Volunteer for the Penguin and Marine Bird Rescue in South Africa

Overview

If you have the urge to work with animals and care to protect the penguins in South Africa, then Volunteering Solutions has the perfect program for you! The Penguin and Marine Bird Rescue Program aims at protecting and caring for the avian species who have been affected by the adverse effects of human behavior.

Volunteering Solutions, in association with a local South African organisation, focuses mainly on caring for sick or injured African Penguins (also known as Jackass Penguins) because of their vulnerability as well as other marine birds such as gannets, cormorants, and seagulls. As a volunteer, you'll have to play an active role to rescue and rehabilitate, as well as to inform and educate the public through their different programs. The extensive displays at the centre give tourists, school groups, and other visitors the opportunity to learn about these endangered birds but also a wider variety of marine life in the beautiful and incredibly diverse Algoa Bay.

This program would be a perfect choice for animal lovers, who wish to make a difference through active contribution.

The project was established in Port Elizabeth in 2000 following the Treasure ship disaster that spilled oil near Cape Town, endangering 20,000 penguins. Despite being relocated, many penguins swam back 800 km to Cape Town within 11 days. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of the African Penguin and the need for facilities to address potential future threats to their largest breeding colony.

The focus of the project is to care for sick or injured African Penguins (also known as Jackass Penguins) because of their vulnerability as well as other marine birds such as gannets, cormorants, and seagulls. Their work is vital for the safety of the largest breeding colony of African Penguins in the world, which is situated on St Croix Island right in front of Port Elizabeth.

One of the main causes of the decline in the numbers of African penguins is that the cold currents in which penguins find their food have been pushed further out to sea due to climate change. This results in them having to swim almost 60 kilometers away from their burrows on St Croix and by the time they get back to feed their babies much of the food has been digested. This results in the young chicks not being fed properly and therefore taking much longer to fledge and become independent. When the chicks are left to fend for themselves, not knowing how to catch their own meal, they slowly weaken and wash up on our beaches.

This is the only center in Port Elizabeth that has the capacity to collect washed up penguins sick, hurt or exhausted and to treat any diseases they may have, give them a vitamin boost, fatten them up and release them into the bay again.

The centre’s secondary function is to inform and educate the public. The extensive displays at the centre give tourists, school groups and other visitors the opportunity to learn about these endangered birds but also a wider variety of marine life in the beautiful and incredibly diverse Algoa Bay.

At the project your work will be supervised by one of the staff members who will allocate daily tasks and activities to you. They will also be the people to report to in the mornings and sign out before you leave again at the end of the day.

Volunteer Work Schedule

The project is open 365 days of the year and needs volunteers throughout the year.Volunteers work 5 days per week from Monday to Sunday from about 8h00-17h00 with a lunch break 13h00-14h00 and short tea breaks during the morning and afternoon.

This means that you will be asked to work on weekends but then you will have two days off during the week. Some days might start earlier or later and in summertime, due to the heat, hours can change.

The program starts on Monday and the volunteers will have to arrive that day. You will be picked up at either the airport or any accommodation in Port Elizabeth on Monday morning, after which you will have time to settle in and explore the area. Tuesday will be your introduction day at the project. If you arrive before Monday we can assist with accommodation at a backpackers or guesthouse for you.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Being a part of this project, you'll be playing an active role in carrying out the following:

General Duties

Welcoming visitors
Answering the phone and office duties (filing, taking, and delivering phone messages, printing, copy work, receiving deliveries, data capturing, stocktake, postage, communication with suppliers etc.)
Attending to “Bird Calls” (phone calls relating to birds in need of rescue)
Assisting with emails
Guiding visitors and school groups through the center
Helping at the coffee shop when needed
Centre maintenance duties
Fundraising
Capture visitor’s data into database
Filing
Thank you letters to donors
Tracking donations from donors
Assisting in creating Penguin adoption packs
Assist with tin collection program

Sea school

Teaching the visiting children about the center
Helping with rock pool and shipwreck lessons
Looking after displays and educational material

Bird hospital

Maintaining a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness in the rehabilitation centre.
Scrubbing and cleaning the bird hospital facilities
Washing and drying of laundry
Cleaning equipment used in food preparation and feeding
Defrosting and preparing fish for a variety of seabird species.
Preparing and administering medication to different bird species.
Feeding the penguins and other birds (force feeding and free feeding)
Hydrating (tubing) different bird species
Assisting in maintaining the permanent bird exhibit (scrubbing rocks, raking sand and
food preparation)
Cleaning and caring for the birds that are brought in
Catching and handling of different bird species
Assisting with bird release preparation
Joining the staff (when possible) at rescues in the Port Elizabeth area

Project Requirement

Participation in this program requires a minimum time commitment of 4 weeks. Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working outdoors and should have a keen interest and love for animals. Volunteers joining this program should be physically fit and comfortable working outdoors and getting their hands dirty. The participant should be compassionate and of a caring nature with a love for seabirds. Participants in the program need to be up to date with their Tetanus vaccination prior to joining the program.

