Big cat rescue vacation, South Africa

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

The accommodation has been designed to be in keeping with the local landscape and all rooms have fans rather than air-conditioning units, to reduce the impact on the environment.

Drinking water is sourced from a well.

There are facilities available to sort and recycle glass/plastic bottles, cans and plastic.

Those joining the project can share transfers to and from the project and the airport which reduces the CO2 per person.

We openly recognise the challenge we are facing and are trying to do everything we can to tackle climate change – we care deeply for our planet! We have put in place steps to minimise environmental impact and address the emissions from flights.

For every volunteer that joins a this project, we contribute to environmental initiatives in countries we work in, we are currently focusing on reforestation of a wetland in the Amazon.

We encourage our volunteers to combine volunteering with a vacation to explore the country so that it reduces the number of flights that they do. We encourage flying direct, as indirect flights use more fuel. Volunteers are asked reduce the amount of plastic they use on vacation but taking reusable bags, water bottles, straws and cutlery as well as taking shampoo and conditioner bars rather than in plastic bottles. When on the trip volunteers are asked to use water carefully and switch off all electric devises when they leave rooms.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

The project is dedicated to the rescue and protection of wildlife.

Most of the big cats in the ethical sanctuary have been rescued from Europe - from circuses, zoos, pets, and other difficult situations, like war zones in Ukraine. The other animals have been rescued from a canned hunting / breeding center and zoo. The donkeys have been rescued from manual labour and abuse. The project is an NSPCA accredited rescue center and does not allow breeding.

There is a large 1.5 hectare area of natural savannah which is the big cat sanctuary enclosure for rescued lions and tigers. This allows them to live as natural life as possible close to nature.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

The accommodation which is provided for volunteers and guests is locally owned and is based on a wildlife reserve in rural South Africa.

The project and volunteers are highly regarded by the local community since they are helping to conserve the environment and protect endangered wildlife which can become a tourist attraction in addition to the natural wildlife reserve, bringing in tourist income to the local community and supporting the local economy.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

All employed staff at the project on the ground are South African, with many local animal keepers from the area. The project provides training and guidance for all new local staff and provides a stable income for members of the local community.

Around 20 local individuals are employed as animal keepers and wildlife reserve staff who often come from poor and marginalized backgrounds who live in villages and towns in the region.

This project warmly welcomes LBGTQ+ volunteers.