VOLUNTEER AT LIONSROCK

Lionsrock; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player offers a unique volunteer opportunity at a renowned big cat sanctuary. Volunteers will engage in caring for rescued big cats, including lions and leopards, while gaining invaluable experience in animal welfare. This role includes monitoring animal behavior, preparing enrichment activities, and enjoying the stunning natural surroundings. Volunteers will stay on-site, enjoying comfortable accommodations and the chance to explore the beautiful Eastern Free State of South Africa. If you are passionate about wildlife and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Benefits

Free accommodation

Access to mountain bikes

Opportunity to explore nearby attractions

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn and work outside in any weather.
• Understanding of animal welfare and monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Monitor specific animals to ensure their care and well-being.
• Prepare and implement enrichment measures for the big cats.

Skills

Love of animals

Patience to observe

Fluency in English

Education

Students of biology, zoology, and veterinary medicine

Job description

Thank you for your interest in the LIONSROCK volunteer program.

We are fully booked for 2025. Limited space is available for short veterinary externships/shadowing opportunities.

LIONSROCK is home to around 100 big cats, including lions, leopards, tigers, and cheetahs, all of which have been rescued by the global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS. Many of these animals were rescued from zoos, circuses and even private ownership, where they were subjected to a lifetime of neglect and inappropriate keeping.

As a volunteer at South Africa’s largest big cat sanctuary, you will have every opportunity to be involved in looking after the welfare of and protecting these magnificent animals!

What we offer

At LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, our big cats live in a species-appropriate setting, many of them feeling grass under their paws for the first time on arrival here. Volunteers at LIONSROCK directly contribute to giving these big cats the care and freedom they deserve, while learning more about wildlife and animal welfare and enjoying an experience of a lifetime!

You will support critical aspects of our animals’ welfare. You will help with animal enrichments and monitoring of our big cats, while gaining a deeper understanding of the animals at home at LIONSROCK.

Our comfortable volunteer accommodation is located on the sanctuary grounds where you will have access to a fully equipped kitchen and can cook together with other volunteers or enjoy a typical South African braai. You will be able to enjoy the stunning views over the Sanctuary and wake up to the roar of our lions!

Requirements

• Love of animals and a particular interest in big cats
• Happy to work outside in any weather
• Love of nature and animal welfare
• Willingness to learn and the patience to observe
• Understanding of what it means to work for, but not in direct contact with, animals
• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Students of biology, zoology and veterinary medicine are particularly welcome, although this is not a requirement
• Minimum length of stay: 4 weeks
• Accommodation free of charge, food and travel costs have to be covered by volunteers themselves

Application Information

The following information is needed for a successful application: Indication of the period you are interested in coming, as well as a CV/resume and motivation letter.

Your main tasks will be

• Closely monitor specific animals to give them the best possible care and a chance to thrive in their new home
• Observe the animals’ behavior and progress
• Prepare and implement enrichment measures
• Assist with managing trap cameras for monitoring the big cats

While you will be expected to work five days per week, you will have plenty of free time to explore the surrounding area on mountain bikes that we provide and also to visit nearby towns and tourist attractions.

Other things to do and see:

There is loads to do in the Eastern Free State, famous for its warm South African hospitality and a mix of arts and culture. From experiencing life in a tribal village to tasting the exquisite wines of South Africa, there is something for everyone here, especially for those who love the great outdoors.

The Maluti Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to our nearest big town, Bethlehem, which is just 18 km from LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. Bethlehem has excellent facilities, including numerous restaurants, shops and supermarkets, and a varied entertainment calendar.

Nearby tourist attractions include Clarens, the Golden Gate Highland National Park, and Fouriesburg. In just two hours you can be in Lesotho or at the Drakensberg Mountains. The Sanctuary is a four hours' drive from Durban and three hours from Johannesburg.