LWC Volunteer Program
The LWC runs an exciting volunteer program whereby volunteers can come
for up to 3 months to gain first hand experience working with gorilla
and chimpanzee conservation. The program can be designed to suit your
individual level of expertise: veterinary student, zoology graduate,
an experienced zoo keeper or if you have no previous experience
whatsoever. If, after reading the general information below, about the
program, you are interested in applying for a volunteer position
please email us using the link at the bottom of this page
General Information
Successful applicants to the LWC’s Volunteer Program are invited to come to Cameroon to gain a unique experience working hands on in a conservation project that specializes in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of endangered captive wild animals (gorillas, chimpanzees, drills, crocodiles, raptors etc).
Each volunteer is asked to make a donation of 650 Euro/month for a minimum stay of 1 month, which includes self catering accommodation. All of the funds raised in this program go directly to pay for animal food and medicine.
Job description: The basic volunteer job is one of an assistant animal keeper. This will involve shadowing our keepers during their daily tasks (cleaning cages, preparing food, monitoring animals, preparing enrichment, repairing climbing structures etc). The LWC houses western lowland gorillas, Cross-River gorillas, chimpanzees, several species of guenon, the drill, the mandrill, crocodiles, duikers and other species. Each species has its own section and the volunteers will have the opportunity to rotate on a weekly basis from one enclosure to another. However depending on your field of expertise or interests you can, at the discretion of the management, become involved in other areas too, such as our education program, the veterinary care of the animals, enclosure construction projects etc. The work is physically demanding and often dirty.
Weather: Dry season is from November-May in which the temperatures are very high and it gets very humid. From June- October it rains a lot and the temperatures go down slightly.
Clothes: longs clothes are recommended since there are many mosquitoes. Around the LWC you will have to wear rubber boots (which can be purchased locally), long work trousers e.g. combat trousers and a t-shirt. For the evenings long light weight trousers, and light long sleeve shirts are recommended. If you come in the wet season you should bring a rain coat.
Things to bring: mosquito repellant, mosquito net, sun cream, a hat….
Health: Please consult a tropical disease clinic at least 2 months prior to your arrival regarding the vaccinations that you are advised to have for visiting this part of the world. Please see the Terms of Reference form for the vaccinations that we require you to have. Cameroon is a high risk Malaria country and Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Medical care in Cameroon is not good. If you have particular health risks then these need to be considered carefully. We require a written detailed account of your health status as part of the application process. This is for your own benefit and the animals. In case of serious accidents or illness then it is preferable to return home for treatment, and your medical insurance needs to cover this.
Centre’s Location: The Limbe Wildlife Centre is located in the town of Limbe in the South West Province of Cameroon about an hour and a half drive away from Douala.
Getting here: The nearest airport is in the city of Douala.
Visa: Please contact the Cameroon Embassy in your country for details about how to apply for a tourist Visa. You will require an invitation letter from us, and this will be provided.
Food: local food costs less than US$1/meal; however there are also restaurants in Limbe selling more western style food, and this averages about $5/meal.
Accommodation type a) (above) has basic cooking facilities, so you can cook for yourselves. There are shops and markets in the town for buying fresh food, fresh fish and meat, dried pasta, rice etc.
The LWC is in the town of Limbe. Limbe is a bustling fishing town, population approx. 20,000 people. Limbe is a very friendly town, with a beautiful botanic gardens, bars and restaurants and a good atmosphere. The beaches outside of the town are good for swimming.
Foreign Currency:- it is preferable to bring foreign currency, as opposed to travelers cheques (which have high commission charged). Euros are better value than other currencies. Limbe has a cash machine that takes Visa cards.
Warning: The climate can be extremely hot and humid and can be uncomfortable to work in. Working days are long and physically demanding. Being in a tropical country there are many insects around. Living conditions are very basic.
Want to Volunteer - email us info@limbewildlife.org
