If you are passionate about animals, especially monkeys and want to make a difference in their lives, then volunteering at IPR is for you. The rewards and benefits are two-fold, we give you an experience of a lifetime and you assist us with the daily care of the animals. Volunteer at IPR and help us to help them!!
As long as you are at least 18 years old you are welcome. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for work experience, a student on a gap year, want a break from your office job, are retired, or you just want to get away from it all for a while. Join us and experience a unique once in a lifetime opportunity!
Our volunteer program will give you a fascinating wildlife experience whilst you learn about primate behaviour and animal care. You will get hands on experience with all the different species of primates at the sanctuary. We currently have Capuchins, Macaques, Owl Monkeys, Squirrel monkeys, Ring Tailed Lemur, Tamarins, and Marmosets. But as cute as they are you also need to be prepared to get down and dirty, as along with the pleasure of interacting with our animals, their enclosures also need cleaning and maintaining!
We are based just outside Pretoria so on your days off you will have plenty of attractions and nature reserves to visit. We are less than an hour away from Johannesburg airport so airport pick ups are easily arranged.
During your time with us you will get to know our staff and work side by side with them. More importantly, you will get to know our monkeys and all their different personalities. It is our hope that when you leave us you have made lifelong friends with our staff as well as your fellow volunteers, and that you walk away with the fantastic memories of an unforgettable experience!!!
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
No previous experience is required, however you need to be fit and healthy and at least 18 years of age. You should be able to speak and understand English sufficiently to get around. You must not be scared of getting down and dirty and must obviously be extremely passionate about animals in general and monkeys in particular. Hard work is a guarantee, but the rewarding experience you will have with us is also guaranteed!
Malaria tablets are not necessary unless you plan on visiting Kruger. We do ask all volunteers to make sure their Tetanus shots are up to date and to make sure they have been vaccinated for Hepatitis B.
Please note, that we also have 3 cats at the sanctuary who like lots of attention from volunteers and live in the volunteer house.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gaining insight and knowledge into primate behaviour
- Working with all kind of different primates
- Monkey time. Once a week volunteers are allowed to spend time in the enclosures with monkeys who really enjoy human company. For the monkeys this is a nice change from their normal routine and they get some special treats. For volunteers it is an amazing opportunity to interact with the monkeys and take some great photos.
- Optional tours of the local and surrounding attractions and area – such as Pilansburg nature reserve, Elephant sanctuary, Rhino and Lion park, Pretoria Zoo and Lesedi village. (tours dependent on availability and time of year and are not included in the price)
- Making new friends and meeting new people
ORIENTATION
If you have asked us to arrange an airport pick up, Bosveld Tours will meet you at Johannesburg airport. The trip to the sanctuary takes about 45 min to an hour. If you arrive during the day, Bosveld Tours will take you food shopping on the way.
When you arrive you will see that your accommodation is right in the middle of the sanctuary, so we can give you a tour straight away and introduce you to all the monkeys. Or if you are too tired you can relax and shower and we will show you around later. The rest of the day you can relax and unpack or get to know the monkeys.
The following morning work will start at 7.30am and one of our staff will take you under their wing.
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
Right in the middle of our sanctuary is our volunteer house. The bedrooms are dorm style with bunk beds. Sheets, duvets and a towel are provided. All volunteers share one large, fully equipped kitchen. In the communal area there is a fire that can be lit on cold winter evenings and often volunteers watch a film on someone’s laptop after work.
Water
Our tap water is perfectly safe to drink. We do ask people to take short showers in order to save water.
Please be aware that daily power cuts are common in South Africa and you may not have electricity for several hours during the day
COST AND BOOKING
£210 per week, per person.
The cost of the programme includes accommodation but is self-catering. There is a shop that is about a 20 minute walk from the sanctuary and has all basic food and toiletries items that people will require.
Costs that are not covered by the programme fee include; Flights, visa, vaccinations, transfers, travel insurance, laundry and spending money.
Volunteer fees must be paid into our South African banking account at least two weeks prior to arrival through a bank transfer.