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Port Elizabeth - Penguine Rescue - South Africa

Living

Airport Transfer
Volunteers are picked up from the Port Elizabeth Airport on the program start date i.e Monday and dropped off back to the airport after their project stay is over. Daily transportation to and from project placement to the accommodation is also included in your program fee.

Orientation

Upon arrival all volunteers are given a detailed welcome pack with information guide, free sim card, maps etc. Volunteers are also given an introduction to the program as well as a tour of the area around before starting their program.

Accommodation

Volunteers in the Port Elizabeth program are provided accommodation at a volunteer home. It is a gorgeous home with loads of space. Whether you prefer to unwind in the garden, at the pool or in the lounge; this home has a special place for everyone.

The home was built in grand old architectural style and is decorated with modern touches. The house has a swimming pool for use in summer and a fireplace for winter.

The property is well secured and superbly located within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, laundry & shops.

If you would like a private room whether as a single traveller or as a couple, please let us know and we will advise you on availability and surcharges.

Meals

Three meals per day are included and we work on a set menu per week, lovingly prepared by our cook with your assistance. There is free coffee, tea and drinking water available at any time.For breakfast you will have continental buffet with a choice of bread, fruit, yoghurt, cereals and/or eggs. For lunch, you can make your own sandwiches with cheese, marmalade, cold meat or other spreads to take with you to the project. Dinners are a variety of hearty healthy meals such as soups, stews, pies, oven dishes and other options.

We cater for vegetarians and vegans but please inform us before arriving to prepare accordingly.

During your Free Time

You will have the weekend free wherein you will have time to explore other locations in South Africa as well.You can choose to fly into Cape Town for the weekend and explore the city or just spend the weekend chilling at the volunteer house with other likeminded volunteers from around the world.Other activities that you can get involved in include sandboarding down the giant dunes, having close encounters with peaceful pachyderms at Addo Elephant Park, hiking in the lush coastal countryside around Port Elizabeth…and much more

Port Elizabeth, Township & Penguin Rescue- Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Dates

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Available

Filling Fast

Booked Out

Costs

Duration	Program Fee	Choose your currency
4 Weeks	$1321
5 Weeks	$1551
6 Weeks	$1795
7 Weeks	$2045
8 Weeks	$2300
Extra Week	$325

Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

What are you Paying for?

Information and assistance before departure
Pick up upon arrival and drop off at the end of your stay
Welcome pack with the information guide, free SIM-card, maps, etc. upon arrival
City Tour and Introduction Programme
Accommodation in volunteer house close to the beach
(7 nights per week of volunteering booked)
Volunteer coordinator available 24/7
3 meals a day
Direct donation to the project’s needs
Transport to and from the project
The offer of weekend trips and outings (extra costs apply)
Certificate Of Completion (Upon Request)

What's NOT included?

Private Luxuries (snacks, soft drinks, alcohol etc.)
Costs for weekend outings to safari parks etc.
Air tickets
Insurance
Weekend Pick up and Drop off at airport

FAQ's

Health and Safety

Do I need to buy a health insurance?: Yes, for all participants, it is mandatory to have a valid travel medical insurance for their trip. Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.

If you already have a valid Travel and Medical insurance, you can email us a copy of the same. It is also advised to bring along the Insurance documents during your trip.
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?: All participants are recommended to consult their physician or travel doctor before traveling to South Africa. To view the general list of vaccinations recommended for your travel to South Africa, click">https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/south-africa">c… here.
What happens in case of a medical emergency or if I am ill?: A well equipped first aid box is available at the Reserve and can be accessed by the Lodge Team Leader or the Reserve Team Leader. They do have trained staff on site to see to minor injuries and bruises.

In the case of a more serious problem, you will be taken to the closest doctor or medical center. The cost of all doctors’ visit and medication will be from your own account.
How safe is South Africa in general?: Like in any new country, you need to take general precautions for safety. You will be given safety precautions and instructions by the local coordinator team during the orientation as well as in your Pre-departure handbook after you become an enrolled participant.

Application and Program Details

Can I volunteer as part of a group?: Yes, you are welcome to take part in South Africa Volunteer Program as part of a group. We welcome families, friends, high school students, college/university and corporate groups to volunteer together in the South Africa programs. Volunteering Solutions has hosted student groups as well as families coming to volunteer in the program.
When do I need to arrive in Port Elizabeth for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Port Elizabeth?: Volunteers working in the Wildlife Reserve Project are picked up by our local representative from Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ). The volunteering project in Port Elizabeth begins on every Monday, all volunteers need to arrive in Port Elizabeth on the program starting date, which is Monday, before 4 PM.

