WILDLIFE VOLUNTEERING: THE RED FLAGS MOST PEOPLE MISS
Get the free guide
Choosing to do a Wildlife Rehabilitation Placement with African Conservation Experience (ACE) at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. My reason for wanting to go and volunteer in South Africa was that I wanted to grow my career, gain real hands-on experience with wildlife, and better understand what conservation work looks like up close. I left feeling even more passionate about working with animals and helping with conservation.
Every day was meaningful in a different way. I helped with food prep, enclosure cleaning, feeding, enrichment, project work, and even small hands-on procedures in the clinic! Some of my favourite animals to work with were the southern ground hornbill and the caracal, which both really stood out to me and made the experience even more special.
One of the things that made the experience so good was the staff at Moholoholo. Everyone was friendly, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable. They helped create an environment where I felt supported, included, and constantly learning.
Their passion for the animals and conservation was clear every day, and being able to learn from experts with that much experience made the work even more valuable.
A few moments will always stay with me. Highlights included helping trim an eagle's talons and beak, and participating in animal releases at the project. Those were the kinds of experiences that made the work feel incredibly real and rewarding.
I also learned a lot about vultures and how important they are to conservation, which gave me a much deeper appreciation for species that are often misunderstood or overlooked.
The experience was not always easy. The early mornings and physical labor could be challenging, and there were definitely some sad moments in the clinic. But those challenges were part of what made the experience so meaningful. It showed me that wildlife rehabilitation and conservation work require dedication, patience, and a lot of heart.
Another part of the trip that made the experience so memorable was the Sunday excursions. Getting the chance to visit Kruger National Park, see the incredible scenery of Blyde River Canyon, and go on a horseback safari added so much to the overall experience. Those days were a lot of fun and gave me the chance to see more of South Africa’s wildlife, landscapes, and natural beauty outside of the daily work at Moholoholo.
It is very hands-on and a lot of work, so you should be ready for that, but if you are serious about wildlife and conservation, it is an amazing experience!
The ACE staff were incredibly supportive and helpful throughout my entire trip, and I always felt like I had people there to guide and support me. I would highly recommend ACE and specifically Moholoholo to zookeepers, students interested in zoology, vets or vet students, anyone who loves helping animals, and conservation-minded travelers!
Feeling inspired by Payton Corrie's experience?
Learn more about our Volunteer Experiences
Stories, tips, recommendations – they’re the glue that binds our community together. So if you’re planning your trip, why not hear what previous travellers have to say?
