| Lory Park Zoo and Owl Sanctuary -Volunteer Program This small by very well organized zoo specializes in wild cats and is involved in various breeding programs. It is well situated near Pretoria and Johannesburg and provided opportunity for volunteers to handle and care for animals such as small cats, lion, tiger, leopard, primates, reptiles, birds and more. There are always newborn animals that need care and volunteers are often given the task of assisting with the raising one of these special animals. This is a sanctuary for a huge variety of wildlife. This is a fully fledged educational facility. And children are educated on the rehabilitation of the environment and encounter a holistic learning experience. There are three options for volunteers (18 years or older): Option A ‑ Students still studying. Students who are studying, zoology, veterinary science, animal behavior or zoo keeping that are attending universities or colleges. In terms of their internship, they need to complete a thesis for their university for their studies as well as it has to be beneficial to the zoo. A volunteer’s learning experience will include first hand experience with wildlife, working with staff on the different sections in the zoo, assisting with hand rearing if there are kitten/pups/cubs and assisting with veterinary procedures. Minimum of three months, R3000 per a month per a month. Which needs to be paid on arrival and then a month in advance. Option B ‑ Work experience in Field of study Volunteers who have completed their studies in zoology, veterinary science or zoo keeping, who are looking for work experience. The learning experience will involve first hand experience with wildlife, working with the staff in sections of the zoo, assisting with hand rearing if there are kitten/pups/cubs, assisting with educational programmes, marketing of the Zoo and assisting with veterinary work. A work experience certificate will be issued on completion of the volunteering time. Minimum of three months at R4000 per a month per a person which needs to be paid on arrival and then a month in advance. Option C – Unqualified volunteers Volunteers who have not formally studied in wildlife/animals or worked with animals before but wishes to do so. The learning experience will involve first hand experience with wildlife, working with the staff on the different sections of the zoo, assisting with hand rearing if there are kitten/pups/cubs, assisting with educational programmes, marketing of the Zoo, assisting with conservation projects and assisting with veterinary work. The minimum time span to stay is 2 months. Comfortable self catering accommodation is provided on site. The cost is R5000 per a month per a person. Dates and duration The program starts at the beginning of every month. Please bear in mind that the sooner you apply, the better your chances of securing your placement! The program runs for a minimum of 3 months for Option A and B and 2 months for option C. The preferred date of arrival is the 1st of each month. The longer the stay, the bigger the responsibilities given to volunteers and the more options are available to them. Please note that tourists only qualify for a 3-month / 90 day Tourist / Visitor VISA upon entering South Africa. If you plan to stay on the program for longer, we do recommend that you contact the South African Embassy or Consulate. Location The project is situated in Midrand, between Johannesburg and Pretoria. This is about 30 kms from the OR Thambo International Airport. Accomodation and meals Volunteers stay in comfortable self-catering accomodation on site. Meals are not provided but food outlets are a short distance away and arrangements can usually be made with staff to do grocery shopping. Transport It is recommended that you fly to the O R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Volunteers will be transferred to and from the airport by Lory Park Zoo staff. (Lory Park Zoo and Owl Sanctuary reserves the right to screen the volunteers as to which option they fit into .Proof and documentation will be required for option A and B. Lory Park Zoo also reserves the right to turn down a volunteer’s application) | 