Please make sure you book your flight to arrive before 4 PM at Port Elizabeth, as the pick up won’t be provided after that since scheduled transfers to the reserve from the airport run only at that time.
When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Port Elizabeth, South Africa?: It is advised to apply for the projects once the volunteering/ traveling dates are decided as there are limited spots available. Our service is based on first come first serve basis. As soon as you decide the travel dates, we suggest you apply for the program and hold your spot.
Can I have a little more information about the location of Wildlife Reserve Project?: The Wildlife Project is situated only 85 km from Port Elizabeth towards Grahamstown.The reserve is on 6000 hectares of land which is filled with a variety of game, bird life and wild animals including the BIG 5. In addition to the mixture of grasslands, subtropical vegetation, it also has naturally formed pockets of water, amazing rock formations, and splendid fauna.

The Wildlife Volunteering Program in South Africa is an exciting opportunity for all wildlife enthusiasts looking to volunteer abroad with animals.
How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?: Usually, it takes around 10-12 working days for the application to be processed and placement to be confirmed. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and the booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’ and you can view the information in your account. The application acceptance depends on the availability of seats in the project as well as the eligibility criteria of the program (age, skills and experience etc.).
I haven’t traveled or volunteered abroad before. Can I still be a part of VolSol program?: Yes, most definitely you can, as we believe every participant brings something new to the project. If you do not have previous experience, we offer you the opportunity to have a great start with us. We make international volunteering easy – not only are our Volunteer Abroad opportunities rooted in offering you extensive support, but they are also very affordable.
Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Port Elizabeth volunteer programs?: Below are the necessary requirements to participate in the Port Elizabeth, South Africa volunteer projects:

Volunteer must be at least 18-year-old at the time of joining the project.

Volunteer needs to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.

The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

The participant must be in good health.
Does VolSol provides with a reference or a certificate after program completion?: Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The Certificate is provided on request.

Accommodation and Living

Can vegetarians be accommodated?: Yes, however, you must inform us in advance and also mention about any dietary requirement in your application form.
Do we have the options for excursions and weekend sightseeing?: On weekends, you will be sent out for excursions which will come for an extra cost. The excursions will either be to Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth, Jeffrey’s Bay, or any other nearby destination. On these excursions, please note that the reserve will only provide you with accommodation and transport to and from your destination. Accommodation will be in dorms and if you would like an upgrade, you are welcome to do so but you will have to bear the expenses.

You are also free to organize your own excursion, but for this again the expenses will have to be covered on your own.

You are also free to stay behind during the weekends to relax and unwind at the reserve.
How do I get to the program location?: Your accommodation will be close to the project location. Your program coordinator or a member of the local coordinating team will introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation.You will be told about the directions to the project from your accommodation and the mode of transport which you can use.
For how many hours will I volunteer every day?: Volunteers usually work from 07:30 hrs and finish at 16:30 hrs. The activities of the day will be divided into three slots - 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM.

However, volunteers need to be flexible, open minded and understand that work requirements can change as well on certain occasions.
Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?: You will be housed in the dorms at the Reserve. The dorms are gender based, which means, men and women have separate dorms. In case the volunteers want to stay as a couple, it can be arranged at an extra cost and also depends on the availability of rooms unless arrangements were made prior to arrival. You are more than welcome to socialize in the common area such as the entertainment area, lounge, TV area etc. Laundry services are provided two days in a week. Internet service is also available with the accommodations.

Your basic breakfast would consist of cereals, bread, butter, jam, tea, coffee, and cheese, but at times you will be served eggs, sausages or baked beans, and sometimes a combination of the above.

As for lunch and dinner, you have a wide variety ranging from burgers, chicken and chips, vegetarian dishes, potato casserole and so on (you definitely won’t go hungry!).

Flights and Visa

Will Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?: All travelers coming to South Africa need to have a valid visa.The citizens from most of the European (including UK & Ireland), African and South American countries as well as the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do NOT need to obtain a visa beforehand and can stay in the country for a period of up to 90 days. However, you must have a passport valid for at least 6 months period.

All participants joining the South Africa volunteer projects for more than 90 days, need to apply for volunteer Visa at the nearest South African Embassy or Consulate. Along with the Visa application, you need to attach the required supporting documents. Volunteers are provided with the necessary supporting document for their South African Visa application. More detailed information shall be provided after you become a Volunteering Solutions’ enrolled participant.
What are the recommended airlines to fly to Port Elizabeth, South Africa?: There are not many direct international flights to Port Elizabeth - you will probably need to fly to Cape Town or Johannesburg and then take a connecting flight to Port Elizabeth.

South African Airways, Mango Air, and Com Air have flight options to Port Elizabeth.

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions South Africa alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?: We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions South Africa program participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering">https://www.facebook.com/groups/volunteeringsolutions/">Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook">https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringSolutions/">Facebook Group to communicate with other participants.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet">https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/meet-a-volunteer">Meet a Volunteer page on our website.