The Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre

An introduction to

The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre

Volunteer programme

As your transport arrives at the Cheetah Lodge, your new home for the duration of your stay, any stress you might have will disappear as you walk through the beautiful garden to the comfortable, homely lodge.

Following some refreshments after your long trip, you are left to relax, get over jet lag and explore your surroundings. Your adventure starts the next day when you wake up to hear a great variety of bird calls.

Hereunder some insights into what to expect during your visit with us.

• Discussions explaining how, why and when the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre which began in 1971 when Ann van Dyk was approached by the National Zoo to attempt to breed the severely endangered cheetah in captivity, and all that followed, ending with the future goals and ambitions of the centre.

• Experiencing all that is needed to continue with the preservation, research and education of the different endangered species. (cheetah and African Wild dog as examples)

• Understanding why these magnificent creatures are not tamed in preparation for should they be released due to dwindling numbers in the wild caused by poaching, encroachment of their natural habitat, traps and other causes, thereby saving them from viewing all humans as a source of food and cuddles.

• Working next to cheetah (and the rare king cheetah!), African wild dogs, caracals, civets, servals, hyena, African wild cats, meerkats,

several species of vultures, honeybadger, blue crane, storks, Anatolian shepherd dog and any other species which may be at the centre at the time.

• Gaining rare knowledge on wild animals, birds, trees and insects while performing various tasks.

• Watch our amazing sunsets during “sundowners” on the mountain.

• Make a host of interesting new friends from all over the world.

• Explore the nearby towns and do a host of activities on your free day. Some examples, a trip up the cable way with the most tasty pizza and refreshments on top of Magaliesburg mountain, ziplining, many water sports, safaris, visiting ethnic craft markets to name a few from which to choose.

• Participating in our own “volunteer chef” competition and other fun activities “at home”.

• Developing new skills and finding more personal strengths.
• Leaving your mark in the history of saving endangered species.

• Passing your new knowledge on to friends and family to raise awareness of the plight of endangered species

• At the end of each day, going to bed happy that you have played a role in saving a part of our world for future generations.

ACCOMODATION

The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre boasts a comfortable “Home away from Home” lodge where volunteers are housed. Each room has a bathroom en suite and can be shared by up to six people when busy. A cosy dining room for chilly evening meals or a cool verandah for the more casual hotter evenings. A comfortable lounge. A garden any landscaper would be proud to tag his name on.

In the serene settings is a charming chapel for those who would like some quiet time.

With the groups that come for two weeks, they are responsible for keeping their rooms clean to afford them privacy and also safety for their personal items. Housekeeping will only be permitted into the rooms once a week to change linen, and then only with one of the volunteers present.

Internet

Wi-fi is available on a shared basis to give volunteers opportunities to contact those at home.

Laundry

Laundry is done for volunteers on Mondays and Fridays.

Meals

Attached is an example of the type of meals offered for the two week period.

Advance notice is required for the preparation of vegetarian, lactose and gluten intolerant and any other special dietary needs.

Programme. (Found to be effective to date)

Volunteers are left to settle in on the day of arrival. On the second day, they are taken on a two and a half hour feeding tour and introductions are done. In the second week they are taken to watch a cheetah run.

Work such as attending to maintenance needs (example: painting of fences for animal camps, thatching, road maintenance and marking) and animal care (example: feeding rounds and cleaning animal camps) starts on the third day.

Team Building Clearing animal camps &

enrichment

Friday normally ends with a bit of tom foolery. Every second Saturday volunteers are taken to enjoy a day of their choice. (example: zip lining, safaris, boat cruise, cable car, water sports, shopping). Sunday they relax around the farm.

This programme is flexible and can easily be altered as required.

The rate for accommodation, meals and farm transport per week is:

Transport to and from O.R.Tambo is provided. Collections and returns to the airport are done on Tuesdays.

Volunteers are required to obtain travel and medical insurance, copies of which must be forwarded to De Wildt prior to arrival.

Should you require any further information or have other requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.