African Conservation Experience Brochure 2014

WORK WITH THE WILDLIFE Make a difference as a conservation volunteer

15 YEARS w w w.c o n s e r vatio n afr ic a.net

WORK WITH THE WILDLIFE THE STORY OF ACE

SUPPORTING CONSERVATION & YOU

African Conservation Experience was established in 1999

by Rob and Marion Harris, with the main objectives being to provide enthusiastic people with the opportunity to experience wildlife and conservation in southern Africa, and to finance conservation projects in southern Africa through self funded volunteers.

When you join our projects you are making a valuable contribution to conservation and the sustainable protection of wildlife and ecosystems. Our responsible travel policy sets out our commitment to make your entire experience with ACE environmentally and culturally friendly, and ensure you leave only a positive footprint. We provide a strong support structure from the day you enquire or apply to join a programme, throughout your experience with us.

Cover image: Carol Moen Wing

With over 15 years in operation, ACE has established itself as a renowned organiser of conservation placements with over 5000 volunteers worldwide having visited more than 18 conservation projects. It now stands as one of the most experienced organisations placing volunteers on conservation projects in southern Africa.

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AFRICAN CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE ESTABLISHES, MAINTAINS AND SUPPORTS CONSERVATION PROJECTS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA. Projects are selected on the basis of real conservation value, the genuine wildlife experience they provide to volunteers and their contribution to the local environment and community.

Lucy Marris, Career Break

I went to South Africa because I really wanted to study to be a vet and I love to work with animals. ...All the experiences, the people and all the animals changed my life and I will remember it forever. I think that my stay at Moholoholo was one of the most giving experiences I will ever have.

Beside that it just confirmed my passion for animals even more and I know that I am doing the right thing in life.

Laura Hansen, Student

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Image: Carol Moen Wing

Image: Lucy Marris

So three months flashed by, I saw amazing things, I learned a lot about animals and conservation, but also about myself. I met some great people, shared some wonderful experiences....

I will get another job, and in the meantime I have memories that will endure for a lifetime. If you are reading this and are on the cusp of taking the plunge, just do so.

Students got the chance to get up close to lions, elephants, primates, hyena, impala, zebra, insects and much more as they explored the Tuli Wilderness, learnt about living in the area and what conservation was taking place to protect such habitats and their wildlife as well as some visits to a local village and several rehabilitation centres.

Cherilyn Huff, Programme Leader Animal Management, Brooksby Melton College

Image: Laura Hansen

ACE volunteers come from all walks of life and from all over the world. Motivations for volunteering are as diverse as the projects themselves: Students looking for practical experience to help them build a career; Career breakers trying out a new lifestyle; Professionals embarking on a “holiday with a difference”; Experienced Africa travellers giving something back to the continent they have fallen in love with.

You don’t need to be a specific kind of person with a set background to become a wildlife volunteer. Whatever your personal situation and motivation is, we’ll work with you to identify the best volunteering placement for you.

Image: Cherilyn Huff

WHO VOLUNTEERS?

It’s great to see everyone trying hard to acquire new skills.

From outdoor enthusiasts to “lounge lizards” - they all try to pass the tracker test so that they’re allowed to sit on the “Tracker Seat” in front of the Land Rover’s bonnet. It’s strange how much pressure we all feel learning to identify the tracks and prints.

I’ve been interested in Africa for 60 years, so you can imagine how embarrassed I would be if I failed the test.

Roy Bower, Retired

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Zimbabwe

Marine Wildlife Management Veterinary Mauritius Wildlife Rehabilitation Wildlife Courses

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DISCOVER YOUR ROLE IN CONSERVATION

Wildlife Conservation & Management Experience the African bush, monitoring wildlife populations, participating in behavioural studies and game reserve management.

Wildlife Care & Rehabilitation Care for injured, orphaned and abandoned wildlife, learning husbandry and enrichment techniques.

