About the Big Cat Volunteer Project
This big cat volunteer project in South Africa is based at an environmentally friendly sanctuary for captive-bred big cats and other animals, including lions, tigers, leopards, jackals, caracals, cats and dogs, where they will be protected and prosper for the rest of their lives. One of the sanctuary’s main purposes is to be an educational platform where we create awareness about the conditions big cats face in captivity, and how animal welfare and enrichment play a vital role in giving them the best captive life possible. We are a true sanctuary where no cub petting, breeding or trading takes place. We aim to be a blueprint of how a non-profit sanctuary, focusing on animal welfare, can become self-sufficient, and we aim to one day change all breeding facilities into sustainable ethical projects.
This project also believes in the connection between both environmental and wildlife conservation, and aims to become the first “green” big cat sanctuary in South Africa, run solely on solar energy. The sanctuary has found its 40 hectare paradise with a beautiful home for the animals, the owners and the many volunteers visiting us. The land is filled with lots of large trees, a natural spring and a 360-degree mountain view.
About the Volunteer Programme in South Africa
At the sanctuary, we believe in the equal importance of both humans and animals, and we do our absolute best to give you a great experience. We know from personal experience that this includes both quality time with animals, as well as with staff and the other volunteers. In addition to the bonds you will form with the animals, friendships will be formed and together at the end of the day we all can share stories, hopes and dreams around the bonfire with a cold drink watching the famous African sunset.
This Big Cat Sanctuary volunteer project in South Africa will offer you the opportunity to get involved behind the scenes at the sanctuary. Typical tasks will include:
- Caring and getting to know the amazing big cats
- Making and implementing enrichment for the cats’ enjoyment
- Preparation of food and watching the exciting feeding
- Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
- Making and maintaining firebreaks
- General farm work
- Assisting with our educational visits
- Testing of fences and walking perimeter
“We are a true sanctuary for exploited, abused and neglected big cats where no cub petting, breeding or trading takes place. Our focus on rescue is saving lives, one big cat at a time and our focus on education is moving hearts and creating momentum to change the captive big cat industry on a global level. We believe that in unity there is strength, and our volunteers are a vital and special part of our pride and the work that we do.” – Quote from the Volunteer Coordinator
