Because of an increase in deforestation and the struggles between people and wildlife, Malawi’s wild animals are not only losing their natural habitats, but are often found injured or in severe distress. This project offers a haven for these animals, assisting in their recovery and rehabilitation and, wherever possible, releasing them back in to the wild where they belong. Those that can’t be released find a permanent home in large, natural enclosures where they can roam freely.
The rescue center can care for around 200 animals at any time. Most of these animals are primates (vervet monkeys and yellow baboons). Other animals supported by the center include birds, reptiles, small antelopes and small carnivores. Many animals rescued at the center are orphans and/or victims of the illegal pet and bush meat trades, which are unfortunately still very common in Malawi. Others may have been caught in snares, hit by cars or injured because of the human-wildlife conflict. Thanks to a veterinary clinic, orphan care center and experienced animal care team, as well as the volunteers, many of these animals fully recover and can return to the wild.
Volunteers will help with a host of different tasks and projects while volunteering at the wildlife center.
Animal Care: Alongside the animal care professionals, you may help with various aspects of rehabilitation, including animal husbandry (cleaning, sanitation, feeding and enrichment), and orphan care. The center maintains a strict hands-off policy, but orphaned animals, in particular, may need special attention for full rehabilitation and you may help with surrogacy work.
Rehabilitation: You’ll also get the chance to learn more about specialist areas of work such as enrichment, observation and rehabilitation techniques.
Some of your tasks may include:
- Orphan care, including feeding and hand-rearing orphans.
- Animal husbandry (cleaning, sanitation, feeding and enrichment).
- Rehabilitation, including integration and observation.
Important notes:
- The nature of the work and the animals in care can vary from day to day and not all tasks may be required at the time of your volunteering. All work that gets done is incredibly beneficial and worthwhile.
- Volunteers work five days a week and schedules vary depending on what animals need particular attention. Volunteers work from 8am – 5pm, but during orphan season feeds may be scheduled during less sociable hours, so occasionally there can be long days and night shifts. There is a great sense of achievement in helping the animals. Please note that the busiest period is from October to January each year, when the center typically receives more orphaned animals.
- Evenings and breaks in schedules offer free time for volunteers to do as you wish–take a trip to the supermarket, go for lunch/dinner in town, out in the evening, etc.
- On weekends volunteers can take trips–a perfect opportunity to visit the famous Lake Malawi or hop over the border into Zambia for a safari in the world- renowned South Luangwa National Park.
