Chimpanzee & Wildlife Orphan Care Project Highlights
Chimpanzee & Wildlife Orphan Care Project Highlights
The highlights
- Interact with young chimpanzees at the orphanage
- Be a part of the day to day life in the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in the world
- Capture data on chimpanzee interaction, behaviours and any tool use to support the unique research opportunity the centre provides
- Help take care of both chimpanzees and a range of other animals, including African geese, parrots, monkeys and a hippo
- Play an important role in the rehabilitation of endangered chimpanzees
- Assist with educating local children about chimpanzees and the need to help conserve them
- Make friends for life with the other international volunteers on the programme and immerse yourself in Zambian culture
Where will I sleep?
You will be provided with on-site dormitory style accommodation. This includes bed and bedding, toilets, showers & washing facilities. You will have access to power sources (UK plugs), and charging of electrical equipment is possible during the day. There is a lounge area for volunteers (with a tv that plays DVD's), and a large outdoor firepit for the evenings.
Three meals a day will be prepared for you.
How do I get there and travel around?
You will need to fly into Ndola Airport, where you will be met by your project manager, and transferred to the sanctuary.
When does it start and how long can I go for?
You can volunteer at this project for 2/4/6 weeks, and you can start on the first or third Monday of the month. The project runs all year round, starting from March 2012. Please note that the airport pick-up is at 13h00 on the start date, which means that volunteers have to either arrive on Monday morning, or fly in on Sunday and stay overnight in lodge or hotel in Ndola. We are happy to recommend accommodation.
What does the cost include?
- Project fee: this entails financing that goes directly back into the project and to the chimpanzees and other orphan animals, facilitating the continued care and rehabilitation of animals in need, as well as food, management and maintenance of the sanctuary
- All travel to and from the airport to the sanctuary.
- Accommodation in basic but comfortable volunteer houses
- Three meals a day
- Full time assistance in your projects and comprehensive orientation by various trained staff during your stay.
- The service of a cleaner to attend to your room each day.
Project cost Excludes the following:
- All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other).
- Return flights to Zambia
- Email and telephone calls made during your placement.
- Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary
- Personal insurance cover for the duration of your placement, which is expected to include cover for repatriation.
- Cokes, beers, chocolate and other food items not included in your meals
- Laundry (there are facilities for you to hand wash your own clothes)
Do I need experience, is there orientation?
Upon arrival, you will be introduced to the chimpanzee sanctuary and its inhabitants and receive a comprehensive orientation on your role as a volunteer. The orientation programme includes:
- Introduction to all African Impact representatives and sanctuary staff
- Introduction to the project aims and objectives
- Familiarization with all duties and activities you will be involved in.
Throughout your stay at your placement you will have the support and guidance of our experienced field-workers and project coordinators. They are part of our greater African Impact support team and will provide you with competent 24-hour field support and assistance.
What's the age limit?
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health.
Anything extra I need to know?
Every day is different as animals rarely operate to our schedule – we ask that you remain flexible. The orphanages staff and volunteers start work each day at 7am and work through to 4pm, six days a week. You will have a rest day each week.
A day in the life of a volunteer on this project may look something like this:
- 07h00 The start of your day at the sanctuary! You may spend the morning monitoring and recording behaviour, cleaning enclosures and preparing food for the animal’s breakfast and lunch and assist with their feeding. Or you may take out a group of young orphaned chimp on a fun ‘bush walk’ (about once a week)! This will give you a chance to interact with the animals, and watch them play in their natural environment.
- 12h00 - 13h00: Lunch time
- 14h00 - 16h00 Depending on the daily schedules, you may assist in the Education Centre, educating the local community about wildlife and the importance of its preservation. Alternatively, you may continue the monitoring and recording of behaviour or help prepare food for the other wildlife at the sanctuary.
- 16h15: Briefing by your project manager about the following days activities.
- Evenings – a sociable affair where volunteers chat about their day and enjoy dinner together.
