Welcome
to the Wildlife Volunteer Project - Co-ordinators
Carol & Jo
Volunteers
are key to the success of N/a’an ku sê.
Participation in the programme provides employment to the local
Bushman community and ensures the rescue, survival and rehabilitation
of the wildlife that are housed in natural environments
around the farm. This is a particularly popular programme for
volunteers who have a passion for various forms
of wildlife. Alternative programmes tend to focus
on one species of animal. N/a’an ku sê
is famous for the variety of animals and activities that volunteers
can experience.
To
date N/a’an ku sê provides homes to 5 Lions,
2 Leopards, 2 Wild Dogs and
3 tame Cheetahs in large enclosures close to
the volunteer lodge, developed in a natural environment
to ensure the welfare of these special animals.
There
are a variety of animals located and cared for at the volunteer
lodge and family lodge. These include: 16 tame baby Baboons,
3 semi-tame Meerkats (1 baby), 1 semi-tame African
Wildcat, 4 tame Caracals (2 kittens),
1 semi tame Jackal, 3 riding Horses
(2 foals), 1 tame African Grey Parrot, 1 tame Pig,
37 Sheep, Guinea Fowl, 44
Tortoises, Dogs and Cats.
The
farm is also home to all kinds of wildlife living in their natural
environment, freely roaming the land. Including; Leopards,
Cheetahs, Game (Kudu, Oryx, Hartebeest, Duiker, Gemsbok), Wart
Hogs, Ostriches, Caracals, Jackals, Wild Baboons, African Wild
Cats, Hares, Mongoose, Meerkats, Vultures, Eagles, various other
bird species, the list is endless!
Activities
Food
preparation – volunteers
should be prepared to handle and prepare raw meat which is in
the form of different animal body parts (generally Horse, Donkey
or Game). Feeding of the larger animals has to be kept as natural
as possible. The smaller animals are fed slices of raw meat, vegetables,
fruit.
Feeding
the animals – daily
feeding is essential for the survival of the animals. Volunteers
will assist with the feeding of all animals, including throwing
meat to the Lions, Leopards, Wild Dogs and Cheetahs.
Hand feeding of the animals around the volunteer
lodge is done at regular intervals during the day and evening.
This includes bottle feeding the baby Baboons!
Grooming,
de-ticking and walking and playing with the animals –
every volunteers dream is to get up close and personal with the
animals. One of the most important activities is spending quality
time with them. Volunteers can enjoy grooming the
3 tame Cheetah, experience Horse riding, spend time sitting and
playing with the Meerkats and Baboons. Taking the baby Baboons on
a walk and sleeping with them at night is a favourite experience
amongst our volunteers!
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Building
and maintenance
As
new animals arrive on the farm new enclosures may need to be built.
Volunteers will assist the Bushman workers with
the preparation of materials, digging foundations and waterholes
and the erecting of the enclosures (as
shown in the picture below, the volunteers are
building a waterhole for the new second lion enclosure). Existing
enclosures have to be maintained to a high standard, waterholes
cleaned regularly and bones from feeding collected - yet another
opportunity to go into the cheetah and wild dog
enclosures. Volunteers can also expect to work on improving the
volunteer facilities, for example the building of a swimming pool,
sponsored by Matt from Canada (a volunteer). This can be tough
work and involves alot of digging, carpentry and preparing cement
and sand for foundations. We hope to complete pool by the middle
of 2008.
Maintenance
of the surrounding farm land
Volunteers
will assist with clearing and maintaining roads and pathways across
the farm to ensure access to working areas at all times.
Releasing
animals
Where
possible we try to release rescued wild animals back into their
natural environment. The picture below shows the volunteers
ready to release an African Wild Cat that was captured by a neighbouring
farm. Frank as we call him still comes back to the volunteer
lodge for feeding! We plan to radio collar Frank and monitor his
movements during the day - a great project for the volunteers.
Training with the antenna and receiver begins this weekend (10th
Nov '07).
Fun
activities
Volunteers
will participate in nature walks across the farm (comfortable
walking boots are essential). When possible we will camp out overnight,
but this is generally in the winter months. Setting up camp under
the stars and watching the sunset surrounded by nature is an exhilarating
experience. Making a camp fire, baking bread on sticks and having
a braai (barbeque) is all part of the fun! A trip to the Arnhem
Caves (the entrance to the caves is shown in the picture
above) is an experience not to be missed where you will come face
to face with various species of bats… anyone who is prone
to claustrophobia or will have difficulty climbing or walking
around in the dark with torches should make the booking team aware!
(The trip costs N$150, approx £10) and the tour lasts for
one and a half hours). Spending time with the young Bushmen Children
who don’t have the luxury of schooling is a truly satisfying
experience. On the rare occasion the volunteers get the opportunity
to go to Windhoek city centre to browse around the shops and go
for a special dinner at the famous Jo's Beer House.
