Master in marine sciences
Join the team of professionals at our partner foundation, and validate your internship in animal care within a non-profit organisation. The primary objective of all the actions carried out is the conservation and rescue of the region’s seabirds, threatened by human activity. Put your knowledge to good use and benefit from practical learning from the team on site, who will share their various skills and experience with you. You will also have the opportunity to discover a new culture, the South African way of life and the city of Cape Town.
The foundation is located on the edge of Table Bay Nature Reserve, about 20 km from Cape Town. With a limited staff, it relies heavily on the support of interns to achieve the organisation’s objectives. Participants become an extension of the staff and an integral part of the daily operation of the centres. Not only do they participate in hands-on work with the seabirds, but they also assist in all functions of the centre, such as marketing, procurement and fundraising, through their animal care internship.
Like all of our animal internship programs abroad, this project in South Africa allows you to gain university credits while contributing to the protection of animals in the region.
Your animal care internship begins with two days of orientation
City tour of Cape Town on foot:
During the animal care internship, participants must:
The Animal Care Internship Coordinator establishes a monthly schedule in which volunteers are scheduled to work a maximum of 5 days per week (including weekends and holidays). A normal work day is from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm with a lunch break from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm and a short tea break in the morning at 11:00 am and in the afternoon at 3:30 pm (schedules may vary depending on capacity needs and the number of birds at the centre).
On some days, volunteers will be required to help until 6:30 pm. Your willingness to go the extra mile during peak periods will therefore be crucial.
Food preparation in the kitchen: defrosting fish, preparing fluids/formulas and cleaning preparation equipment.
Laundry: washing and drying clothes.
Cleaning station: cleaning of large equipment, such as the carpet in the enclosure or the bird cages, with a high pressure hose.
Aviary: intended for flying birds, requires daily cleaning of the enclosure and includes feeding of the birds (free feeding). Some birds may require hydration (through a tube), medication or force-feeding.
Intensive Care Unit: Staff and interns are primarily responsible for the care of the birds in the ICU, but volunteers may be asked to assist with cleaning the ICU.
Rehabilitation enclosures: main enclosures for birds undergoing rehabilitation, mainly African penguins. The areas require daily cleaning and feeding of the birds. Some birds may require hydration (through a tube) and medication.
Original enclosure: exhibition for the center’s permanent and temporary long-term birds. Assist with exhibit maintenance, including cleaning rocks, raking sand, and preparing food.
Odd jobs: various tasks are necessary in the center, essential to the daily functioning of the rehabilitation center. This may include general maintenance or cleaning tasks.
Please note that the animal care course is not for the faint of heart. The birds in our care are wild and bite at the slightest opportunity. Learning to work with birds is a bit like riding a bike… The more you train, the better you get. Volunteers should know that commitment is essential to learn how to handle and feed the birds.
Like all of our animal internship programs abroad, this project in South Africa allows you to gain university credits while contributing to the protection of animals in the region.
Your animal care internship begins with two days of orientation
City tour of Cape Town on foot:
During the animal care internship, participants must:
The Animal Care Internship Coordinator establishes a monthly schedule in which volunteers are scheduled to work a maximum of 5 days per week (including weekends and holidays). A normal work day is from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm with a lunch break from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm and a short tea break in the morning at 11:00 am and in the afternoon at 3:30 pm (schedules may vary depending on capacity needs and the number of birds at the centre).
On some days, volunteers will be required to help until 6:30 pm. Your willingness to go the extra mile during peak periods will therefore be crucial.
Food preparation in the kitchen: defrosting fish, preparing fluids/formulas and cleaning preparation equipment.
Laundry: washing and drying clothes.
Cleaning station: cleaning of large equipment, such as the carpet in the enclosure or the bird cages, with a high pressure hose.
Aviary: intended for flying birds, requires daily cleaning of the enclosure and includes feeding of the birds (free feeding). Some birds may require hydration (through a tube), medication or force-feeding.
Intensive Care Unit: Staff and interns are primarily responsible for the care of the birds in the ICU, but volunteers may be asked to assist with cleaning the ICU.
