IN-DEPTH RHINO CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE
As a volunteer, you'll play a crucial role in monitoring rhino behavior to identify patterns and gain a better understanding of these elusive animals in the wild. Your research will help predict rhino responses to various stimuli and inform the conservancy's rhino population and habitat management strategies.
You'll also observe feeding patterns to prevent over-grazing and over-browsing, plan rhino movements, and determine any necessary dietary supplements for the animals. By learning to use telemetry sets and recognizing rhino tracks and signs, you'll contribute to enhancing rhino management techniques worldwide.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Utilize telemetry to track black and white rhinos
- Support Imrie's anti-poaching unit by observing rhino behavior and locations
- Gain valuable insights from the anti-poaching rangers and guides
- Enjoy an unforgettable bush walk in close proximity to rhinos
UNFORGETTABLE ELEPHANT CONSERVATION ADVENTURE
At the Rhino & Elephant Conservation, the focus is on providing elephants with a life that closely resembles their natural habitat. These awe-inspiring animals serve as ambassadors for their species, playing a vital role in community education about conservation.
As a volunteer, you'll help monitor feeding patterns, repair any conservancy damage caused by elephants, and enjoy memorable walks with them in the mornings or evenings. Learn from their skilled handlers about the challenges elephants face and the ongoing efforts to protect them.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Observe elephant movements and behaviors
- Interact with elephants while assisting in feeding and walking alongside them and their handlers
--- Maintain and repair elephant enclosures
CONTRIBUTE TO ANTI-POACHING EFFORTS AND MONITORING
As a volunteer, you'll join snare sweeps to collect snares and traps, minimizing small animal poaching and supporting the anti-poaching unit's mission to protect larger animals. Weekly horse rides help monitor the herd and patrol boundaries.
Experience weapons training with scouts and the anti-poaching unit using paintball guns simulating FN rifles. Engage in drills and meet the K-9 anti-poaching unit and Murwi, a highly trained Dutch Shepherd, to learn from their expertise.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Participate in snare patrols and vital anti-poaching monitoring
- Assist with fish netting patrols around the dams
- Monitor conservancy's boundaries by horseback and on foot
- Learn weapons training
ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN CONSERVANCY MANAGEMENT
Take an active role in the day-to-day management of the conservancy, ensuring the well-being of its diverse wildlife and maintaining the integrity of their habitat. Your involvement in these essential tasks supports the project's long-term sustainability and success.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Help maintain fences, roads, fireguards, and conservancy equipment
- Feed nutritional supplements to antelopes, elephants, plains game, and lions
- Engage in tree planting, bush clearance, and removal of alien species
- Clean and maintain animal enclosures
- Conduct game counts on foot and by vehicle
- Participate in conservancy game captures and other operations when applicable
ENGAGE WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND PROMOTE CONSERVATION EDUCATION
At the Rhino & Elephant Conservation, approximately 500 people live or work in various areas such as the conservancy, lodge, volunteer program, and farm, including staff members and their families. The project supports nearby primary and secondary schools by sponsoring building projects, enhancing conservation education, and assisting with extracurricular activities like sports and school conservation clubs. The conservancy also aids the local Idube Clinic through medicine provision and financial donations.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Assist with primary school literacy programs focused on conservation
- Collaborate with the local conservation club to educate children about animals, birds, and the environment
- Enjoy sports and games with younger children
- Learn to cook and dance during cultural evenings with local experts
- Visit a local Shona family's homestead to gain insights into their culture and everyday lives
At the Rhino & Elephant Conservation, you'll have the opportunity to participate in reading and writing programs introduced at two primary schools. You'll utilize an English reading and writing scheme, approved by the Ministry of Education, which is tailored for rural African schoolchildren and addresses conservation issues in a relevant way.
You'll also work with school conservation clubs, helping teach secondary school students both practical and theoretical lessons about nature and conservation.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
During your free time at Rhino & Elephant Conservation, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of leisure activities, including fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, and hiking. Imire can also arrange weekend trips to Mutemwa Mountain or Markwe Caves, and you can visit the project's lodge for a delicious meal. The team at the project will happily assist with suggestions and reservations.
