Overview of the Project
 This project is looking at re-directing the breeding lions to real re-introduction areas within Africa . The project will start first of 4 Phases for the re-introduction project from 1 September 2006. The project has currently earmarked three areas in Africa for this re-introduction program and started discussions and impact studies in these areas; involving National Parks, local communities, conservationists, and scientists. We believe it will be the first of its kind in South Africa .
Lion handlers, researchers and other specialists have been employed for the Breeding, re-introduction and monitoring program. The lion population in the Park is currently 80, of which nearly 25 are sub-adults and cubs. All the lion cubs born at the Park are hand-reared. The cubs have been inoculated against all known feline diseases including rabies, and have all been tested and found to be free of feline aids and TB. All the cubs are micro-chipped. Since 2002 the center has successfully bred the four white lion cubs.
Three Siberian tigers have also been acquired from a successful breeding program in Johannesburg . (It is estimated that there are only 1,000 of these beautiful animals left in the world). The Park boasts in excess of forty species of wildlife. Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Impala, Blesbok, Duiker, Monkeys, etc. roam free, whilst the Crocodile, Rock Monitors, Meerkats, Gennets, Jackals, and Caracals are housed in camps and cages in the sanctuary areas. They are released when and if they are able. The Park offers the visitors a close up view of wild life in the unspoiled coastal bush, which abounds in the park.
Some of the resident birds include Ostrich, Peacock , Guinea Fowl, Hawk, Heron, Grass Owl, Francolin and our National-bird the Blue Crane. The rarely seen, Long-crested Eagle and Crowned Eagle have recently been "spotted" by the local Birding Society.
Location
Set in 120 hectares of superb bush and grassland, the Park offers a unique aspect of close-up game viewing and is also malaria free.
Project/Volunteers' Life
 Before the start of project, volunteers will be briefed on what to do and, more importantly, what not to do. The entire project will also be a stimulating learning experience. Working as a volunteer you will be involved in many aspects of conservation and lion care. You will have the rare opportunity of caring for them this means being responsible for the cubs' wellbeing. Works include:
• Giving the cubs comfort, feeding them with milk formula from a bottle.
• Replacing their mother in all ways. Doing the mothers' job of assisting them to urinate and defecate. (For at least the first three weeks as they cannot do this for themselves).
• Cuddling and just sitting with them. Interacting with the public extends to assisting our talented restaurant staff during busy periods or functions.
Other volunteer tasks include:
. Daily Conservation works on fauna and flora in the region as well as identification of mammals, wildlife spoor, animal dung etc.
. Assisting with upkeep of the small reserve such as road maintenance, removal alien vegetation etc.
. Upkeep and improvement of lion enclosures for all lions.
. Walking lions on a daily basis, at times with paying clients.
. Assisting with community projects in the area at least 1 day a week.
. Observing and studying the lion cubs and their behavior, cubs are very individual and even the litters vary.
. Checking for snares.
. Preparing lions for re-introduction program.
Benefit to volunteers.
The Born to Be Wild Program in South Africa is in great need of volunteer assistance. By volunteering on this project, you will have a fantastic experience of African wildlife, with the knowledge that you are giving back to the environment. This project is a really rewarding volunteer experience, which is why it is such a popular project. In this project, you will experience the African bush in a very special way as you spend time out in this Big 5 area. You will immerse yourself in local culture and make friends for life with the other international volunteers on the programme
Fees and Dates
Start Dates (2008): Jan 7th, Jan 21st, Feb 4th, Feb 18th, Mar 3rd, Mar 17th, Mar 31st, Apr 14th, Apr 28th, May 12th, May 26th, Jun 9th, Jun 23rd, Jul 7th, Jul 21st, Aug 04th, Aug 18th, Sep 1st, Sep 15th, Sep 29th, Oct 13th, Oct 27th, Nov 10th, Nov 24th, Dec 8th, Dec 22nd
Project |
2 weeks |
3 weeks |
4 weeks |
5 weeks |
6 weeks |
7 weeks |
Each Add Week |
Born-To-Be Wild |
$2250 |
$2950 |
$3550 |
$4150 |
$4750 |
$5350 |
$899 |
Please note that you can join any project for any length of time, however we recommend (from experience) that you should not stay longer than 4-6 weeks at a project. Should you wish to stay for 8 weeks or longer than rather select a few projects and even try different regions in Africa ( Kenya , South Africa and Namibia ). This allows you to enjoy the different cultures and people in these areas.
What does program fee cover?
• Airport reception
• First night in backpackers lodge, if necessary
• Transfer to project (mostly by project vehicle)
• Introductory training before the start of project
• Accommodation
• Food
• Transfer back to airport
• Insurance
Additional cost to volunteer
• All room/food before and after program
• Personal expenses
• International airfare
• Visa
• Immunization
• Communication
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