Rehabilitation enclosures: main enclosures for birds undergoing rehabilitation, mainly African penguins. The areas require daily cleaning and feeding of the birds. Some birds may require hydration (through a tube) and medication.
Original enclosure: exhibition for the center's permanent and temporary long-term birds. Assist with exhibit maintenance, including cleaning rocks, raking sand, and preparing food.
Odd jobs: various tasks are necessary in the center, essential to the daily functioning of the rehabilitation center. This may include general maintenance or cleaning tasks.
Please note that the animal care course is not for the faint of heart. The birds in our care are wild and bite at the slightest opportunity. Learning to work with birds is a bit like riding a bike... The more you train, the better you get. Volunteers should know that commitment is essential to learn how to handle and feed the birds.
Our South African partner foundation for coastal bird conservation is a non-profit organisation dating back to 1968.
Its objective is to reverse the decline of seabirds by rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for them (against diseases, injuries and oil).
In almost 55 years, it has treated more than 95,000 seabirds and independent research confirms that oil spill response actions alone have increased the African seabird population by 19%. In a year without an oil spill, our partner processes up to 2,500 seabirds, of which about 1,500 are African penguins.
Its objective is to reverse the decline of seabirds by rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for them (against diseases, injuries and oil).
In almost 55 years, it has treated more than 95,000 seabirds and independent research confirms that oil spill response actions alone have increased the African seabird population by 19%. In a year without an oil spill, our partner processes up to 2,500 seabirds, of which about 1,500 are African penguins.
Please contact us for rates and availability.
| Duration | Fees to be paid upon registration |
|---|---|
| 6 Weeks | 2235€ |
| 8 Weeks | 2835€ |
| 12 Weeks | 4035€ |
Housing is allocated by local NGOs, not by Freepackers - the descriptions are there to give you an idea of the type of accommodation, as it is very likely that conditions will vary on site depending on the number of volunteers, weather conditions, availability, etc. Each volunteer will be accommodated according to the stated conditions, but it is possible that the accommodation may not match the description or images shown on this site word for word, for example, in the case of annexed housing, renovations, relocations, etc.
Volunteers will stay in one of our volunteer houses with rooms for 2-5 people. All houses are equipped with electricity, WIFI, hot water, kitchen, one or two toilets, bathroom with shower, beds with sheets (no towels). The rooms are mixed, unless otherwise requested. Upgrades to private or double private rooms are available at an additional cost.
Volunteers are responsible for keeping their rooms and the volunteer house tidy. The bathrooms and kitchens are cleaned daily by the cleaning staff, and the linen is changed once a week. Volunteer homes are within walking distance of stores, restaurants, entertainment, bus stops and the beach.
Meals are included from Monday to Friday (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
If you have any special dietary requirements, please inform us before your arrival. We will do our best to accommodate them. However, you may need to supplement with your own food. If you would like snacks, there are several grocery stores nearby.
Refrigerators are available for volunteers' personal food and non-alcoholic drinks. Tea and coffee will be available free of charge, while all other beverages will be at your own expense.
Transport to and from the project located 2 km from the accommodation is NOT included. Volunteers can either walk or use Uber at approximately 1 EUR per trip.
Laundry services are available for an additional fee.
Winter in South Africa: please note that from May to September, it is winter and it can get quite cold, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C at night to 15°C during the day. There is no indoor heating in South Africa, so make sure to bring enough warm clothing if you plan your trip during this period.
Cape Town (also known as the Mother City) is home to many types of people and activities. Whether you are interested in sports, adventure, culture, or history, there is something for everyone. Here is a list of things to do. Remember that we are a sister company of Saltycrax Backpackers and we will help you book any activities.
Please note that additional fees apply for any extra activities you wish to book during your visit.
Please contact the embassy or immigration website of the country you wish to enter.
You can find all ressources on the World Organization Website, in the Travel Advice section A vaccine vial.
For any international project, Realstep requires the subscription to a travel insurance policy that includes coverage for accidents, illnesses, repatriation, and civil liability as part of a professional activity abroad
For full protection during studies or an internship abroad, you can subscribe to the Cap Student insurance online by following this link which will give you a 5% discount.
If you subscribe to another insurance policy, we will ask you to send us a copy of your certificate in English.
