Vast stretches of “bushveld” lie to the north of the metropolitan areas of Johannesburg/ Pretoria and the ancient buttresses of the Waterberg Mountains escarpment. The Tambotie wildlife centre is to be found in the middle of this bushveld biome. The centre itself is situated within a large game reserve with populations of zebra, buffalo, giraffe, white rhino and wildebeest to name but a few of the mammal species to be found here. Being situated in an area that is dominated by the wildlife industry, the centre is perfectly placed to deal with orphaned, injured, sick and quarantined animals. Warthog and antelope species roam the grounds of the centre before being released onto the nearby game reserve and mongooses, servals, and even the rarely seen aardvark have all called the centre home. Monkeys, birds of prey, lion cubs, rhino and many other species of animals regularly pass through the centre as they are brought in for treatment and then rehabilitated back into the wild or to other reserves. A participant on this project will be afforded the opportunity of being exposed to many different aspects of conservation and of veterinary practice.
Students take part in the following activities;
- Daily rounds of the animals resident at the centre, feeding and cleaning enclosures. If orphaned young are at the centre feeding is done throughout the night if necessary!
- If veterinary procedures have been performed changing of bandages or the administration of drugs may be necessary.
- Regular game drives to monitor rare species such as roan and sable antelope on the surrounding game reserve as well as observation of the disease-free buffalo that are bred on the reserve.
- Blood testing of disease-free buffalo when required.
- Game capture and translocation operations - students will be afforded the opportunity to view and partake in actual game capture operations depending on the season and needs of the reserve.
- The local veterinary school uses the wildlife centre for practical exercises and the centre is used as a base for doing operations during which local veterinary students are instructed. Volunteers on the project will be able to observe these procedures.
- Ongoing assembly of a biodiversity profile of the reserve.
- Bird identification, particularly of wetland species as the reserve falls within the greater Nylsvei wetland, a wetland of global importance!
- Volunteers will partake in reserve management activities such as fence line patrols, snare removal and anti poaching activities.
- Volunteers may have the opportunity to go on guided game walks, drives and quad bike trails.
- Assist in the development and design of environmentally friendly areas and enclosures for the animals at the animal care centre.
Factbox!
Duration: 2-12 weeks
Cost: From £2050 for 2 weeks up to £4990 for 12 weeks. Includes return international flights from London, transfers, all meals, accommodation, all project-related costs and back up and support.
Accommodation: Separate wooden chalets with thatched roofs, separate shared ablution facilities and recreation room. Hot showers and flushing toilets.
Time of year: Throughout the year, even over Christmas!
