Malawi – Wildlife Rescue Center – Images

Landlocked between the East African countries of Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique lies the home of Africa’s warmest people; Malawi. Malawi is a country filled with national parks and game reserves, lush highlands and tropical forests split by the Great Rift Valley and the clear waters of its chief attraction–Lake Malawi.

Lilongwe is the largest and capital city of Malawi. Named after the Lilongwe River, the city is an essential economic and transport hub to the rest of the country. Despite its urban surroundings, the project site is on a reserve that feels a world away from the chaos of city life.

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.

Internet: Wi-Fi is available at the volunteer house.

Laundry: A laundry service is available, but all delicate items must be washed by hand. Laundry soap is provided.

Accommodations: You will stay in a volunteer house in the sanctuary’s heart surrounded by animals. It can host up to 17 people at a time in six bedrooms. It also includes a lounge, kitchen, inside and outside dining spaces, two bathrooms, laundry space, an outdoor deck and garden.

Food: Three vegetarian meals are included and are served by the local chef, who provides international meals and some Malawian dishes. He takes a day off on Sundays so you can alternate with the other volunteers to cook up a feast. Drinking water is also provided. If you prefer to eat out, there are many wonderful restaurants just a short taxi ride away and if you can’t live without luxuries like chocolate, the shops aren’t far either!

• Minimum age 18
• Good command of English
• Physical fitness
• Motivation to work with animals
• Immunizations (please consult your local travel clinic) All the standard vaccinations for Malawi plus Rabies vaccination and proof that you are not a carrier of TB.

The rescue center can connect you with local tour operators. They can help you organize a weekend safari in South Luangwa, Zambia. This place is known for its abundant wildlife and is one of the best spots to see animals in Africa. Please note that there is an extra fee for this safari. Additionally, during your free time, you can choose from various optional activities. These include game drives or boat trips in Liwonde National Park. You can also go snorkeling or diving in the famous Lake Malawi. Another option is to go cycling in Kuti Wildlife Reserve.