Image: Nicole Morales

Conservation work takes many forms so choosing your perfect placement can be an experience in itself, but you’re not alone! This brochure will introduce you to our conservation categories to give you an idea of the different roles you can play in conservation.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT WILDLIFE CARE & REHABILITATION

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Wildlife Veterinary Experience Assist experienced wildlife vets in the field, from ear notching rhinos to disease testing buffalo.

Marine Conservation Work with marine conservationists, training on research techniques and cetacean data collection.

MARINE CONSERVATION

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WILDLIFE VETERINARY EXPERIENCE

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Partnering with real conservation programmes, each project is dynamic and continuously changing - highlighting the reality of conservation in the field! Detailed project information and updates can be found on our website.

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Wildlife Courses A great introduction for any conservationist, learn about Africa’s iconic wildlife and ecosystems through dedicated courses based on practical learning in the field.

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WILDLIFE COURSES

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WILDLIFE CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT

CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHTS

Wildlife Conservation & Management covers everything associated with managing wildlife populations and conserving their natural habitat. These projects are field-­based, often in stunning locations.

Working alongside rangers and researchers, you’d be involved in a range of tasks, from detailed wildlife surveys to adrenaline-­fuelled game capture operations.

• Reserve patrols and the constant presence of volunteers out in the field provide an effective deterrent for poachers.

• Wildlife capture and relocation is vital for managing the diversity and health of wildlife populations.

Participate in the dynamic world of game capture and relocation, working with buffalo, rhino, giraffe and a wide range of antelopes.

Learn to use research and monitoring techniques, such as telemetry tracking, camera traps and ID charts while you spend your days observing Africa’s most iconic species.

Image: Kaitlin Flood

• Monitoring wildlife populations and movements and observing wildlife behaviour aids effective population management and prevention of human-wildlife conflict.

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CONSERVATION VALUES

The opportunities we were provided with to go “behind the scenes” were truly amazing and not something that many people in their lifetime would have experienced ... Seeing a wild animal so close that you can see every hair on its body and to be able to compare the size of your hand against a lion’s paw is incredible and mind-­blowing... There is always so much happening and going on that every day is a new adventure.

• Botswana Eco Wilderness Project • Phinda Wildlife Research Project • Mofemedi Rhino Recovery Initiative

• Hanchi Horseback Conservation • Game Capture Team

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Help protect South Africa’s rhinos from poaching through tracking and monitoring patrols and relocation programmes.

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If you would like to contribute to Wildlife Conservation & Management, take a look at these projects:

Background Image: Carol Moen Wing

Karyn Gresser, Phinda Wildlife Management Project

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WILDLIFE CARE & REHABILITATION

CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHTS

• Rehabilitation centres provide an experienced and dedicated rescue and care service for injured, sick, orphaned and confiscated wildlife.

• Each centre contributes to a sustainable approach to conservation through community engagement and ongoing outreach programmes with local farmers, landowners and schoolchildren.

Join white and black rhino husbandry and hand rearing teams in dedicated facilities working with experts to bring hope to those impacted by South Africa’s devastating poaching crisis.

Assist with enclosure design and development, wildlife enrichment and centre maintenance.

Life on Rhino Team introduces me to the world of wild animals and all that you learn through caring for and bonding with these creatures, things you could never learn from a book or from another person, things that you can’t understand until you are in it, experiencing it, human to animal.

Kimberly Hightower, Khulula Care for Wild.

If you would like to contribute to Wildlife Care & Rehabilitation, take a look at these projects: • Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage and Research Project • Khulula Care for Wild

• Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

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Learn the specific nutritional needs of infant and orphaned animals, organise feeding and cleaning routines and husbandry requirements. A very rewarding experience which often requires 24 hour care and support.

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Image: Victoria Aubinel

• Work with accredited centres and welfare organisations.

Background image: Elizabeth O’Boyle

CONSERVATION VALUES

Image: Elizabeth O’Boyle

Wildlife care & rehabilitation centres create a safe haven for southern Africa’s wildlife who come under threat from habitat change, poaching and poisoning. Human wildlife conflict is a constant battle within the conservation field and these centres provide a sanctuary and educational facility to bring harmony to wildlife living among ever expanding communities. Working with dedicated and passionate conservationists, every day brings a new challenge and possibly a new friend to care for.

