WILDLIFE VOLUNTEERING: THE RED FLAGS MOST PEOPLE MISS
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In February, I took part in a volunteer project at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. It was my first experience in animal conservation work, and I was struck by how clearly defined and meaningful the volunteer roles and responsibilities were.
My favourite part was preparing meals for the servals and owls. The process was surprisingly labour-intensive: a nearby farm donates chicks, which have been humanely killed and are used to feed the centre’s larger birds of prey. We had to carefully deyolk and wash the chicks before they could be fed to the birds. It felt really rewarding to see the larger birds eagerly finish their food the next morning.
Beyond the hands-on care, the project broadened my perspective on wildlife rehabilitation.
I was inspired to learn that the most effective way to prepare an animal for release is to minimise unnecessary human interaction. The team at Moholoholo is really passionate about rehabilitating and releasing as many animals as possible, and you can feel their genuine care and dedication coming straight from the heart.
What surprised me most, however, was discovering how limited the availability of suitable habitat is in South Africa. This is mainly due to agricultural expansion and urbanisation. Some rehabilitated animals never get the chance to return to the wild simply because there isn’t enough space left for them. Every decision, whether to release or provide lifelong sanctuary, is made with the animal’s long-term well-being in mind.
This experience not only allowed me to contribute directly to the animals’ care but also left me with a deeper appreciation for the complexities and quiet commitment behind conservation work.
On top of the excellent experience at Moholoholo, African Conservation Experience (ACE) did a fantastic job organising the entire volunteer placement. They provided us with very detailed project information well before the trip, and the airport pickup was smooth and hassle-free. What touched me the most was their thoughtful messages during the project and even after we returned home.
The whole ACE team genuinely made sure we felt supported, valued, and safe throughout our time in South Africa.
If you’re considering volunteer work in South Africa but don’t have a travel partner, don’t hesitate to go alone. It’s absolutely fine, you’ll quickly make friends along the way, and ACE does an outstanding job of ensuring you feel secure from arrival until you leave the country!
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