Volunteer at Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue in Africa

[kb_Sanaga-Yong]

Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue (formerly IDA-Africa) has volunteer openings for the end of 2022 and into 2023. Located on the edge of a lush forest in Cameroon (west-central Africa), Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue provides sanctuary for 76 chimpanzees, orphaned by poachers. Founded and directed by a U.S. veterinarian, the sanctuary offers an unforgettable opportunity to live and work in close proximity to a number of amazing animals. Volunteers are needed throughout the year to assist with day-to-day operations of the sanctuary and to pitch in wherever needed most. Positions are for normally for 6 months but shorter stays are possible (see below).

Tasks include:

• helping with four daily chimpanzee feedings
• washing, cutting & distributing fruit
• checking fence lines, solar power, water containers
• overseeing use of camp equipment
• buying food & supplies in town
• possibly helping with part-time care of baby chimps if needed
• working with Cameroonian staff (most speak basicFrench)

Note:  limited contact with groups of chimpanzees occurs during 4 daily feedings;  if baby chimpanzees are currently on site, there will be some opportunity to help with their care.

Please visit Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue to learn more.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum 21 yrs and paid work experience
• Fluent in English, plus basic conversational French preferred
• Good general health and physical stamina; able to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Able to adapt easily to changing tasks/schedules and to basic living conditions in an isolated setting

For veterinarians, medical personnel, mechanics, and engineers, the qualifications, length of stay and fee are negotiable - please inquire.

Prefer:

• University degree
• Work experience as part of a group or project team
• Experience living, or spending time, in a developing country (preferably Africa)
• Prior experience working with chimpanzees or other great apes

Salary/funding:
This is an unpaid volunteer position. Travel expenses, visa, vaccinations, etc. are paid by the volunteer. No research grants or stipends are provided.

Support provided:
Lodging and food for vegetarian meals are provided at the site at no cost to volunteers.

Term of Appointment:
6-month stays are preferred but shorter stays are possible based on sanctuary needs. Minimum stay is 3 months.  If accepted as a volunteer, there is a one-time sliding fee  based on length of stay: US$300 for 6 month stays; US$600 for 5-6 month stays; US$800 for 4-5 month stays; US$1000 for 3-4 month stays. 

Application Information:

Open all year - request application from: reb...@sanaga-yong.org  

Website:
https://www.sychimprescue.org/