The Exotic Primate Sanctuary is a vibrant haven for around 200 rescued primates, representing 11 different species, some of which are critically endangered. Volunteering here is an exhilarating opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of these remarkable animals. You’ll gain hands-on experience, contribute to vital research and education efforts, and forge unforgettable connections with these incredible, entertaining primates and their passionate caretakers. This isn’t just volunteer work—it’s an adventure filled with heartwarming moments and a chance to be part of something truly extraordinary.
| Starting days | All year around, Monday to Friday |
| Minimum Requirements | 2 weeks and longer subject to visa requirements. A minimum age of 18 years old if unaccompanied and 16 years if accompanied by a parent or guardian. |
| Cost | £770 for 2 weeks and £300 for each additional week |
| What is included | Food, shared accommodation, meeting you at the closest airport, airport collection and drop-off, pre-departure support, in-country team, training on the ground, 24- emergency help and more. |
| What is not included | Flights, visas, travel insurance, spending money. |
| Best for | Gappers, career breakers, families, animal lovers, primatologists, veterinary students, volunteers who like to get hands-on. |
Project description
Founded in 2014 by a passionate couple determined to rescue marmosets, the Exotic Primate Sanctuary has evolved into a thriving haven for various smaller exotic primate species that are non-releasable. Initially focused on marmosets, the sanctuary rapidly expanded as the need for a safe haven for misunderstood primates became evident. Today, the sanctuary stands as a beacon of ethical care, providing a lifelong refuge for every primate that crosses its path.
The sanctuary takes a strong stand against the exotic pet trade, refusing to engage in breeding, selling, or trading primates to sustain operations. Instead, it is deeply committed to educating and assisting primate owners, advocating against the purchase of primates as pets. With all necessary permits and regulations in place, the sanctuary works closely with local government authorities to ensure that the primates’ wellbeing remains the top priority.
Over the years, the sanctuary has grown to become home to 195 rescued, abused, neglected, and rehomed exotic primates. These include Bushbabies (Galagos), Squirrels, Sugar Gliders (actually a type of possum), Tufted Capuchins, Weeper Capuchins, Golden Tufted Capuchins, Cotton Top Tamarins, Golden Hand Tamarins, Marmosets, Squirrel Monkeys, and most recently, a Mongoose Lemur.
To accommodate its diverse residents, the sanctuary features 92 enclosures and cages, including 44 large enclosures, 8 hospital cages, and 40 temporary cages for newly rescued arrivals. As the sanctuary continues to grow, so does its impact—providing a vital lifeline for exotic primates in need.
Volunteer duties
At the Exotic Primate Sanctuary, your volunteer experience will be hands-on and rewarding, with guided duties that may include:
Food Preparation and Feeding:
- Prepare specialized meals, including monkey food and porridge.
- Serve fresh food and water to the primates during morning feedings.
- Monitor the primates during feeding to ensure their health and spot any signs of illness.
Cleaning and Maintenance:
- Clean enclosures every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with most enclosures offering safe separation areas, even for the large capuchins.
- Regularly inspect and repair enclosures as needed.
- Keep the kitchen, office, and ICU area clean.
- Maintain the garden and contribute to general upkeep on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Build new enclosures for incoming rescues and perform maintenance on existing ones.
Enrichment and Stimulation:
- Get creative on Tuesdays and Thursdays by designing and placing enrichment activities in the enclosures to keep the primates mentally stimulated and prevent boredom.
Health and Veterinary Care:
- Assist with the introduction of newly rescued primates.
- Provide care for sick monkeys during vet visits.
- Help administer medication as needed.
- Approved volunteers may assist in the ICU with primates requiring special care.
General Assistance:
- Help with grocery shopping for primate food.
- Participate in market day activities twice a month.
- Wash, dry, and fold blankets for the primates.
This diverse set of responsibilities ensures that your time at the sanctuary will be dynamic, impactful, and full of opportunities to connect with these incredible animals.
Veterinary students and veterinarians will have the unique opportunity to work alongside the sanctuary’s appointed exotic veterinarian at their private practise, actively participating in the treatment and care of the animals they treat during their project time gaining valuable hands-on experience with other exotic animals. This is to be arranged on booking.
Daily schedule
Here’s a general outline of the daily schedule from Monday to Friday. Weekends are your time to relax or explore, but you’re welcome to lend a hand at the sanctuary if you prefer.
05:45 – Kickstart the day by joining the local staff in the food prep room. You’ll help prepare specialized meals for the primates and distribute fresh food and water to the sanctuary’s residents.
07:30 to 07:50 – If you missed breakfast earlier, take a quick break at the volunteer cottage to grab a meal and fuel up for the day’s activities.
07:50 – Begin your morning volunteer duties.
11:45 to 12:30 – Break for lunch. With the volunteer cottage right on site, you can easily prepare a meal and take some time to relax.
12:30 to 15:30 – Continue with afternoon tasks or complete any remaining duties from the morning.
15:30 – Wrap up for the day and return to the volunteer cottage. Use this time to unwind, prepare supper, watch Netflix, read, or do laundry using the on-site washing machine.
Note: You may be called to assist after hours if there’s an emergency with any of the primates.
