WILD INSIDE ADVENTURES
Wildlife
Rehabilitation Project
Wildlife Paws is a registered non-profit organization, running a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in conjunction with Dullstoom Bird of Prey, in the Mpumalanga Region of South Africa.
Wildlife Paws focuses on the care and rehabilitation of a wide range of species, including primates, servals, bats, birds of prey, meerkats and antelopes to name just a few!
The center is one of the few places that really does try to rehabilitate wildlife, and get them released into the wild, unlike many other places in South Africa, which are really more just glorified zoos. If an animal for any reason cannot be released back into the wild, it is then given life long care, and a forever home.
Volunteers become essential team members, and are very valued and needed for the success of Wildlife Paws. The project relies heavily on volunteers, and the work you carry out is vital for the day-to day running of the center.
Join the volunteer programme, and become part of real conservation work. From rescuing injured wildlife to daily care and rewilding preparation, volunteers learn to respect and protect animals as they truly are: wild. Live in eco-bungalows, share meaningful moments, and help give every creature a second chance.
Wildlife Paws has no government support, and relies solely on visitor and volunteer donations to continue it's vital work. Without volunteers, many animals taken in each year would not have a future.
Volunteers are involved in every aspect of care for the animals at the rehabilitation center, and play an active role in their eventual release back into nature. The experience is very hands-on.
At Wildlife Paws, every volunteer helps give injured and orphaned wild animals a second chance at freedom. Working with the team in Dullstroom, you’ll take part in daily care, feeding, and rehabilitation - making a real difference for wildlife and for yourself.
This project suits wildlife lovers wanting to make a big difference, and those wanting to gain experience with wildlife and rehabilitation. We want you to get out of the project as much as you put in, and guarantee you will leave with some really beautiful memories.
The fee/donation that volunteers pay covers food, transport and accommodation during your stay, with the remainder then put back into the sanctuary, covering costs such as veterinary fees, food for the animals, formula for baby animals, bedding, repair costs for enclosures, transport costs while rescuing wildlife, general running costs of the rehabilitation center, plus anything else the animals need.
We cannot stress enough how valued volunteers are on this project, and how much of a difference you make to so many lives.
'Saving one animal will not change the world, but it will change the world for that one animal'.
MISSION:
Rescue: Wildlife Paws takes in orphaned and displaced indigenous wildlife, with the aim of rehabilitation and release back into protected areas of the wild.
Rehabilitation: Each species requires a different approach to rehabilitation, which involves different processes, including troop bonding for social animals and re-wilding for solitary animals.
Release: The final aim is always to release any animal back into the wild wherever possible. This involves finding a suitable site, ensuring the animal is in the best condition to survive, and securing the necessary permits and paperwork.
Education: Only through education can we change the mindset and attitude of the public towards wildlife.
ACTIVITIES
Volunteers are essential to the success of the rehabilitation center. Staff will ensure that you get involved and have fun, while learning a new way of life, all while making a huge difference to wildlife conservation. As a volunteer you will be treated as a professional member of the team.
A positive attitude, willingness to help and a sense of humour are essential! Volunteers should expect to get dirty, exhausted but extremely HAPPY at the end of the day!
Volunteer Activities:
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Daily Feeding Routines
This will include unloading, sorting and storing of new food, preparing food depending on the species, dishing food up, and feeding the animals in the center. Each species has different dietary requirements.
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Hand Raising and Bottle Feeding Orphans
This is one of the most rewarding aspects of the project, but also one of the most tiring! Animals may need to be fed around the clock. Please note that there are not always baby animals on site to hand rear, it all depends on what animals are at the rehab center when you arrive. But if there are any orphans, you will have chance to get hands-on and get involved!
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Cleaning Enclosures and Work Areas
There is always cleaning to be done, as with all animals! This helps to keep animals in good condition, and prevents infections.
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Administering Medications
For any animals receiving treatment for illness or wounds.
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Enrichment Projects
Animals in enclosures can suffer from stress and boredom, so volunteers are heavily involved with enrichment, such as cutting branches and making toys for the animals. Enrichment can also help with preparing animals with skills they may use in the wild when released. Any fresh ides you have for enrichment are always welcome. For permanent residents who cannot be released, volunteers themselves are often a great source of company and enrichment.