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Accommodation
and Food
Basic
but clean is what to be expected
- Accommodation in the N/a’an
ku sê volunteer lodge and
3 meals a day are included in the programme. Accommodation is
shared (3 beds in each of the 6 rooms). The single beds are comfortable
with bedding provided (sheets, duvets and pillows). Ladies and
gents will sleep in separate rooms (families and couples should
be aware that they may have to share with other volunteers
depending on availability, however the project team will endeavour
to meet all needs).
Ladies and Gents bathrooms include showers, wash basins and toilets.
Electricity is available in the rooms. A laundry service is provided
twice a week. Towels are provided on arrival.
Meals are cooked for you and typically include meat, vegetables,
salads, bread, pasta and rice. Breakfast is self service and includes
toast & cereals. Lunch is typically cold and varies between
sandwiches or flavoured bread with a filling, salad or filled
pancakes and fruit when available. Dinner is typically a hot meal
or on occasion a braai (barbeque).
NOTE:
Vegetarians, Vegans and any other special dietary requirements
should be made aware when booking.
The
workers have laid a beautiful green lawn for the volunteers
to rest on during their break times and the open air Lappa (Dining
area) is almost complete (9th Nov '07). The lovely thatch roof
adds natural colour to the lodge and is perfect to keep cool in
the hot weather..
7.00am
Breakfast
8.00am Morning meeting with Carol & Jo, the volunteer co-ordinators,
to plan the day ahead
8.30am Food preparation and feeding of the animals
10.00am School for Bushman children (Mondays, Wednesdays and
Fridays)
10.30am Morning activity (varies)
1.00pm Lunch and free time
2.30pm Afternoon activity (varies)
5.30pm Food preparation and feeding of the small animals in
and around the volunteer lodge and family lodge
7.00pm Dinner and free time
Note:
Volunteers should be prepared for the daily
program to change at short notice to meet the needs of the project.
We
rely upon donations and sponsorships to help feed and care for
our animals. One way you can help us to maintain their welfare
is by adopting one of our many beautiful animals for one year.
You will receive an adoption certificate, photos and updates on
the progress of your 'new African pet'. Payment
can be received monthly or as one lump sum with the option of
renewing your adoption for the same or different animal each year.
Your generous donation will help provide food and vetinary care.
For further information on which animals are available for adoption
and annual care costs please contact Carol at carolnaankuse@iway.na
The
N/a'an ku sê
Voluntary Fire Brigade
We
received the donation of a "Green Goddess" Fire
Truck from The International Fire & Rescue Service
(UK) and fire training with Davie Kay and Jim MacDonald
(Scotland), both professional fire fighters resulted in
the formation of the N/a'an ku sê Voluntary Fire
Brigade.
The
very proud team, who are now certified as qualified voluntary
fire fighters will attend fires in the local area following
successful completion of their training in October 2007.
This
is an exceptional piece of equipment to assist with the
conservation of land and animals in the surrounding area.
The summer season also brings the rainy season to Namibia.
The land is extremely dry and susceptible to brush fires
when lighting strikes. The team trained with controlled
live fires using a local open water supply at Neudam Agricultural
College and are now ready to fight their first real brush
fire!
We
would like to extend our gratitude to the International
Fire & Rescue Service for donating the fire truck,
equipment and clothing, Air Namibia for the sponsor of
Davies and Jims return flights to the UK and finally to
all those who donated funds towards the shipping costs
from the UK to Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Meet
the Family
"A
very warm welcome,
from all of us at N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary.
Now
you can become a part of our dream. During your time here
with us we will expect certain duties from you. You will
work hard under the african sun and sometimes
you might feel that you have had enough. If and when this
happens I want you to stand back and think for a while..........
Think
about all the time that has already gone into this project,
think about the past thirty years where people who loved
animals gave it their all to protect and save animals. Like
we said, you can be a part of this. We will make you feel
right at home, you can ask if you are not sure, come and
talk to one of us if something is bothering you.
We
are like family here..............................................................Marlice
& Dr.
Rudie van Vuuren"
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Marlice
and Zacheo van Vuuren
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A
Dream or Reality?
We
trust this information provides an insight into the Wildlife
Volunteer Programme.This is truly one
of the most unique and exciting experiences working with wildlife.
It is not for the faint hearted or squeamish, however please keep
in mind that you will be helping to save animals lives and improve
the standard of living for the Bushman community.
We
all have the opportunity to do something truly fascinating.
YOU
can help us with the continued success of saving animals lives!
We
welcome volunteers of all ages (18 +) from
all over the World.
We
hope to meet you soon!
Contact
& Booking Information
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