Join Wildlife Paws.
Become a Voice for the Wild.
Live an unforgettable experience rescuing and rehabilitating South Africa’s wildlife.
A unique hands-on experience in wildlife conservation
At Wildlife Paws, every volunteer helps give injured and orphaned wild animals a second chance at freedom. Working with our team in Dullstroom, you’ll take part in daily care, feeding, and rehabilitation — making a real difference for wildlife and for yourself.
Dullstroom : The Heart of South African Highlands
It’s not just a place to volunteer, it’s a place to reconnect with the wild.
Nestled in the misty mountains of Mpumalanga, Dullstroom is one of South Africa’s most charming highland towns — known for its peaceful atmosphere, trout-filled rivers, and breathtaking nature reserves. The Wildlife Paws Centre is based within the Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre, surrounded by rolling hills, waterfalls, and forest trails.
During your stay, you’ll experience true South African nature: crisp morning air, the calls of wild birds, and evenings under a sky full of stars. On your days off, you can explore the local area — visit the quaint cafés and markets of Dullstroom, go hiking, or plan a weekend trip to Kruger National Park or Swaziland.
Every task — big or small — contributes to an animal’s recovery and safe return to the wild.
Preparing food and feeding
Enrichment activities to stimulate natural behaviors
Monitoring animal behavior
Assisting during check-ups or treatments
Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
Supporting educational projects with local communities
Become a Volunteer Today
2 weeks
A short but meaningful introduction to wildlife rehabilitation.
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core volunteering tasks & daily routines
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basic exposure to enrichment & monitoring
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perfect to discover if conservation is for you
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Accommodation and meals included
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Excursions to national parks are not included.
4 weeks
A deeper involvement with more responsibility & continuity.
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full participation in daily operations
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more time to observe behavioural progress
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first steps into small field-based activities
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Accommodation and meals are included
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Excursions to national parks are not included
6 weeks
A short but meaningful introduction to wildlife rehabilitation.
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continuous follow-up on animals you know week-to-week
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more integration into enrichment strategies
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gradual participation in advanced monitoring tasks
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Accommodation and meals are included
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Excursions to national parks are not included
8 weeks
Long-term commitment & meaningful relationship to the project.
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co-responsibility on small animal groups (under supervision)
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participation in habitat maintenance & long-cycle enrichment
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deeper understanding of behavioural rehabilitation patterns
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Accommodation and meals are included.
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Excursions to national parks are not included
12 weeks
Full immersion & project continuity across multiple stages.
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active involvement from rescue→rehab→monitoring cycles
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extended field exposure & structured learning blocks
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ideal if you aim to work in conservation or vet / animal care
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Accommodation and meals are included
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Excursions to national parks are not included
How to apply ?
- Fill in the Volunteer Registration Form
- Send it to us at info@wildlifepaws.co.za
- Wait for confirmation and onboarding details
- Book your travel — we’ll assist with local transport
- Arrive ready to learn, connect, and contribute
Join our wildlife conservation mission and make a difference for tomorrow.
Make an impact by supporting our mission or joining our volunteer team in the field.
FAQs
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Why do I need to pay to volunteer?
Wildlife Paws is a non-profit organisation. We do not generate profit from your participation.
Caring for rescued wildlife requires constant investment: veterinary treatments, food, enclosure maintenance, enrichment materials, transport, and the general upkeep of the sanctuary.
Volunteer fees help cover these essential costs — and they also include your accommodation and meals during your stay.
Without volunteers, this project simply could not exist.
What does a typical day look like?
Every day is different depending on the needs of the animals and the season. Some days are hands-on in the sanctuary, some days include education, enrichment or environmental work, and other days are rest days.
Expect a balance between structured tasks, animal care, learning moments, and time to connect with nature and the community.
How do I get there?
You book your international flight and fly into Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport).
Once your arrival date is confirmed, we will assist you in purchasing your bus ticket with the Citybug company. From the bus stop, a member of the Wildlife Paws team will pick you up there and drive you to the farm.
Do I need experience to join?
No. You do not need previous experience.
All profiles are welcome — volunteering here is mainly about learning, helping, and raising awareness.
We guide you throughout the experience.No. You do not need previous experience.
All profiles are welcome — volunteering here is mainly about learning, helping, and raising awareness.
We guide you throughout the experience.
How do I apply?
- Fill in the application form
- Send it to us : info@wildlifepaws.co.za
- Wait for confirmation and onboarding details
- Book your travel — we will help with local transport bookings
- Arrive ready to learn, connect, contribute
What is included in the volunteer fee?
Accommodation, meals, and participation in the volunteer program are included.
Excursions and external activities on days off are optional and not included.
Where is the project located?
The project is based in Dullstroom, in the misty mountains of Mpumalanga, South Africa.
What are the working hours and days off?
Our days at Wildlife Paws start early: work begins at 7:00 AM and usually ends around 4:00 PM.
We follow the rhythm of the animals, especially during baby season, when some require extra feedings and attention.
Volunteers receive one day off per week, but please keep in mind that wildlife doesn’t take days off, so flexibility is important, and routines can shift depending on the needs of the animals in our care.
We always do our best to make sure everyone has time to rest, recharge, and enjoy their experience with us.
What should I bring?
For your volunteer stay, we recommend bringing:
- Comfortable, durable clothing that can get dirty (neutral colors are best around wildlife).
- Closed-toe shoes suitable for working outdoors.
- A warm jacket — Dullstroom can get very cold, especially in the mornings and evenings.
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the day.
- Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
- Personal toiletries and any medications you may need.
- A headlamp or small flashlight for early mornings or nighttime checks.
- A power bank (optional but useful).
- A sense of curiosity, respect, and willingness to help — essential for working with wildlife.
- We provide all work equipment and training on site.
If you forget something, don’t worry — we’ll do our best to help you.
Can I contact someone before applying?
Of course. We are here to support you at every step of your planning.
You can contact us via WhatsApp or email for guidance, questions, and practical help before booking.