Volunteer at Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Africa

[kb_Sanaga-Yong]

Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue (SCYR) seeks volunteers to help at its sanctuary in Cameroon (west-central Africa). Located on the edge of a lush forest, SYCR provides sanctuary for 80 rescued chimpanzees. 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 primates. Volunteers are needed starting January, 2025, and 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; sometimes there is an opportunity to help care for a very young 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

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 primates

For veterinarians, medical personnel, mechanics, and engineers, qualifications, length of stay and fees/stipends are negotiable - please inquire.

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

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

Length of Stay/Fees:
6-month stays are strongly preferred but shorter stays may be possible based on sanctuary needs. Minimum stay is 3 months.  If accepted as a volunteer, there is a one-time 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/