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Chimpanzee Project

memories for a lifetime

Chimpanzee Project

Chimpanzee numbers are rapidly declining in the wild and they may be extinct within the next 10 – 20 years if current trends cannot be reversed. Although chimpanzees are not native to South Africa, the projects goal is to care for chimpanzees that have survived the bush meat trade, been orphaned, traded in the illegal pet market, or rescued from the entertainment business. This project brings the world of chimpanzees closer to humanity through education end eco-tourism. 

Volunteers are a crucial part of our organisation. Volunteers work alongside our knowledgeable staff preparing diets, cleaning animal enclosures, making daily enrichment, maintenance work around facility as needed, photography, behavioural observations and much more.

Details about the project

What's included

During your two week Chimpanzee Project you will be collected and dropped off at the airport, you will receive a 2 day orientation with included walking tour, as well as transport to your project location. During the project there will be transport arranged for you to go shopping in town for any necessities or snacks. There is a laundry service available and you will be given a t-shirt for during project work.

Guidance

24 hour support and supervision 

Accommodation

Shared room with other volunteers on project site

Food & Beverages

Three meals a day, coffee & tea included

Details about the project

Chimpanzee project details

  • Arrival Day: Wednesday 
  • Time: Your flight can land anytime on Wednesday 
  • Airport: O R Tambo (JNB) International Airport 
  • Orientation: Wednesday – Thursday 
  • Project Starts: Friday 
  • Departure Day: Friday 
  • Departure time: You must take a late evening flight out of JNB
  • Min Duration: 1 week (incl 2 day Orientation) 
  • Max Duration: 2 weeks (incl 2 day Orientation)
  • Min Age: 18 
  • Max Age: N/A – Medium Level of fitness required 

NOTE: You can also be collectedat any Hotel or place of accommodation on your arrival day, should it be within close radius of the City centre or Airport

 

Volunteers can expect do to all kinds of activities – depending on their interests & skills. Typically, they assist the keepers with cleaning the night rooms of the chimps, making their supplements, cutting and hiding of fruit in their enclosures. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to sit and study the chimps behaviour as much as they wish. The centre is currently upgrading their education room where plants are being planted and walls are being painted.   

The day starts at 7am with breakfast. Tea/coffee break is at 9am. 10am – 1pm is working. 1-2pm lunch break. Then the work day ends either at 4pm or 6pm, depending on the volunteer’s interest in the chimps.

 
  • Completed application form  
  • Vaccinated against hepatitis A&B as well as tetanus 
  • Basic level of competency in English 
  • Copy of return flight itinerary  
  • Evidence of recent TB Tests 
  • Medium level of fitness
  • Volunteers will stay in volunteer wendy houses (2 people per room with bathroom) 
  • All linen and a towel will be provided. 
  • The wendy houses are all individual units set apart from the main area where meals will be provided. There are no lockers in the rooms but if you have valuables you would like to be locked up then you can ask staff to assist with use of the safe. 
  • There is no option to upgrade to a private singular room (all rooms will be shared with another volunteer) 
  • There are visitors and tourists around and there will usually be other people on the property. Volunteers are asked to be polite and respectful towards outside guests as you are representing SAVE at all times. No outside guests or visitors are allowed to access the volunteer accommodation at any time – please remember you are sharing with other volunteers and do not bring in visitors out of respect for them. 

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Activity level

8

Education level

8

Involvement level

7

Independence level

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