Volunteer at Chimpanzee Sanctuary - Cameroon, Africa

[kb_Sanaga-Yong]

Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue (SCYR) has immediate openings for volunteers. Located on the edge of a lush forest in Cameroon (west-central Africa), SYCR provides sanctuary for 80 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 6 months with shorter stays sometimes possible (see below).

Tasks include:

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

Note: contact with chimpanzees occurs during 4 daily feedings; there is sometimes an opportunity to help care for a baby chimp/chimps (not guaranteed).

Please visit Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue to learn more.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum 21 yrs and paid work experience
• Fluent in English; basic conversational French a definite plus 
• 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, qualifications, length of stay and fees/stipends are negotiable - please inquire.

Prefer:

• University degree
• Work experience, ideally as part of a group or project team
• Experience living, or spending extended 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 are provided.

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

Term of Appointment:
6-month stays are strongly preferred but shorter stays are considered based on sanctuary needs. Minimum stay is 3 months.  If accepted as a volunteer, there is a one-time sliding fee scale 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/