You will receive training on care and nutrition for a wide range of species including predators, rhino, primates and birds of prey.

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Image: Todd Elliott

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WILDLIFE VETERINARY EXPERIENCE

CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHTS

Working in the most wildlife prolific areas of southern Africa, the Wildlife Veterinary Experience gives you the opportunity to join the day to day activities of experienced wildlife veterinarians in the field, from immobilising and treating wildlife to diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions in remote and often unpredictable situations.

Participate in veterinary conservation medicine, game capture, veterinary research and development.

CONSERVATION VALUES • Veterinary work is essential to the preservation and protection of rare and endangered species endemic to Africa.

• Wildlife veterinarians manage critical care and ongoing research and breeding programmes in southern Africa.

• Veterinary assistance is required to immobilise wildlife safely in game capture operations and relocation, movements often essential to keep a diverse gene pool within species programmes and to reduce poaching incidents.

Diagnose and treat animals in the African bush, from ambulatory work to emergency call outs.

Learn immobilisation techniques, drugs utilised and administration of low schedule drugs for Africa’s iconic Big 5 species, smaller antelopes and predators.

Image: Rosie Bancroft

I was amazed at how close up I was able to get to the wildlife, getting to give some of the injections myself helped improve my knowledge and I feel my confidence with animals and in general has grown a lot since my trip.

My highlight was getting the chance to inject a pregnant rhino... Not many people can say they’ve been able to have touched a rhino and even inject it.

Lucy Dawson, Shimongwe Limpopo

If you would like to work alongside southern Africa’s wildlife veterinarians, take a look at these projects: • Shimongwe Wildlife Veterinary Experience

• Bundox Game Capture & Veterinary Experience

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Rhino de-­horning is a technique used to combat poaching in southern Africa. Actively assist in darting and immobilisation, horn removal, ear notching and DNA sampling for identification kits.

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Background image: Sarah Brookes

• Blood sampling of game including buffalo and sable antelope for disease control purposes.

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MARINE CONSERVATION

CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHTS

Africa’s coast is teeming with marine life, and much of it is facing threats from pollution as well as unsustainable tourism and fishing practices. The marine conservation projects take a multi-­faceted approach to protecting the sea and coastline: As a volunteer you will work alongside marine biologists and nature conservationists to help with research surveys, get involved in conservation education initiatives and assist in restoring fragile marine habitats.

• Volunteer teams help with the rescue and rehabilitation of injured and stranded marine animals such as penguins, seals and turtles.

• Marine conservation volunteers are active in getting the local communities involved - from beach clean-ups to water testing, treeplanting days and playful conservation education in local pre-schools.

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• Detailed surveys of dolphin populations and the impact of tour boat traffic have been instrumental in bringing about legislation governing marine tourism on Mauritius. Volunteers monitor compliance of boat operators and liaise with local authorities to provide training on sustainable practices.

Take to the sea and learn to identify and profile the dolphin and whale species commonly found along the coasts off Africa to help with accurate population estimates.

Take a dive course and participate in research dives to monitor invasive species or help with a coral reef restoration programme on Mauritius.

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CONSERVATION VALUES

Being able to go out on whale watching boats as often as I did was extremely lucky. While I was on the boats I saw southern right whales, bottlenose dolphins, cape fur seals, humpback whales and an unusual and unexpected occurrence of an elephant seal. After getting to know the skippers and guides I was allowed to drive the boats a couple of times which was very exciting!

Katie Kenny Foeldessy

If you would like to help protect Africa’s marine life, take a look at these projects: • Mauritius Marine Research Project

Get involved in outreach programmes to educate local kids and the wider public about the amazing marine life and the importance of conservation.

• Coastal Conservation & Education Project

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WILDLIFE COURSES

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

Immerse yourself in a truly remote and wild experience on a wildlife course with ACE. Led by a team of fully qualified FGASA instructors, conservationists and guiding experts, each course is well placed to give you a solid foundation and deeper understanding of the conservation challenges of working with African wildlife.

