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REPTILE PARK
The thought of spending any time with reptiles and especially snakes isn't everyone's cup of tea. It certainly wasn't ours, but spend the smallest amount of time with the curators at this world-renowned park and you can't help but be swept away with their enthusiasm and passion for all things scaly!
As with most fears, the lack of understanding and knowledge are the biggest prejudices these animals come up against. However, by learning all about these fascinating creatures, their habitats and behaviour up close and hands on you will really get a better appreciation of their importance in the ecosystem and will be able to educate others with your new found passion!
Over the last twenty years, the reptile park has made a very valuable contribution to conservation by saving and rehabilitating snakes, but most of all by educating local and international visitors and inhabitants of the area in the important role of snakes in the delicate ecosystem. A lot of time is given to dispelling the myths and legends surrounding snakes in the African culture. The curators always make a point of spending time with visitors to the park, and also on field visits talking to the people, with view to enlighten them. The Reptile Park is situated in an area with a high concentration of snakes which means that there is a higher frequency of human interaction occurring. The park is situated in a prime location for reptile-related research and conservation work and is noted for its expertise in the Black Mamba, featuring in several international documentaries. The main objective at the Reptile Park is to conserve through education and research.
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Volunteers enjoy a very active participation in the daily events at the park with no two days ever being the same. There is a daily routine that has to be followed with the feeding of certain animals and there is usually a plan and a list of jobs that need doing, but reptiles don't have any idea of these plans and you may have to drop everything (drop possibly isn't the right word to use here!) and rush out in response to a 'Snake Call' or to help spot baby Puff Adders in the grass of the demonstration pit!
Every step of the way, no matter what is happening, one of the curators will be with you talking you through the events, pumping you full of information and answering every question that you can possibly think of.
The longer you stay at the project the greater the benefit will be to both yourself and to the park as you can involve yourself more and more. As a long term volunteer, you will also be able to take part in and see through the special snake, reptile and arachnid research that this project is involved in. The research at the park focuses, amongst others, on venom research, milking, field studies and husbandry of reptiles from throughout the world.
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We stayed for ten days and that definitely wasn't enough. We will certainly be heading back there, but in the meantime we shall be sharing our new found knowledge with as many people as we can. It would be great if you could do the same!
At the project you can expect to take part in the following:
- Cleaning of snake and other reptile cages, inside and out
- Identifying species
- Participation in Reptile Orientation course
- Preparation and administration of food
- Safe Handling of dangerous and venomous snakes
- Snake and other Reptile Callouts: rescue and rehabilitation
- Snake Necropsy
- Participation in veterinary procedures as necessary
- Field Research
Accommodation:
Spacious shared house with housekeeper service, situated at the Park. Two shared bedrooms based on 2 people sharing, with ensuite facilities, plus another large bedroom and separate bathroom. Communal sitting room. All bedding provided.
Facilities:
| Fully equipped Kitchen | TV/Video | Pool Table |
| Public Phone | Swimming Pool | Laundry |
| Restaurant | Curio Shop |
Price Includes:
Accommodation
3 meals a day (self catering, ingredients provided)
Tea, coffee, juice, fruit
Educational Program
All work on and with the reptiles
Subject related Field Trips
Transport to and from the project
Not included:
Food and drinks purchased in the restaurant
Laundry, which will be done for a nominal fee
Group size: 1-10 students
Minimum stay: 2 Weeks
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