You can apply for this 4 week Animal Science & Conservation volunteer programme if...

• You are a registered university student from a foreign country currently studying an animal, veterinary or conservation course.
• South African born registered university student that has not been a resident of South Africa for more than 3 years.

What makes this programme different from the 6 week international volunteer programme?

This is a 4 week combination training/volunteer programme specifically designed for registered university students in animal science or conservation fields that want to explore the world of penguin and seabird care and conservation during the June, July period. It’s a perfect programme for students that want to get practical hands-on experience for student vacation or are looking for a Study abroad programme. Talk to your university about how this can count towards course credits or work based learning hours.

How does this combination training/volunteer programme work?

This volunteer experience is divided into 2 sections.

2 day Seabird Care & Conservation training course

This 2 day training course at the beginning of your volunteer experience; will give you a great foundation in preparation for your hands-on work with the African penguins and seabirds at SANCCOB. The course is developed to provide you with a working knowledge of different types of penguins and seabirds of various ages, types of enclosures they live in, what does daily care entail, handling and feeding techniques as well as seabird behaviour and signs of illness and disease.

Remainder of your 4 weeks

You will be given an opportunity to apply your knowledge and practice your new skills. You will learn the basic to intermediate skills associated with penguin and seabird care.

Programme length

4 weeks minimum

Make the best of your experience by adding additional weeks, participate in one of our other training courses or apply for one of our Seabird Internships.

In order to participate in this program, you have to attend one of these training courses before volunteering.

What work will I be doing when I start the volunteering part of this programme?

Be warned!!! Penguins and other seabirds are wild animals and will bite given the opportunity. 

As a volunteer you will become an extension of our team of Bird rehabilitators. During your first couple of days you will apply your basic knowledge of food preparation and general care but by the end of the first week you will be helping with most handling and feeding tasks.

Have a look at this short video of the tasks that you will be expected to help with

VOLUNTEER TASK VIDEO

Work hours and schedule

• SANCCOB is open 365 days of the year and over the past number of years, November-January has been our busiest time of the year.
• Each day starts with a morning meeting at 08h00 and volunteers need to be at SANCCOB at approx 7h45.
• All our animal science & conservaiton volunteers receive a work schedule on their first day at SANCCOB.
• Working routine 8h00 – 17h30, up to 5 days per week. (including some weekends and public holidays) Days off is not always scheduled together.
• The volunteer schedule may change on short notice especially in crises situations.
• The day includes a 1 hour lunch break and shorter breaks for tea or coffee in the morning and afternoon but your flexibility is highly appreciated during busy times.

Programme cost

$265/£170/€200

Additional week - $25/£15/€20

Included in your fee is your 2 day training course, volunteer fee, volunteer T-shirt and a seabird release trip (weather and bird permitting).

What about accommodation?

Unfortunately SANCCOB doesn’t offer accommodation but This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for a list of places of accommodation that many international volunteers have made use of in the past.

Need more information?

Click here for more information, terms and conditions of participation

How to apply?

Click here to download the Application