COURSE BENEFITS • Courses contain a dynamic and focussed introduction to a specific topic, with informal lectures and theory contributing to field work in the bush.

• Meet highly specialised and accredited wildlife specialists and conservationists.

• Focus on a holistic approach to habitat management and species conservation in closed and open ecosystems.

• Travel throughout South Africa, experiencing the colourful culture and stunning habitats, home to Africa’s iconic species.

Develop practical skills in captive predator management, habitat management and enclosure design.

Directed and tutored by predator specialists and wildlife veterinarians.

Acquire bush skills including rifle shooting, sleeping out in the bush and safety while living with Africa’s Big 5.

Adventure addicts, this course is for you! Animal tracking, Camera trapping, Walking safaris, Sleep outs in the bush…you’ll be immersed, body and soul, into the South African bush. Come as you are but be sure that you won’t return the same!.

If you would like an unusual break from the workday routine and gain an introduction to a career in conservation, take a look at these courses: • Game Ranger Guide Course

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• African Predator Course

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Master traditional tracking skills while training as a Game Ranger through some of South Africa’s stunning Big 5 reserves.

Become competent in animal identification and how to deal with Africa’s most iconic species in the bush.

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Image: Yann Macherez

Yann Macherez, Game Ranger Guide Course

Background image: Carol Moen Wing

• Courses provide a fantastic introduction to an extended placement, giving you a solid foundation and deeper understanding of the conservation challenges you may encounter.

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FIELD TRIP INSPIRATIONS

GROUPS AND FIELD TRIPS Whether you are a lecturer looking for a field experience for your students, a society with a special conservation interest or an employer seeking to motivate your staff with a meaningful adventure -­ we’d love to put together an experience for you.

Here are some examples of what recent groups got up to:

WILDLIFE VETERINARY EXPERIENCE

RHINO CONSERVATION

WHY ACE?

• Outstanding service and support: You’ll find ACE to be quite heavily involved in your field trip - from helping you recruit participants to arranging insurance, meeting you on arrival and being available throughout your time in Africa.

On a “Save The Rhino” field trip , international high school students lent support on poaching prevention patrols, darted a rhino to fit the new tracking collar and even sponsored new monitoring equipment.

ORING & WILDLIFE MONIT DIES U BIODIVERSITY ST

Absolutely, totally incredible! I know that I have 10 students whose lives have been changed and several of those can’t wait to return. The content of the trip more than met my expectations. Tuli was the best. The two weeks spent there was a learning experience that the students and I will never forget.

Lou Rebar, University of Edinboro

Several colleges and universities have headed into the African bush in Botswana and South Africa to experience wildlife up close and let their students try their hand at wildlife surveys, biodiversity studies and field research techniques.

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International veterinary medicine and pre-­vet student groups have teamed up with wildlife vets to gain hands-­ on experience in wildlife veterinary procedures and game capture.

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Background image: Carol Moen Wing

• Serious about conservation: Our field trips aren’t pseudo-safaris.

At the core of a trip with ACE is the opportunity to gain real, practical experience in wildlife conservation. We are more than happy to incorporate other elements such as community service or a cultural experience as well, but wildlife is the main theme - It’s what we do best!

Image: Carol Moen Wing

• Great flexibility: Every field trip we organise is tailored. We’ll work with you to come up with a programme that incorporates your ideas and makes allowance for your budget and timeframe.

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

HOW TO APPLY

CONSERVATION ACHIEVEMENTS

Do you feel inspired to embark on your very own conservation placement or wildlife course? We rely on volunteers like yourself to help the fantastic projects that we support protect Africa’s vulnerable ecosystems. We’d love to have you on board!

Help ACE fight the rhino battle!

Rhino poaching is the single largest conservation battle currently ripping through southern Africa with devastating loss to the species. In 2013 a horrendous 1004 rhino were poached with 2014 numbers reaching 419 by the end of May. It is a battle which sits very close to the heart of every member of ACE and we are proud to support our projects who work tirelessly to combat the horrific situation we are faced with.

