Get Involved

Volunteer at Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage

The Chipangali Volunteer Programme is Wilder than Average!

Join us and become a part of a 50 year history of wildlife conservation in Africa.

Have you ever wanted to live abroad, immersed in the wildlife conservation world of Africa, and see first-hand the incredible wildlife and nature in the heart of Africa? The volunteer program at Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage offers this unique opportunity, allowing individuals from all corners of the globe to participate hands-on in meaningful Wildlife Conservation work.

Founded nearly 20 years ago, the international volunteer program is designed to accommodate a wide range of volunteers coming from around the globe, with or without experience in wildlife conservation, from those seeking short-term involvement to individuals looking for more extended engagement. Here are some key points about the program:

Volunteers from around the world are welcomed, reflecting the orphanage’s international reach and the global importance of its conservation efforts. No previous experience working in the fields of wildlife care or conservation is needed.
A diverse range of volunteer duties is offered, including preparing food for animals, helping with enrichment activities, giving tours, educating the public, cleaning and rebuilding animal enclosures, hand-rearing various animals, and participating in carnivore research and tracking in the wild.
All all the work is FOR the animals, but not all the work is WITH the animals. Wildlife sanctuary work can be hard and dirty, but everything is for the benefit of enriching the animals’ lives. You’ll be joining a team of staff and volunteers passionate and motivated for wildlife conservation.
The program caters to volunteers young and old, with specific provisions for families and older volunteers who are physically fit. It’s noted that younger volunteers age of 16 & 17 must travel with parental consent.
The minimum stay for volunteers is two weeks, with the option to extend up to three months allowing for flexibility in the duration of involvement.
The cost of volunteering includes accommodation, meals, and transportation arrangements such as airport or bus station pick-ups and drop-offs in town.
English proficiency, passion for a rural and rustic lifestyle, and a love for animals are prerequisites for all volunteers.

Exciting activities to experience while in Zimbabwe

The volunteer program at Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage does more than just contribute to the care and rehabilitation of animals; volunteers dive into the very heart of wildlife conservation, offering an enriching, hands-on experience. This unique opportunity allows you to become deeply involved in the day-to-day lives of the functioning of a wildlife center and in the lives of the animals, fostering an intimate understanding and appreciation of wildlife conservation. You’ll find yourself waking to the resonant roars of lions—an authentic call of the wild that underscores the up-close and personal nature of your contribution. Through this program, you’ll not only aid in the daily care of wildlife but also live the challenging reality of conservation efforts in Africa, making memories and impacts that last a lifetime.

How to Apply

To explore further details about the volunteer program at Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage and learn how to apply, potential volunteers are encouraged to visit our trusted partner GoEco’s dedicated page here GoEco’s African Wildlife Orphanage Volunteer Program.

About GoEco

For over a decade, GoEco has been a steadfast partner, managing international volunteer applications, recruitment, and preparations for Chipangali. Their expertise serves as an invaluable resource for anyone looking to support Chipangali’s cause. To ensure a tailored volunteer experience that aligns with your interests and skills, it’s required to schedule a personal phone call interview directly with a GoEco Volunteer Advisor through this link here: Phone call with GoEco. This step will guide you through the interview and application process and provide an opportunity to answer any questions you might have about volunteering with Chipangali.

International Pre-Veterinary Focused Program

Building upon the foundation of the regular volunteer program at Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage, the Pre-Vet Program elevates the experience by integrating pre-veterinary education into the wildlife volunteer work. Tailored for volunteers or students in various veterinary departments aiming to engage in hands-on work within the Pre-Vet Wildlife World, this specialized itinerary offers an unmatched opportunity for close engagement with wildlife. This initiative not only enhances overall volunteer involvement but also provides comprehensive exposure to animal care, emphasizing hands-on experiences in pre-veterinary practices that are crucial for the care and rehabilitation of wildlife.

Key Highlights of the Pre-Vet Program:

Suitability: Open to all who are keen on exploring the veterinary aspects of wildlife conservation, this program does not require prior experience. It warmly welcomes, veterinary nurses, vet techs, pre-vet students pursuing veterinary studies, and all those interested in learning about the field. This program offers invaluable hands-on experience beneficial at every stage of their academic journey, from beginners to advanced.
Educational Integration: The program weaves pre-veterinary educational activities into your day-to-day experience, ensuring a rich learning environment alongside active conservation work.
Hands-on Experience: Volunteers gain hands-on experience in pre-veterinary care, including shadowing medical examinations, administering treatments, assisting in sedating animals for procedures, supporting ultrasounds, participating in micro-chipping, and aiding in the capture and release of wildlife etc.
Diverse Animal Interaction: The program offers the chance to work closely with a broad spectrum of animals, providing an invaluable introduction to the world of veterinary care in a wildlife setting.
Tailored Activities: While integrating into the regular volunteer program, pre-vet focused activities are customized based on the sanctuary’s needs, offering a real-world glimpse into wildlife care and management.
Educational Outreach: In addition to hands-on care, the program includes attending educational lectures and engaging in activities with the sanctuary’s farm animals, designed to enrich your understanding of animal care and conservation.

This Pre-Vet Program at Chipangali not only deepens your appreciation for wildlife conservation but also immerses you in the practical aspects of veterinary care in a conservation setting. It’s an experience that goes beyond the ordinary, offering both the thrill of adventure and the satisfaction of making a tangible difference.

How to Apply

Further details about the program and how to apply can be found by visiting GoEco’s dedicated page for the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage Volunteer Program here: Pre-Vet African Wildlife Orphanage.

To check your eligibility to apply for this Pre-Vet program, schedule a phone interview with a GoEco Volunteer Advisor on this link: Schedule a Call. GoEco will assist you with the application process and clears any queries, paving the way for a memorable involvement in wildlife conservation at Chipangali Pre-Vet program.

Academic Credits & Diploma for Students

GoEco offers a opportunity to upgrade this Pre-Vet program into academic credits via their internship program upgrade and diploma certification. This Diploma in International Volunteering Abroad with a Focus on Wildlife Conservation can be added onto your Pre-Vet Program to obtain up to 41 credits – contact GoEco for more details here: Pre-Vet African Wildlife Orphanage.