole variety of monkeys, taking the number of animals in our care to over 300. The accommodation is very basic, it is very hot and humid and we expect volunteers to work hard so it's not easy! However, the rewards are fantastic and most of our volunteers have a once in a lifetime experience with the amazing animals in our care.

Our volunteers work with chimpanzees and monkeys alongside our Cameroonian keepers - tasks include preparing food, cleaning overnight satellite cages, making enrichment for the animals, closely observing animal groups for signs of problems. Volunteers may also be involved in construction or repair projects around the park.

We must stress that we cannot guarantee that you will get direct, hands on contact with the animals and our volunteers never work with the gorillas. Our policy is to minimise human contact with the animals because this is much better for their welfare. But even if you do not get the opportunity to hand rear young orphans, you will live and work very closely with them so you will still have a memorable time.


Short Term Volunteer Vets Required

Ape Action Africa has an exciting opportunity for a volunteer veterinarian to work with the resident Cameroon veterinary team.

The role of the vet team includes overall observation and management of primate health following established procedures. Responsibilities include dispensing of medication, immobilizing as necessary for treatment, implementation of disease prevention measures (including parasite checks and treatments) and attending to any medical emergencies. Health checks and close monitoring of newly rescued chimps may also be needed. A key requirement is maintenance of daily data records.

Duration

Minimum one month, maximum 3 months

Start Dates

Volunteers are recruited throughout the year. Start dates are confirmed after a placement has been offered.

Costs / Benefits

Donations go directly to fund the running costs of the project:
1 month £750
2 months £1,000
3 months £1,250

Board and lodgings - €305 per month

Requirements

We don't ask for formal qualifications - we look for people who are passionate about great ape conservation and are resilient, flexible, patient, mature and enthusiastic.
The work is physically demanding and can be emotionally draining but working with the amazing animals in our care is the opportunity and privilege of a lifetime.