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| TRAVELLERS' TALES: FEEDBACK FROM VOLUNTEERS |
ZIMBABWE |
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Lisa Deathe / Lion Breeding - Zimbabwe / British |
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 Apologies
for not being able to reply to your email whilst I was on my placement but I
had an amazing time and it is truly a wonderful experience! I would
recommend it to everyone and everyone at home is very jealous! The whole
time I was there is was well organised and all the staff were so friendly
and brilliant, especially when I unfortunately became ill.From beginning to end, it has been a worthwhile and fulfilling adventure that I will never forget so thank you to Travellers and to the guys in Victoria Falls!  |
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Neil Munro / Lion Breeding - Zimbabwe / British |
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My flight to Jo'burg and
Bulawayo were interesting as we flew lower than usual so could see the
ground the whole way. There was a 'to do'
at Jo'burg when my pliers/Swiss army knife
showed up on the x-ray of my hand baggage! I
spent a night in Bulawayo so arrived here last Wednesday after an 8-10am
bus ride to Gweru where I was picked up. After lunch I spoke to the
elephants then watched them swimming with guests and finally chasing a
crocodile from the lake. Amazing stuff! I have done a boundary fence check on horse back and
the next day had a riding lesson.
Now my nights are set on the Grand National in April! Had a day trip to Great Zimbabwe Ruins with 3 girls and a guide driving. They are fascinating structures - a fortress on huge rocks reminiscent of Edinburgh Castle and massive stone structures. One of the girls, Suzanne, is from Edinburgh so we are becoming good friends ... I am by far the oldest volunteer, the next one, A.P (for Accident Prone) is 35. They are all good fun and we get along well. The guides, administrators and staff are all super and easy to get on with. Bobbie (male) the head guide is amazing with the lions and was teaching me today to bond with 4 lions about 1 year old - 2M, 2F & about the height of big Alsatian dogs, but with much bigger heads, legs and paws. I am losing my apprehension as I am working with them and indeed have some confidence now. It is amazing to cuff a
lion across the nose or paw and have it lower and back off.
Our hands equate to their teeth and claws.
I hope always to follow the rules and avoid damage.
I spend most time with 6 week old quads who don't see properly yet nor
co-ordinate too well. They
are very sweet. Also Casper and Cleo,
who are 3 months & also still bottle fed.
These two are devoted to each other,
having lost 3 siblings. This devotion is
touching but is making it difficult to bond with them.
I hope I am making progress,
though. |
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Di Hanson / Lion Breeding - Zimbabwe / British |
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I gained a greater confidence when working with animals and
also a greater respect for them. The best thing was meeting new people,
comparing and sharing experiences and being able to work so closely with
the lion cubs. I would definitely recommend this placement. The staff here
are very supportive and helpful. Volunteers worked well as a team and made
new volunteers feel very welcome. Facilities are excellent
and extra spending money is very minimal Can you describe a typical day? ►6.30 feeding bottles to cubs.
Although we were busy all the time the work was relaxed and fun. Mostly there was someone else to work with rather than alone. It was not a problem taking time off if wanted but most people joined in every day! |
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Katie Fletcher / Lion Breeding - Zimbabwe / British |
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I
thought my project was brilliant and the project co-ordinators went out of
their way to ensure we had a brilliant time. It was an absolutely amazing
experience and I would love to return in the future! All the staff involved
were brilliant at organising activities and had a wealth of knowledge which
they were all happy to share. I would truly recommend this experience to
anyone thinking about it and just wish I had stretched my budget to stay for
3 weeks! Thank you for all your assistance with the planning of the trip and for answering my numerous questions! |
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Colleen Chisholm / Lion Breeding - Zimbabwe / Canadian |
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I
am very happy with my dealings with Travellers. The programme exceeded my
thoughts and expectations. I left the project with focus, hope and a happier
spirit. Keep up the good work! |
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Madeleine Roberts / Lion Breeding - Zimbabwe / British |
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Just a quick note to say that I am
having a wonderful time here. The volunteer programme
here is just what I was after – plenty of hands-on activities, working
closely with animals and helping in the conservation of a species. There are 5 volunteers here at present (there were 7 until this morning)
but there is plenty of work for everyone. The work is varied and
enjoyable, and the staff here are very friendly. The owner of the
park makes an
effort to speak to the volunteers and to thank them for the work they are
doing, which is really nice to hear. He also listens to volunteers’ views
and suggestions and encourages feedback on every aspect, from the work to
the food to our accommodation. I have only taken half a day off, to do
some shopping, in the 3 weeks I have been here because I enjoy the work so
much and want to make the most of my time here |
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Suite 2A, Caravelle House, 17/19 Goring Road,
Worthing, |
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