Student Program

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Since 1998 the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre (the ‘Rehab’) has been taking volunteer students on board. These volunteer students come from all over the world for a unique African experience. At the Rehab they are involved in day-to-day activities and become a pivotal part of the care and treatment of wild animals and raptors. At Moholoholo we are often faced with the difficult decision of what to do with an injured or poisoned animal that will not be able to be released back into the wild. As a result, we have a number of ‘permanent residents’ at the Rehab that become our ambassadors for their species. During daily visits to the Rehab members of the public get a ‘up close and personal’ experience of these incredible creatures. This provides us with the opportunity to demonstrate the problems facing wildlife as well as to provide information about each animal at the Rehab to the public.

A large part of the students’ duties consists of caring for these animals and involves everything from feeding and cleaning to providing stimulation for our more intelligent residents (such as the honey badgers). Whilst working here, a volunteer student could be involved in call-outs, drop-offs or even the hand-raising of baby animals brought to the Rehab.

We are also actively involved in research on the movements and behaviour of leopards. To date we have captured and collared a number of leopards and the results have been astounding. During your stay as a volunteer student at Moholoholo you may be lucky enough to be involved in the capture or release of a leopard.Our research also extends to a number of vulture species and we monitor those who visit our vulture restaurant on a daily basis.

There is no typical day at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre,anything can – and will – happen! Because we work with wild animals your daily routine at the Rehab can easily change. So be prepared for the unexpected. But all of this adds up to make your experience more memorable.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (the ‘Rehab’) was established in 1992 by Mr Johan Strijdom, owner and wildlife enthusiast, along with Mr Brian Jones, known as a pioneer in wildlife conservation throughout South Africa. Brian brought the first resident, a Crowned Eagle named Queen, to the Centre and from there the Centre evolved into the world-renowned Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre it has become today.

Soon after its establishment, animals that were either orphaned or injured and needed help were being brought to the Rehab. It soon became evident that the Rehab would not be sustainable over the long run and an entrance fee was introduced to help pay for the costs of feeding the animals, providing medical aid and building of cages. The educational tours at the Rehab have grown steadily over the years.

Awareness must be spread if we are to save our wildlife. We therefore have a team of qualified guides dedicated to enlighten members of the public who visit the Rehab. The plight of Africa’s animals and our ecosystem has always been at the centre of Moholoholo’s focus. The Rehab has developed with leaps and bounds over the years, and this has had the spin-off that we now give talks all over the country and in various states in the USA.

In keeping with our aim of creating awareness, we started a student programme after being approached by outside agents in this regard. The experience we could provide for both international and local people would hopefully create a passion and understanding of Africa that could help preserve this unique country and continent for future generations. However, this programme it is not for the faint hearted and we cannot guarantee what each day will hold or what animals we will have in the Rehab at the time of your visit. We trust that you will make the most of your time at the Rehab and become involved in all the activities at the Rehab. We believe that Moholoholo will leave you with memories which will last a lifetime!

OUR AIMS

To create homes for orphaned, poisoned or injured wildlife that will never be able to return to their natural environment as a result of their circumstances or injuries.
To reintroduce rehabilitated wildlife to their natural environment.
To establish breeding facilities for our wildlife and to reintroduce their offspring back into the wild.
To, by means of our educational programme, emphasise how sensitive and fragile our ecosystem is and how fast we are losing it.
To join hands with any other conservation group that shares our objective of conserving our natural heritage.

DAILY SCHEDULE FOR STUDENTS

NIGHT DRIVES, SLEEP OUTS AND BIG FIVE PICNICS

Our Student Coordinator will take you on night drives around the reserve as part of your ‘bush education’.
Should the conditions and time permit, we may sleep under the stars on a ‘Big Five’ Game Farm which is under the same ownership as Moholoholo.
Jan will be looking after you throughout your ‘bush education’ programme. He runs an active programme where students are taken on bush walks and game drives, attend conservation talks and undertake practical activities.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

There are additional activities in the area but participation depends on your work itinerary and you must keep in mind that your outing can change due to unforeseen circumstances such as call-outs etc.
Because of the unpredictability of the circumstances we cannot guarantee any such activities; they are a bonus during free time. Students are accompanied by a Moholoholo guide and vehicle and we charge R4.00 per km travelled.

