Western Cape Big Cats

Stanford, Western Cape, South Africa

The Western Cape Big Cat Sanctuary is an environmentally friendly sanctuary which cares for rescued captive-bred big cats. Currently home to lions, tigers, caracals, jackals and a leopard, the sanctuary provides a compassionate and enriching environment for exploited big cats to live out their lives in comfort and safety.
 
With a strong focus on raising awareness of the plight of big cats in Africa, the sanctuary delivers on-site educational programs to sanctuary visitors and provides the opportunity for visitors and volunteers to be involved in creating enrichment toys and activities for the cats. The sanctuary also provides a range of specialist services such as trapped animal relocations, animal communication workshops and big cat facility advice and assistance.

Volunteers assist in many different areas of the sanctuary, from cleaning enclosures and water bowls, helping to prepare the food for the big cats, helping build enclosures, clearing alien plants, creating important enrichment toys for the animals to play with and checking electric fencing around the enclosures and property. Volunteers also play a role in educating visitors to the sanctuary, helping to spread awareness and compassion for the plight of big cats in Africa.

Every day is different, but volunteers are always involved in the daily care of the big cats, including preparation of food and feeding and watering the animals. The animal enclosures are also cleaned and maintained regularly. As part of the sanctuary’s enrichment program, volunteers have the opportunity to get creative and design and construct fun and challenging toys for the big cats and then enjoy watching the animal enjoy and destroy them! Most days the sanctuary delivers two educational sessions for members of the general public. Volunteers will join in with these sessions and help to raise awareness and motivate visitors to care for animals. Volunteers also assist with general farm maintenance such as weed control and fence checks.

Age Requirement: 18 years of age.

Volunteers must be fluent in English, be willing to work and must be able to take direction from staff. Volunteers must also have a genuine care and compassion for animals and a desire to enrich the lives of animals in captivity.

Some sanctuary maintenance tasks can be physically demanding. Working in the heat of Summer. Some volunteers may also feel a bit squeamish about the large portions of meat that are fed to the lions.

All year round. 

Minimum 1 week.

Two shifts per day, morning and afternoon.

During your stay you will enjoy our modern, cosy home which is situated 8 minutes drive, or 25 minutes beautiful walk, from the sanctuary. The house consists of 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, a spacious and fully equipped kitchen and dining room for everyone to cook and enjoy dinners and games nights together, a cozy living room area with a fire for film evenings or just relaxing with a nice book. Outside you will enjoy beautiful mountain views, and we have a traditional South African braai (BBQ) area. There is a lovely dam and large garden with space to play games, walk or sunbathe. While enjoying a peaceful evening outside on the patio, you may just hear our pride of lions roaring in the distance.

Breakfast and lunch are supplied. Vegetarian options are available. Volunteers must supply and prepare their own nighttime meal. Volunteers will be taken on a weekly shopping trip to obtain supplies.

 

From AUD $130 a day

 

Duration Cost (AUD)
1 week $1265
2 weeks $2490
3 weeks $3445
4 weeks $4315
5 weeks $5055
6 weeks $5710
Each additional week $1020

*Please note some items are not included in the project fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country tours and return airport transfer (unless mentioned above). Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the O2E Volunteers Terms and Conditions.

Oceans_2_Earth_Volunteers_Western_Big_Cats (8)

Fatima Wyngaard

South Africa

"I WOULD ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND THIS SANCTUARY !
It is a real true sanctuary! These cats are rescued animals being
cared for and are allowed to live peacefully . No breeding, no
guest interaction which is exactly what a sanctuary is supposed to be.
Thanks for the educational and enlightening experience ! "

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