This once-only project runs from 15th September 2011 to 29th September. During that time you'll assist with the capture of Rhino!!!
This project is based on a Game Reserve in the Limpopo province, in Northern South Africa. The reserve has 18,000 acres, so you'll have plenty of opportunity to see some or all of the great variety of species living on the Reserve: Giraffe, Cheetah, Eland, Buffalo, Leopard, Roan, Kudu, Hyena, Waterbuck, Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Gemsbok, Sable, Impala, Duiker, Steenbok, Wild Dog, Aardwolf, Serval, Caracal, Black-backed Jackal, and of course Rhino!
This is a superb opportunity to not only witness some extraordinary sights, but learn a great deal about African Wildlife and make a difference as well! Game capture is imperative to sustain this working Game Reserve and you'll be part of an initiative to keep the wildlife population of South Africa diverse, which is crucial to keep the animals healthy and plentiful. You'll be given training in how to practically assist and will work closely with the field staff to really assist and make a difference during the capture.
A brief explanation of some of the capture processes:
- To capture the rhino we will locate the rhino from the air in a helicopter. Once found the ground crew (volunteers) move closer to the area where the rhino is.
- The Rhino will then be sedated by darting him from the helicopter. The ground crew then moves in to secure the rhino by covering his eyes and keeping him still with ropes and hands. Most times the rhino will still be awake enough to stand!
- We will then do ear notching and take DNA samples. After this we will insert a tracking chip in the horn which is a minor operation.
- From this point the rhino will be "walked on to the truck". Rhino will still be semi awake and will need to be pushed by every hand available to move him!
- We will then transport the rhino to our reserve. The road journey should take most of the day as we will stop and check his condition regularly.
- Once we reach the reserve the rhino will then be released into holding camp for a few days to acclimatize and recovery from the moving operation.
Accommodation
You'll live on the Reserve, in a beautiful tented camp. It will be created specifically for the game capture project as you’ll be moving around the reserve and it must be . The camp is built to ensure that volunteers are as close to Africa as possible, without compromising safety or comfort. There are ablution facilities on the site with hot water and flushing toilets. The camp is lit by firelight and paraffin lamps in the evening, which amplifies the night sounds of Africa.
What to do next
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
If you’d like to apply for this project. Visit our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
It’s as easy as that.