Coastal Birds Encounter

Learn English in Cape Town and volunteer at a birdlife conservation project.

This conservation project was established in 1968. It is a non-profit organisation whose primary objective is to reverse the decline of seabird populations. This is done through the rescue, rehabilitation and release of ill, injured, abandoned and oiled seabirds – especially endangered seabirds, such as the African penguin. In the course of more than over 50 years, the project has treated more than 95 000 seabirds. Independent research confirms that their oil spill response actions alone have increased the African penguin population by 19%. In a non-spill year, up to 2 500 seabirds are treated, of which approximately 1 500 are African penguins.

The project is situated on the banks of a natural wetland reserve in a residential neighbourhood that is approximately 20km from Cape Town.

MINIMUM AGE: 18

MINIMUM ENGLISH LEVEL: Intermediate

ENGLISH COURSE: Minimum 2 weeks

COST: 6 weeks: €500.00 / extra week: €45.00 / €200 non-refundable deposit will be collected immediately upon booking

EC's standard terms and conditions apply

WHAT WILL YOU DO

Duties are divided amongst all volunteers and everybody assists in each different area during the week. Daily duties are assigned based on the volunteer’s experience and include the following:

• Maintaining a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness in the rehabilitation centre
• Scrubbing and cleaning of bird enclosures, mats, crates and swimming pools
• Cleaning of equipment used in food preparation and feeding
• Washing and drying of laundry
• Assisting in maintaining the permanent bird exhibit (scrubbing rocks, raking sand and food preparation)
• Defrosting and preparing fish for a variety of seabird species
• Catching and handling of different seabird species
• Feeding (force feeding and free feeding) of different seabird species
• Hydrating (tubing) different seabird species
• Administering medication to different seabird species
• Assisting with bird release preparation
• Centre maintenance duties

WHO YOU NEED TO BE

Be aware that this is not for the faint-hearted. The birds are wild and will bite at any opportunity.

Learning how to work with birds is a bit like riding a bike: the more you practice the better you become. Potential volunteers should, therefore, know that commitment is key to learning how to handle and feed birds.

Volunteers also need to be:

• Physically fit and able to stand for a full shift
• Comfortable with getting dirty
• Willing to work in all weather conditions, frequently outside
• Able to work in a team as well as independently
• Able to follow Standard Operating Procedures
• Reliable and accountable
• Compassionate and caring, with a love for seabirds

PROGRAMME INFORMATION

WHAT TO WEAR

• Walking shoes/boots or trainers for working outside

• Working clothes that will get dirty

• A free volunteer t-shirt is provided

• Personal protective gear depending on the task (provided at the project)
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

You can book accommodation with EC Cape Town or arrange your own accommodation close to the project.
WHAT TO BRING

• Comfortable clothes that can get can get dirty

• A sleeved shirt (like a t-shirt) is required while working

• We advise that you wear quick drying long trousers, ¾ trousers or leggings under your oilskins, especially if you are going to be here over the summer

• Protective clothing like oilskins, boots and gloves will be provided, unless you prefer to work with your own gear

• Some volunteers prefer to wear Crocs rather than boots while working in some areas around the centre. You are welcome tobring your own Crocs if you prefer, as long as they are a dark colour like black, navy or dark grey

• Pairs of socks (for when wearing boots)

• For the winter months, you are advised to bring some warm clothes as the early mornings and late evenings can be very cold

• Sunscreen is an absolute must at any time of the year, along with a hat when working outside

• Make sure to pack a long sleeve sweater/ fleece and waterproof jacket regardless of the season

• Bring a lunch box

• If you are bringing your mobile phone and would like to take advantage of cheaper local call rates in South Africa, you can purchase a South African SIM card and airtime vouchers here. Please remember to unlock your phone before your leave home and do not forget your SIM unblocking PIN code
VACCINATIONS

• Have an up to date tetanus vaccination.

• Consult your local doctor/travel clinic.
WORKING DAYS AND HOURS

• Minimum duration: 6 weeks

• Maximum duration: None

• A normal working day is from 08:00 to 17:30*

• This project is open all year round

* Some days may require volunteers to assist until 18:30 pm, so your willingness to go the extra mile during the busy times will be crucial.
WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Project placement and all correspondence with the project

• Arrival orientation

• Support services from both the project and EC Cape Town

• 24/7 assistance on EC Cape Town’s emergency phone for the duration of your stay
WHAT IS EXCLUDED

• Accommodation and meals

• Visa application fees

• Travel insurance (available at €15 per week if booked with EC)

• Flights

• Spending money

• Local transport

• Arrival and departure transfer

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

For more information on our volunteer Coastal Birds Encounter Programme in Cape Town or to book your place, please get in touch.