The following activities do not form part of the Moholoholo Group’s programme and are presented by outside groups:

* Horse Riding (1 hour – R200.00; 2 hours – R300.00; 3 hours – R400.00)
* A visit to the Kruger National Park. Day excursion – R220.00 p.p. for entrance and petrol
* Blyde River Rafting – R165.00 (3 km), 2 cold drinks included; R230.00 (6 km), 2 cold drinks included; R830.00 (day excursion on the Upper Blyde River), lunch included
* Balloon Ride – R1 785.00 for an hour, breakfast included.
* Micro-light flying (R350 – 20 min; R500 – 30 min; R950 – 1 hour), plus extra for your transfer
* Blyde Boat Trip – R110.00 p.p. for entrance and petrol
* Khumai reptile part

Besides this the outing might be going out with the staff when we get calls to go get a problem animal in a nearby farm. 

Prices are subject to change and the current prices can be obtained from the office. Additional activities will be at your own cost and travelling expenses will be divided amongst the participants. Most excursions are done in groups.

ACCOMMODATION

* Students are accommodated in three separate buildings at the Rehabilitation Centre.
* Female and male accommodation is separate, but common areas are shared by both.
* All female rooms have en-suite bathrooms and males have a fully equipped ablution block adjacent to their rooms.
* Females are accommodated in two or four-bed bedrooms.
* Males are accommodated in a dormitory-style room which sleeps five persons.
* Each person has a cupboard, bed and bedside pedestal.
* Linen is provided, however, you will need to bring your own towels.
* You are responsible for keeping your cupboard, bedside and bed area tidy.
* Your rooms are normally cleaned on a Monday or Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
* The communal area is for games, coffee and tea or just relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. 

RULES APPLICABLE DURING YOUR STAY

DRESS CODE

Our dress code is company policy and must be adhered to for your own protection. At the cottages and at night you are welcome to wear your own clothing. On duty and on any excursions in a Moholoholo vehicle you are kindly requested to wear your Moholoholo T-shirt (which is provided by the Rehab for use during duty hours).
Note: No “strappy-type” tops and shorts are allowed in the work place. No bikini’s or swimsuits are allowed at the cottages (this is due to cultural differences and we would appreciate your respect for the local peoples’ culture during your stay).

SHOES AND TORCHES

A pair of good sturdy closed shoes is essential. Most duties are done outdoors and good shoes can protect you against obstacles and snake bites. Torches are also essential for walking at night as it allows you to spot any danger that might be caused by the wildlife.

ALCOHOL AND NARCOTICS

No alcohol or any narcotics (drugs) are allowed on the premises. Any student found disobeying this rule will be given 24 hours’ notice to leave the Rehab. This is for your own safety as you will be working with and around dangerous animals.
We also request that you remain sober on your nights out, as it can influence your judgement at the Rehab.
(As a matter of interest, pilots should not fly a plane for 24 hours after having consumed alcohol, as their sense of direction is impaired.)

SMOKING

No smoking is allowed in ANY of the rooms or at the Rehab Centre. Please use the veranda for this purpose and DO NOT throw any cigarette butts outside or even leave them lying around as it can kill wildlife!

WHAT YOU WILL NEED DURING YOUR STAY

* Two or three pairs of work trousers (these can be three-quarter length but must cover your knees).
* You will be provided with two work T-shirts for the duration of your stay.
* A couple of extra T-shirts could be useful if your work shirts are in the wash (these must cover your shoulders).
* Good walking shoes for bush walks and for work (during hot months you can work inside the Rehab in sturdy sandals but this is at your own risk).
* Two jumpers for the cooler months and one for the summer months to work in (not your best).
* In the evenings and at the cottages you can wear your own clothes so bring along casual clothes for your free time.
* Swimwear for possible weekend activities i.e. river rafting during the rainy summer months.
* A waterproof jacket.
 *During winter (June-September) the temperature drops in the evenings so bring jackets, scarves etc. for the open ride to dinner.
* Good torches and batteries.
* Sleeping bag and roll mat (there are a few of these items which can be hired while out here but we cannot guarantee there will be enough to go around).
* Mosquito repellent.
* Hat for walks and working in the bush.
* Sunscreen.
* Water bottle.
* Binoculars.
* Money for any food, shopping or additional activities which we offer (these are not guaranteed but often come as a bonus).
* Day pack for outings in the area.
* You will be provided with linen for your bed during your stay.

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