Volunteers

There is something truly special about being up-close and personal with wild animals that need your nurturing care! If you are passionate about wild animals and want to make a difference in their lives, then this is for you. The rewards and benefits are two-fold: we give you an experience of a lifetime and you assist us in our conservation efforts.

Here are just some of the wonderful highlights to look forward to when joining our program:

  • Interacting with our ambassador Cheetah 
  • Working with a host of fascinating and endangered animals from Pygmy Hippos to Cape Vultures
  • Optional tours of the local and surrounding attractions and area

As long as you are at least 18 years old, whether you are 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!

Applicant Requirements:

A valid passport and VISA (if applicable)
Speak English sufficiently in order to get around
No previous experience is required
You must be 18 and older
You must exceed 1,55m (5ft) in order to interact with some of our adult cheetah, but this will not hinder you with the rest of our program
You must be reasonably fit and declare health issues before acceptance

Orientation:

One of your hosts will meet you on your arrival in George either at the airport or at your bus stop. The trip from George back to Oudtshoorn will take approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

Depending on how tired you are and once you have been shown around your new accommodation, you will be taken on a brief orientation tour of the area, as well as to do any essential shopping you may need to do. You will then be left to settle into your new “home away from home”.

Either on the evening of your arrival or on the following morning, your host will orientate you regarding the environment you will be working in, run through your duties, expectations, house rules etc. and answer any questions you may have.

The next morning you will be taken to the Ranch where you will be given a complete tour of the Ranch itself as well as the breeding centres. You will also be introduced to the Ranch’s directors, managers, curators and the staff that you will be working with. After some final paperwork, you will start directly on your duties.

Accommodation: 

The lodge is a stone's throw from the Wildlife Ranch

It has a large garden, swimming pool, barbeque and entertainment area
Each room contains 2 or 3 beds, with ensuite bathrooms
Laundry facilities are available for you to use (excl washing powder)

Bedding and bath towels are provided but please bring your own swimming towel
The communal lounge area has a fireplace for the icy winter evenings, a snooker table and a bar which you are welcome to make use of.

Meals:

Basic breakfast ingredients are supplied at the lodge
Coffee, tea, milk, sugar, herbs, spices, fruit, bread, spreads and sauces are provided
The onsite restaurant will prepare your lunch – a selection can be made from our volunteer menu
Dinners will also be made by our restaurant and will be delivered to the lodge
We only provide meals from Monday to Friday - on weekends you are responsible for your own meals
Refreshments, alcohol and all extra food are for your own account
Water in Oudtshoorn is generally safe to drink and there is a water filter in the kitchen
You will be taken to town by the hosts, once a week, to purchase your own extras
There is a small shop/café in walking distance to the lodge (10 to 15 min)
Please indicate if you have any allergies or dietary requirements in your application form
Additional charges may be levied for specialized diets

All the information required to volunteer at Cango Wildlife Ranch is on our website (link below). Please click on the link to find out more. We look forward to being your host!"

 

Watch our Wild Animal Volunteer Video!


Click here to visit the Wild Animal Volunteers website