Currently the project gives a home to more than 100 primates of different species including Tamarins, Marmosets, Squirrel monkeys, Capuchins, Mona monkeys, Macuaques and Lemurs to name a few. Also 2 white foxes, a few dogs and cats live on the project site.
Project
Volunteer with monkeys in Africa; The sanctuary, which is the first of its kind in South Africa, has been running since 1996. The sanctuary rescues and provides permanent care for any primate from anywhere in the world. The sanctuary receives a constant stream of requests to assist in the international rescue of primates. Many of these primates (mainly hand reared ex-pets and ex laboratory animals) arrive with behavioral problems and require rehabilitation from psychological disorders. The sanctuary houses exotic primates, who are unable to be returned to the wild, and therefore their time and focus is aimed at ensuring all enclosures are as suitable and comfortable for each individual as possible.
The project consists of a permanent staff. The staff is enthusiastic, friendly and enjoy training and working with volunteers from different countries. The language spoken at this project is English.
The project is set in a bush field surrounding just outside of Pretoria, which is approximately 45 minutes drive north of Johannesburg. The volunteer house is based within centre so you are only a walk away from the primates.
In volunteers leisure time there is the opportunity to make some great excursions like the Kruger National Park (to spot the ‘big 5’), visit the rhino and lions reserve, visit the elephant sanctuary, visit many museums, etc. (Excursions add additional costs and can be arranged for you at the project site).
You will be responsible for arranging your own transport to Johannesburg, South Africa. After you’ve booked your journey, detailed travel information will be given.
The work is varied and after an introduction, your tasks may be:
- Food preparation (if interested);
- Feeding the primates and cleaning their enclosures;
- General monitoring of unstable primates and record keeping;
- Enclosure building and general grounds maintenance;
- Introductions and monitoring of unfamiliar primates;
- Relocating and monitoring of primates to new enclosures at the sanctuary;
- Providing enrichment
- Once a week there is also ‘monkey time’ which allows you to spend time with the primates that are in need of some extra attention.
You will work 5 days a week and have 2 days off each week.
The voluneer accommodation at the sanctuary is quite basic but there is all you need. The volunteer house consists of diffent bedrooms (also single room and double room for couples are available), a eat- and sit area, a braai (BBQ) area, a kitchen and a bathroom. There is also an outdoor area with picnic benches whete you can have breakfast while watching the primates from a distance.
As a volunteer you must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum age for participation is 18 years old. 17 years ols in consultation and younger volunteers welcome accompanied by a parent/caretaker.
- Volunteers must be in reasonable physical condition.
- There are no vaccinations required at this project but we recommend you to be vaccinated against Tetanus (DTP). (For additional vaccines and current information we advise you to visit your local clinic).
Volunteers are welcome all year round. You may choose your own arrival and departure dates. Minimum stay of 1 week.
This project can be combined well with the project animals and children (GS28DKZA) in South Africa.
| Period | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 week | € 410,00 |
| every exta week | € 260,00 |
- Infornation and assistence before departure
- If desired, free estimate of flight options / travel possibilities (the most convenient flights options at a glance)
- Accommodation on the project
- Use of volunteer kitchen
- Working equipment
- A donation to the project
- Training and supervision on side
- Administration costs
- And, of course a very memorable experience!
Prices are valid for the said periods in the year 2022.
Everything you need to know before you book this project:
Extensive information Project Different monkeys in South Africa in South Africa (PDF)