Accommodation
The Exotic Primate Sanctuary volunteer accommodation is a charming off-the-grid stone cottage powered by solar energy and gas. Due to the limitations of solar power, high-electricity appliances such as kettles, heaters, hair dryers, microwaves and electric stoves cannot be used. However, volunteers can boil water using the four-plate gas stove and a kettle.
A short distance of 70m away are the local staff quarters and the manager’s house. The cottage features a shared bedroom with two bunk beds, accommodating up to four volunteers. There is ample space for unpacking clothes, a side table, and bedside lamps. The bathroom includes a basin, toilet, and shower.
The cottage also has its own kitchen, equipped with a gas stove, fridge, toaster and all necessary amenities for meal preparation. The cozy lounge area offers seating, a dining table, and a TV with a media box for Netflix access. For safety, the property is equipped with an alarm system, spotlights outside the cottage, burglar bars and a security gate. Volunteers also have a two-way radio with them at the cottage in case of emergencies.
Conveniently, the power outlets have USB fittings for charging cell phones, and there is Wi-Fi available. Volunteers have access to a washing machine for laundry needs. Bed linen and towels are provided and changed weekly. During hot summers, a fan is available for added comfort.
Volunteers are expected to tidy up after themselves and keep the volunteer cottage clean.
Food
Meals are self-prepared using the provided basic food supplies, and the water is safe to drink. You will be given a shopping list to mark your food preferences for the managers to buy for you for your meals. While we are unable to accommodate specific high-cost dietary needs such as gluten-free, lactose-intolerant, and certain vegan items, volunteers are welcome to purchase these items themselves from nearby shops. The kitchen is equipped with a kettle, a four-plate gas stove, and a fridge/freezer.
Location
Prepare to bask in the beautiful subtropical climate of Durban, with an average of 320 sunny days per year. While some months, like February, may be more humid, winters are mild and sun-drenched, making it an alluring destination year-round. Durban is a vibrant tapestry of European, Indian, and indigenous Zulu cultures, creating a unique and diverse atmosphere.
Immerse yourself in the city’s allure, boasting golden stretches of beaches, lush tropical vegetation, and a culinary journey filled with delicious and spicy food influenced by Indian culture. In fact, Durban hosts one of the largest populations of Indians outside of India, infusing the city with a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions.
There is a shopping mall 700 meters away from the Exotic Primate Sanctuary volunteer base for shops, restaurants, pubs and services. The closest medical centre is 7 kms away from the project.
For sightseeing adventures, getting around is a breeze. You can choose from various options like numerous tour operators, taxis, Uber, and Bolt services, ensuring you have easy access to all the exciting attractions that Durban offers.
As a popular tourist destination, Durban not only captivates with its picturesque beaches but also surprises with the fusion of culture and wildlife found in urban areas and nature reserves, often nestled within the suburbs. Prepare for an unforgettable experience, where you can delve into the vibrant city life while being close to nature’s wonders.
Durban welcomes you with open arms to be part of its dynamic blend of culture, nature, and warm hospitality. Get ready for an extraordinary journey that combines meaningful volunteering with the allure of this captivating coastal gem.
Free time activities
Durban is in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the home of the mighty Zulu Kingdom famous for the warrior Shaka. It has a subtropical climate and is home to the most amazing wildlife and vegetation. There is plenty to do in your free time whether wildlife, cultural or marine life are your interests. Here are a few suggestions
- uShaka Marine World is definitely one of the star attractions if in Durban. You can snorkel lagoons, feed fish and rays, cage dive with sharks and “walk the ocean”. Or just catch the penguin or seal feeding times
- Take a boat tour with the KwaZulu-Natal Shark Board, travel through harbour and watch the servicing of the shark nets
- Visit PheZulu Safari Park to part in a Zulu cultural tour. Learn about Nqombothi (traditional Zulu beer) brewing, spear making, beading, weaving, pottery and also traditional dancing and singing. This is not to be missed and can be incorporated too with the reptile sanctuary tour.
- Beaches…beaches and more beaches…Umhlanga is one of our favourites for swimming. And the water is usually so warm
- Elephant Experience and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Big 5 Safari Tour. This is a full day trip to one of South Africa’s best Big 5 wildlife reserves. The full day safari starts very early and can take up to 12 hours but so worth it! You can also include visiting the elephants at Bayete Zulu
- Visit the Anglo-Zulu war battlefields on tour
- Do a ½ day Durban city tour visiting landmarks, botanical gardens and market for famous Durban curry spices and souvenirs
- Do a ½ day Durban wildlife tour of Natal Sharks Board and Umgeni Bird park
- Overnight in the Drakensberg at the Sani Lodge Backpackers and take a 4 x 4 tour up the Sani Pass the next day to the top and visit the mountainous country of Lesotho, the highest point of southern Africa.
Durban has the largest Indian community outside of Indian which has made its mark on the local cuisine. One of the most famous culinary delights coming out of Durban is the spicy bunny chow. Despite the name, bunny chows do not involve bunnies but are a spicy curry. You choose your preference for meat or vegetarian in a hollowed out loaf of white bread and are absolutely delicious although notoriously spicy! Also enjoy fantastic samoosas, breyanis and rotis!
Boredom is definitely not an option in Durban with culture, history, wildlife, shopping, beaches and stunning scenery!
For more information or to book, either fill in the contact form or please email: info@volunteerinternationaladventures.com