The Vervet Monkey Foundation
Focus: Primate Care and Conservation.
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Project Description
The Vervet Monkey Foundation is non-profit organisation (NPO) and one of the biggest primate rehabilitation centres in South Africa caring for a large number of indigenous Vervet Monkeys, helping injured and orphaned primates to be re-introduced into natural areas.
The Vervet Monkey Foundation runs a unique volunteer program for people interested in caring for primates or who are planning on working with primates or animals as a career to get hands on experience in all aspects of running a wildlife sanctuary; it is also an ideal place for zoology or anthropology students to research natural primate behaviour.
The Vervet Monkey Foundation became a member of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) in 2006 and in May 2010 became GFAS Verified (Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries). This verification status means that the Vervet Monkey Foundation meets the comprehensive definition of a true sanctuary, meets standards of excellence and provides humane and responsible care of the animals in accordance with GFAS guidelines.
Whether in a gap year, looking for work experience or wanting to study primates in Africa the Vervet Monkey Foundation can use your time and skills giving you the once in a lifetime opportunity of working close to these amazing indigenous primates.
Volunteer Information
Costs & Benefits
Requirements
Contact information
Project Summary
No previous experience is necessary although you must have an interest in conservation. We welcome volunteers over the age of 18. This is an ideal project for anyone who has ever dreamed of working with monkeys.
Be prepared to work hard and experience working under the African sun with this threatened, intelligent and indigenous primate of Africa - The vervet monkey.
Collecting, chopping and delivering food for monkeys.
Cooking at weekends for volunteers
Hands-on care-giving of baby monkeys (baby season only), helping in our sickbay
Monitoring and report writing of monkeys around the Sanctuary
Cleaning monkey cages, washing feed bowls & plates and cleaning blankets
Assisting with introductions and rehabilitation of new monkeys.
Assisting with basic medical practices and administering medications.
Clearing vegetation for fire breaks, looking after the volunteer village.
Assisting with education outreach programs
Participating in fundraising, newsletters, we can also use graphic design skills
You will sleep in a wooden cabin and eat delicious vegan (cruelty free) meals.
The work at our centre can be very challenging and requires on-the-job training so we prefer to have volunteers for a minimum period of 4 weeks and are happy to have long term volunteers and offer a discount depending on length of stay.
Please enquire regarding 2 or 3 week stays. Your fees go toward food, accommodation and much needed financial support for the monkeys and the Sanctuary.
FIRST 4 WEEKS: (ZAR) 8000 (£750, $1200, 820 Euros)
EXTRA WEEKS: (ZAR) R2000 per extra week
Volunteers get one day off per week; we provide a lift into Tzaneen to purchase supplies, swim in the nearby lodge pool, spa or relax over cappuccino in the mall. Volunteers her for 4 weeks are also invited to take one touring day per week to visit local sights. Volunteers often tour with new friends met at the VMF.
No previous experience is necessary although you must have an interest in conservation. We welcome volunteers over the age of 18.
You will need to have a TB X-ray either before you arrive or on arrival, you will need to have a valid anti-tetanus vaccination before arrival to the Foundation, ensure you have an up to date anti-tetanus shot, you need to confirm that you have travel medical insurance prior to arrival, and you must provide us with a copy of your medical arrangements.
Vervet Monkey Foundation
Plot 35 California
Tarentaalrand
Letsitele
Limpopo Province
South Africa
0885
Tel: +27 83 4545 381
Email: dave@vervet.za.org
Website: www.vervet.za.org
Location:Limpopo Province South Africa
Average cost per day: $25
Focus:Primate Care
Skills needed: No previous experience is necessary although you must have an interest in conservation and be aged 18 and over.You will need to have a TB X-ray either before you arrive or on arrival, ensure you have an up to date anti-tetanus shot, you need to confirm that you have travel medical insurance prior to arrival.