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General Maintenance
This can include improving or repairing enclosures, fixing fences, painting, alien tree removal, and raking.
A TYPICAL DAY
A guideline only. Duties vary considerably from day to day, depending on what wildlife is at the rehabilitation center at the time, and what care they need.
07:00: Meet up at the Rehabilitation facilities for daily briefing and
to go through what needs to be done for the day.
07:15 - 09:00: Animal feeding and enclosure cleaning. Assisting with feeding various animals.
09:00: Breakfast
09:30: General duties – usually any issues noticed in the morning that need attention.
12:30 – 14:00: Lunch break
14:00 – 15:30: General duties: Any tasks that need addressing. These could be things like fixing a small hole in an enclosure fence, removing a tree that’s fallen over, painting an enclosure, working on enrichment, helping on our long-term projects and general stuff that happens around the farm, there is always something to do! There may be animals that need medication or new animals brought in through the day
that need housing or attention.
15:30 to 16:30: Afternoon feed and care for the special needs animals or babies during the evening, and also overnight if needed.
WILL I REALLY BE MAKING A DIFFERENCE?
Absolutely, yes! By making the volunteer donation to attend the project, you have already made a huge difference. The volunteer programme funds most of the day to day expenses of the rehabilitation center. Feeding and caring for up to 100 animals is a costly exercise and volunteer payments make a huge difference, and enable the rehabilitation center to keep going.
Having so many animals means that staff are always snowed-under with work, and volunteer contributions towards helping out with the care if the animals also makes a huge impact, whether you are hand-rearing babies, cleaning enclosures, preparing food, comforting new animals, or even helping with fund-raising ideas. Without you they simply could not cope, and any new ideas you bring to the project are greatly appreciated. You will quickly become part of the family, and impact greatly on the lives of the animals you donate your time to.
We hope you will get out of the experience as much as you put in, and that you will go home and spread the word about this wonderful project, and educate others on the many issues wildlife face, which you will learn about during the project.
ACCOMMODATION
Volunteer accommodation is very comfortable, with volunteers staying in eco-bungalows on site. The chalets are nestled between the trees, and feel very homey.
Nestled in the misty mountains of Mpumalanga, Dullstroom is one of South Africa’s most charming highland towns - known for its peaceful atmosphere, trout-filled rivers, and breathtaking nature reserves. The Wildlife Paws Centre is based within the Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre, surrounded by rolling hills, waterfalls, and forest trails.
During your stay, you’ll experience true South African nature: crisp morning air, the calls of wild birds, and evenings under a sky full of stars.
On your days off, you can explore the local area - visit the quaint cafés and markets of Dullstroom, go hiking, or plan a weekend trip to Kruger National Park or Swaziland.
Rooms are spacious, well equipped and comfortable. They are also located close to the communal areas and communal kitchen, which you will share with the other volunteers.
The accommodation is located on top of a mountain and next to a big dam. You can enjoy your morning coffee with all the sights and sounds of nature.
There is a maximum number of people to 3 per room. There are options for a room to yourself at an additional weekly cost (if available).
There is WIFI in the main house and a nice braai and bar spot outside to have an evening fire overlooking the mountains and the stars.
PRICES + DATES
The project runs all year.
Volunteers can choose their own dates and number of weeks (1-12 weeks duration).
2 Week: £690
4 Weeks: £1000
6 Weeks: £1500
8 Weeks: £2000
12 Weeks: £3000
A 50% deposit is required to secure your place on the project
The remaining balance needs to be paid in full eight weeks before your arrival.
Included: All project activities, accommodation, food, airport transfers.
Not Included: Flights, insurance (mandatory), any required vaccination costs, excursions.
** 80% of the money you pay goes into the running costs of Wildlife Paws as a donation. This may include veterinary fees, food, formula for the baby monkeys, bedding, enclosure maintenance, permits for new animals, and transport costs when collecting injured/abandoned wildlife. **