OPPORTUNITIES AT THE SAVANNAH AFRICA AND THE SAVANNAH CHEETAH FOUNDATION

The Savannah Cheetah Foundation undertakes research, breading, and conducts education courses about Cheetah at the Savannah Africa, a 3000 acre nature located one hour south of Johannesburg, South Africa.  For more information on the Savannah Africa, refer to our web site: www.thesavannah.org

OPPORTUNITIES AT THE SCF

The SCF does not differentiate between student and graduate interns and other volunteers.  Everyone is treated equally.  If you are willing to try new things, flexible in your approach, adapt easily to changing circumstances, and have an abundance of patience, then you sound like the kind of person that would thrive at the SCF.

There is much to do at the SCF and we welcome students with all kinds of backgrounds and science interests ranging from biology, animal science, conservation biology, ecology, and veterinary studies.  Other study areas, such as business studies, computer technology, graphic design, comparative history studies, sociology, psychology, among others, could certainly be augmented.  Essentially anyone with an interest in wildlife conservation, as an enhancement to their field of study, can apply and benefit.

The SCF has a protocol of conduct to which we expect all volunteers and interns to adhere.  In addition to submitting an application, you will be required to sign a liability waiver and accept the terms and conditions of our code of conduct.  Taking care of wild animals in the African bush is a serious business and we expect everyone at the SCF to be conscientious and responsible about what they do.

During your stay at the SCF, you will be housed in rondavels in the main compound area.  Also situated in the main compound area is the main lodge, in which there is a computer center, communal dining hall, sitting room with TV, and kitchen.  These facilities will most likely be shared with other interns and volunteers, coming from all parts of the world and South Africa.  You will experience many different cultures and leave the SCF with a much broader perspective.

AREAS OF EMPHASIS

Because of the size and interests of the SCF, there are numerous areas of emphasis that interns and volunteers may choose to pursue.  Interns may choose between four different areas of emphasis.

The first is that of dealing directly with the Cheetah.  Your duties may include educating local farmers on predator species, and researching suitable prey species, analysis of local geology, economic impact, and writing papers and proposals.

The second is that of dealing with any of the other 26 species of African animals at the Savannah Africa.  Duties may include capturing and digitally marking certain animals in order to track them, analyzing grasses and feces, and following behavior patterns.

The third is doing sociology related activities in the local Townships around the Savannah Africa.  Duties may include working in local hospitals and schools, or undertaking research or writing papers on topics of concern.

The fourth area of emphasis is geared more towards non-student volunteers, and duties vary greatly.  You may assist with Cheetah feeding, raising the cubs, presenting clinical workshops, collecting and dissecting Cheetah behavior, conducting fieldwork, and administering outreach and education programs.  Non Cheetah related duties may include administrative work, such as filing, database entry, organizing events, writing articles, food shopping, cooking dinner, and varied additional responsibilities.  For those volunteers yearning for a more hands-on experience, maintaining waterholes, patrolling fences, cutting fire breaks, tending to injured animals, and feeding the 30 or more Cheetah, are only a few of the many tasks that require many man hours each day. 

For all pursuits, the working conditions may be extremely hot or extremely cold.  You may work long hours, sometimes seven days a week.  You may work indoors or outdoors, and you will work with many people from different cultures and age groups.  You will be expected to multitask and work independently.  But most of all, you will have fun!

REQUIREMENTS

Volunteers and interns are expected to volunteer for longer periods.  We typically ask that you spend two to three months at the SCF.  Although some have stayed for shorter periods, the longer you stay, the more you and the SCF will benefit.

To qualify for a student internship, you must be a current full-time college or university student.  You must have completed a minimum of at least one year of study, but preferably more.  You must be at least 18 years of age.  Interns must inform us of any specific requirements for the internship established by your university or college.  We will attempt to accommodate your internship program requirements to the maximum extent possible.

DONATIONS

We are a non-profit organization which relies entirely on donations for its continued success.  All volunteers and interns are requested consider making a  donation to the SCF to cover the cost room and board, training, and supervision.  The donation also contributes to the day-to-day costs of running the SCF.  It is only because of generous donations that we are able to continue the operation of our education outreach and research programs. 

HOW TO APPLY AT THE SCF

The application process follows:

  1. You must be at least 18 years old
  2. For student internships, you must be a current full-time student, having completed at least one year of study.
  3. You must submit the application on or before the deadline.
  4. We will review your qualifications and notify you of your application outcome.

INTERNSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINES

Applications for internships will only be considered after the submission deadline has passed.  The SCF will inform you of your application outcome within one month of the application deadline.

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM HERE

DOWNLOAD OUR POLICIES AND STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES FORM HERE