Info

This unique project gives you the opportunity to work hands on with Vervet monkeys aged from a few hours until five months old!

The project is based in a care centre it is a small, homely and friendly environment set in a scenic area about 50 kilometres from Pietermaritzburg, the capital of Kwa-Zulu Natal. It is situated in a small village amongst the rolling hills of Kwa-Zulu Natal. There are lovely forests and mountain walks in the village as well as a hotel and restaurant both of which are within walking distance from the centre. It is a tranquil space with wonderful birdlife and the fruit trees in the garden attract the “free” Vervet monkeys who call in for a delicious feast.

The founders, James and Jan, have been caring for Vervet monkeys for the past twelve years and are dedicated to the conservation of South African wildlife and Vervet monkeys in particular.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

* An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa
* The enormous satisfaction of helping conserving animals in their natural environment and knowing that you made a difference to them.
* New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
* An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
* And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WORK CONTENT:
The baby Vervet monkeys need a great deal of care and you will be directly involved with them from dawn to dusk and maybe into the early evening.

The nursery is adjacent to the accommodation and it is here that the babies are housed in an open “cage”. It is a bright and airy room and you can relax in a large comfy sofa whilst you keep an eye on your little charges. They will be running and jumping around you, on you, over you……just behaving like the little monkeys that they are.

You will be responsible for chopping food, feeding, cleaning cages, carrying and playing with the babies and most importantly dishing out loads and loads of LOVE.

The orphaned babies depend on you to love them as much as their mother would have – in nature the mother vervet is tactile and the baby thrives on this loving touch. There is a great deal of hands on work involved, they need the same amount of attention as a human baby so you will certainly be kept very busy but you will be rewarded as you see them grow and develop under your loving care.

You will also have contact with the older Vervets in the outside enclosure but this will be minimal as they are being prepared for removal to the rehabilitation centre.

You will need to be prepared to accompany either James or Jan when there is a Vervet baby to be collected from another area. Because of the distances involved between town and cities you may have to travel a couple of hours but this is usually a pleasant scenic trip. The return trip may not be as nice as the baby will be traumatized/injured/frightened – this is a young wild animal that has had no contact with humans and will naturally be extremely frightened. It will take a little while for it to realise that it is no longer in danger and your care will ensure that it will thrive and eventually be returned to the wild.

This is a worthwhile and satisfying project and you will be proud to have been part of an ongoing rehabilitation process.

THE REWARDS OF DOING THIS PROJECT:
This placement is definitely for nature loving enthusiasts who are willing to work hard and aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty, but the rewards are well worth it:

You'll get a wonderful and varied experience with many vervet monkeys.

You'll get to experience the headiness of looking after animals that are totally helpless and reliant on you take care of them.

You'll leave feeling very proud of yourself for having contributed to the quality of life and well-being of previously abused and battered animals.

You'll learn much more than you can imagine, particularly about the importance of conserving wildlife, and hopefully you'll help to raise awareness by talking to friends and colleagues on your return home.

This project will be an excellent entry on your CV, demonstrating your initiative, adaptability, your unique working experience and your concern for nature.

Duration

From 2 weeks to 1 year, subject to visa requirements. Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £875 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.

Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.