The next step is to fill in an online application form at www.conservationafrica.net/apply If you don’t want to apply online or can’t access the internet, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to send you a good old-fashioned paper application form!

Khulula Care for Wild is quickly becoming one of the largest and most established rhino rehabilitation facilities in Africa.

By mid 2014, Khulula is providing a sanctuary for 12 rhino calves with the successful extension of the rhino facilities to increase their capacity to support the number of calves being brought to the centre, accredited and supported

by Mpumalanga Parks Board Department of Nature Conservation.

ACE support and work with the experienced research team monitoring one of the 5th largest populations of black and white rhino in Africa at Phinda Wildlife Management Project, while Mofemedi Rhino Recovery Initiative continues to be funded by ACE through volunteers and direct sponsoring of rhino foot collars to track and monitor populations of rhino in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.

Our Veterinary team is part of a multi disciplinary group of veterinarians that are doing ground breaking research into rehabilitating hideously mutilated and injured rhinos from the poaching incidents, whilst they remain in the wild.

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No deadline, no competition! While we ask for an “application form”, there is no deadline by which you need to apply, nor do we judge you or compare potential volunteers against each other. The form simply helps us get to know a little bit about you so that we can give you the best advice about projects that would be a good option for you.

Once we receive your application we’ll be in touch to plan your placement together. Our team includes zoologists, conservationists and sustainable travel professionals and they will use their experience to help you find the right project for you and make sure that you head off with a clear idea of what you can expect from volunteering.

COSTS & FUNDRAISING

KEEP IN THE LOOP

Why do I need to pay for volunteering?

It’s fantastic that you are volunteering your time, and your hard work while on placement will make a real difference that is very much appreciated by the projects. So you might wonder why you also have to contribute financially.

There are two reasons, and they are both linked to ACE’s overall mission: ACE aim to support worthwhile conservation projects that have little or no other funding. The funds generated by volunteering placements are therefore instrumental for enabling the work each and every project does. This model can only work if we provide adequate funding, rather than a token amount, to the projects.

ACE want to enable international volunteers to have a safe, rewarding and educational experience in wildlife conservation. This incurs some very real costs that need to be covered, such as your airfare, safe transport in Africa, your meals, and the salaries of the people that support you - from helping you plan your trip to meeting you at the airport and guiding you during your placement.

Whether you are planning a conservation adventure or have returned from one - there are plenty of reasons to stay in touch with ACE! We frequently share updates about the projects we work with, stories from our volunteers or just some amazing wildlife photography and conservation news.

How much will my placement cost?

Placement costs are specific to each placement and depend on project choice and duration and whether you’d like us to include flights. For that reason we don’t have a comprehensive price list in this brochure, but you can get a pretty accurate estimate by using our cost calculator online at www.

ConservationAfrica.net. You will find the calculator at the bottom of each individual project’s page.

As a rough idea, project placements start at £2,620 including flights from London. They also cover accommodation, transport in Africa, meals (at most projects) 24/7 support in country and, most importantly, the financial contributions to the projects. A deposit of £295 secures your placement, with final balance due 8 weeks prior to departure. This allows you to plan your placement a long way in advance and use fund raising to help with the costs. Ask us for a FUNdraising pack for inspiration and great ideas!

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BUSHWIRE NEWSLETTER Sign up to our free bi-monthly Bushwire e-newsletter, full of news from our projects and the world of conservation.

Facebook Like our Facebook page, connect with other volunteers and get the news straight from the field!

Twitter Connect with us on @AfricanConsExp and never go a day without a bit of wildlife news!

Online News Subscribe to our news feed online or visit our news updates.

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Make a difference as a conservation volunteer

African Conservation Experience Unit 1, Manor Farm Churchend Lane, Charfield Wotton-Under-Edge Gloucestershire . GL12 8L J United Kingdom Tel: +44 1454 269 182 Web: www.conservationafrica.net Email: info@conservationafrica.net

Design: ikonika-design.co.uk All information correct and accurate at time of printing