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Monkey Rescue - South Africa - Volunteer reviews
Click here to go to the South Africa Monkey Rescue page
Kaela – 2012
“The placement was incredible. I made some friends and experiences I will never forget, and PoD did a wonderful job at helping me plan for it. I plan on returning to the sanctuary in a few years to stay as a long termer.
The primate sanctuary was amazing. In the two months that I was there I completely fell in love with South Africa, the monkeys I worked with, and the other volunteers. The living situations may turn off a few people, but I loved it. If you keep a positive attitude then this can be one of the best experiences of your life, I know it was for me. I made some amazing friends and I plan on returning to the sanctuary in the future, hopefully as a long termer if possible. I would definitely recommend this project to anyone willing to put in a hard day’s work to help improve these beautiful monkeys’ lives.
Typical day: Wake up, eat breakfast, chop food for the monkey bowls or prepare supplements that you then hand feed to the monkeys, wash a few dishes if that's what you're on that day, lunch, more supplements, some cleaning and enclosure enrichment while spending time with the monkeys, pellets which you hand feed to the monkeys, and then relaxing the rest of the night.
Most rewarding part of the project: Watching your relationship grow with the monkeys. They are all so sweet and I loved observing the monkeys personalities and behavioural patterns.
Most challenging part of the project: The heat did occasionally get to me, but it was never too bad. Otherwise I enjoyed my time there too much to ever really have a negative thought.
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? Prepare yourself for the living conditions. They definitely are not horrible, and if you don't mind dirt and insects then you will be fine. Also be sure to bring insect repellent - those mosquitoes get pretty bad at night, and bring a head torch and lots of light clothing you don't mind getting dirty!
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? Because it gives you the opportunity to meet and see beautiful people and places. Everyone needs to have a cultural experience.
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? Yes, after spending weeks searching for placements and programs, PoD seemed the most trustworthy, and it definitely was.”
Serena - 2010
"I travelled to South Africa because I knew it would be an experience that would allow me to combine my interest and love of animals with an opportunity to broaden my horizons. Not knowing much about primates in particular, I was soon enthralled by all their past's and I am glad to have been able to help care for them in any way possible. Sue and the volunteers welcomed me into the South African community, I had the chance to meet and hear other volunteers experiences and enjoyed visiting Pretoria with my new friends in our leisure time! The only thing I regret is not volunteering here for longer, I would like to thank Sue, PoD and the volunteers for a fabulous experience; I definitely hope to visit the project in the future to see how Sue and the primates are progressing and also take the opportunity to explore South Africa more deeply with its vast array of nature.
Building monkey swings and hanging them up in the enclosure for a family of monkeys who were all very excited at the prospect of monkey toys - it's rewarding to see the work of us volunteers making the monkeys happy after their previous lives of neglect.
Make sure you like/love and can live with all animals because there are also 5 dogs, 4cats who live in the house and 2 roosters and possibly others in the future. Make sure you are able to handle lack of communication with friends/family back home because it is not always possible to have computer access although there is mobile signal. Be willing and open to making new friends and trying, visiting new things and places.
I chose POD because the website was presentable and reputable; the staff were very informative, friendly and responsive to any queries. I would recommend you to friends/family."
Jon – 2010
“I have visited the project on three different occasions, making my time there six months in total so far. I couldn’t have picked a better place to volunteer at, or a better person to volunteer for. My time has gained me many friends, human and monkey alike. I will definitely be guaranteeing a fourth visit in the future, if not many more after that!”
Helen – 2010
“I've had an amazing three weeks. I knew very little about monkeys when l arrived but Sue and the rest of the volunteers taught me so much. Everyone is so welcoming that l felt relaxed straight away. It's been really rewarding to work so closely with the monkeys and see how your work genuinely improves their lives. I've fallen in love with all the monkeys and plan to come back and visit them in the future. Thank you Sue and the project for a special experience.”
Mary – 2010
“I've been volunteering for 7 months and have enjoyed every moment of my stay. I came here with a love for primates, but knowing little about their daily care and behaviour. The knowledge I've gained working hands-on with the monkeys and have learned from Sue is invaluable. The sanctuary is a place for any animal lover. It's really amazing what people with a common interest can join together and do. I can't wait to come back again and see the progress - and revisit the many monkeys I've formed relationships with and will miss dearly!”
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