The animals at the N/a’an ku sê Sanctuary come to the Sanctuary in need of rescue, rehabilitation and sometimes permanent captive care. In an Africa where humans and wildlife sometimes struggle to co-exist peacefully, the N/a’an ku sê Sanctuary provides a haven and second chance for animals in need. Our Wildlife Conservation volunteers come from all backgrounds, nationalities and with varied familiarity with animals and wildlife, from absolutely no experience to those with a professional background in veterinary or conservation science. What our volunteers do have in common is a love of wildlife and a passion for aiding in the conservation and care of Africa’s diverse species.
Wildlife Conservation volunteers provide an important resource in caring for and feeding the animals on a daily basis, as well as helping to maintain and develop the sanctuary. As a wildlife volunteer you should be ready to be actively involved in the day-to-day activities which support the foundation.
At N/a’an ku sê the goal is to release animals whenever possible so that they may be free to live a natural life in the wild. However, sometimes an animal comes to us that cannot be released for various reasons such as habituation to humans which would put the animal at risk if released or an extensive injury. The aim is to provide a lifelong sanctuary for these animals.
Because they release and/or relocate whenever possible, the animals at the Sanctuary will vary at any given time but may include carnivores such as Wild Dogs, Lions, Leopard, Cheetah and Caracal; primates such as Baboons and Vervet Monkeys; birds such as peacocks and vultures; antelope such as Oryx (Gemsbok), Springbok, Duiker and Kudu; small mammals such as Meerkats, Rock Hyrax, Genets and Warthogs as well as a host of other species and farm animals.
ACTIVITIES AT THE SANCTUARY
Activities at the sanctuary are carried out in a rotational group system to ensure that everybody gets exposed to the variety of experiences available.
Possible tasks as a Wildlife Conservation Volunteer on the Sanctuary include:
• Preparing food and feeding the wildlife and farm animals
• Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
• Providing enrichment to the animals in the form of interaction, walks in the bush or implementation of special activities for them
• Providing intensive care for juvenile wildlife including overnight care for some animals such as baboons
• Physical labour such as building new facilities
• Research which may include the monitoring of free-ranging carnivores in the area, analysing camera traps and GPS data
• Time in the environment such as tracking & monitoring carnivores (and sometimes snakes!) on or near property, horseback riding and game counts in the bush
• Assisting with the various projects that arise at the sanctuary
PROJECT WORK
Project work at the sanctuary varies depending on the needs of the project, and is a large and vital part of your time with the Sanctuary. Project work can range from easy and fun jobs to heavier labour that involves work with tools, lifting and more. Some of the projects completed in the past with the assistance of our volunteers included:
• Digging waterholes for our new caracal and baby baboon enclosures
• Making and decorating new toys for baboon enclosures
• Digging holes and putting up fences for enclosures
• Painting the school
It is always important to remember that, while some animals are approachable, they are all wild animals at heart and thus it is important to always respect their boundaries. It is therefore essential to listen to any staff members accompanying you and who will provide you with the best practices for interactions.
Volunteer work can be combined with any safari extension. Please see the Namibia Safari sections for more information.
For more information contact the Namibia Vet Safari team at info@namibiavetsafaris.com