WORK CONTENT AND DESCRIPTION
This outstanding project where you'll work hands-on with lion cubs takes place in
Livingstone, Zambia. The involvement of volunteers on the project is paramount to
achieving our aims on all fronts. You can expect days to be long, but you will also
be able to end each day knowing that you have given something back to Africa; having
made a difference to the animals and people that you come into contact with.
Your primary task whilst on placement will be to assist management and their team
of guides, handlers and scouts in all aspects of care for the animals in their charge;
giving them the opportunities to develop their natural instincts in preparation
for their release into the next stage of the program.
Research is a significant part of your role; collecting data not only on the development
of the lions, but also joining the elephant monitoring team in the National Park.
You will also help them with our various community programs that may include conservation
or health education as well as a number of other projects that you will be told
about on arrival. To give you an idea of how your time will be split between the
different aspects of the program, the following should be taken as an approximation:
- Lion Rehabilitation & Release into the Wild Program 75%
- Conservation work within the National Park 20%
- Conservation Education & Community Development 5%
YOUR DAILY TASKS MAY INCLUDE:
CONSERVATION: : As a volunteer you will get involved in the daily care of the lions. This can include feeding them, preparing their food (you need to be able to handle raw meat), cleaning and building enclosures. Occasionally you may also help with the veterinary care of the lions.
RESEARCH: As part of the program they conduct a number
of research activities to better understand lion behaviour and ecology.
You'll assist the research technician in gathering and analyzing this vital
data. The research studies being undertaken whilst on your placement will vary depending
on the needs of the project at the time but may include looking at hunting development,
character traits, spoor sizes or mane growth. You will receive all the training
you need in order to ensure that you are able to provide valuable input to this
program regardless of previous experience.
ELEPHANT MONITORING:Conflict with humans is
a major issue for elephants in the region, but understanding how to mitigate the
conflict first requires an understanding of the ecology of the species within the
National Park. Volunteers will join the research team to identify individual elephants,
to track seasonal changes, score body condition, record location and group sizes;
all so that these data can be correlated to crop raiding incidents. Through this
program they hope to be able to find patterns in elephant use of the Park to understand
why the conflicts arise and therefore be able to provide reasonable solutions to
reduce the conflict.
CONSERVATION EDUCATION:As a volunteer, you will get the opportunity to visit local schools in the area to garner support for conservation through education, hygiene and resource management. The aim is to offer children a full understanding of their environment and to build an appreciation for the need to conserve what remains of the wild areas of Zambia. The type of programmes going on during your time will be fiving to you on arrival.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:
- Experience the African bush in a very special way as you spend time out in the Mosi-oa-Tunya
National Park. You will be actively involved in a number of conservation activities.
- Immerse yourself in local Zambian culture.
- Make friends for life with the other international volunteers on the programme.
- Join the conservation education team in local schools giving you a wonderful insight
into the community.
- Optional adventure activities, from white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi River;
bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge or a helicopter flight over the Falls.
- Optional trips to spectacular wildlife areas in neighbouring Botswana or Zimbabwe,
including the enormous Hwange National Park, Chobe National Park, walk with Rhino
at Matopos National Park and the Lion Programme at Gweru Park.
START DATES:
For 2016 the start dates are:
Jan 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th
Feb 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th
Mar 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th
Apr 4th, 11th, 18th and 25
May 4th, 11th, 17th and 25th
Jun 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th
Jul 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th
Aug 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th
Sep 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th
Oct 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st
Nov 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th
Dec 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th