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Wildlife Research Photographic Hyena

About Us

Read more about why we started Volunteer For Wild to support ethical wildlife and conservation volunteering projects in South Africa.

The sharp rise of social media has created a false and ugly perception of what we believe wildlife volunteering should look like. Just searching "wildlife volunteering" on the internet will reveal a host of unethical practises that we do not support.

 

The lengths to which people will go for likes and shares has the potential to shape the future of conservation efforts and that is where we see Volunteer For Wild coming into the picture. Our primary aim is to support ethical volunteering programmes that deal with wild and indigenous animals, followed by educating against the potential and likely pitfalls of programmes which encourage unethical captivity or handling of otherwise wild, indigenous and/or exotic animals.

Our team is made up of 4 qualified Field Guides and we pride ourselves on a strict set of Ethics Standards - only promoting volunteer programmes which meet these criteria.

Wildlife Research Cheetah Monitoring

Our Ethics Standards

We stand for:

  • Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release.

  • The minimal handling of wildlife and only when absolutely required.

  • Environmental consciousness.

  • Programmes that actively involve the participation of our volunteers.

 

We do not support:

  • Wildlife in captivity or captive breeding of any kind.

  • Exploitative animal activities such as elephant rides or lion cub petting.

  • The keeping of exotic wildlife.

  • Rehabilitation programmes that are not pro-release.

  • Any practises that put the well-being of an animal into question.

Wildlife Research Photographic Buffalo

Meet The Team

Volunteer For Wild Christine McWilliam
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Christine McWilliam

Founder

Advocate for a better world. Bush nut. 10+ years Corporate Marketing experience. Scuba Diver. Dog Mom

 

Qualifications:

Field Guide (NQF2/Level 1), Bachelor of Commerce, Post-Graduate Diplomas in Media Management, Marketing & Advertising Communications & Digital Marketing

+27 82 924 8205

📍 Johannesburg, South Africa

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Claudia Ullrich

Travel & Conservation Programmes Consultant

Wildlife & adventure lover, happiest in nature's wildest places. 4+ years experience in Event & Project Management

 

Qualifications:

Field Guide (NQF2/Level 1), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Travel & Mobility)

+41 78 631 04 94

📍 Zürich, Switzerland

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Volunteer For Wild Claudia Ullrich
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Joya Messmer

Conservation Programmes Consultant

Swiss girl addicted to Southern Africa. Happiest when surrounded by wildlife, especially elephants. Co-Founder of street dog project in Guatemala with 1 year experience as a Vet Assistant


Qualifications:

Field Guide (NQF2/Level 1), Apprentice Trails Field Guide, Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education

📍 Zürich, Switzerland

  • Instagram

Steff McWilliam

Rehabilitation & Conservation Programmes Consultant

Field Guide at Mala Mala Private Game Reserve with 8+ years guiding experience. Wildlife Rehabber. K9 Handler. Scuba Diver

 

Qualifications:

Lead Trails Field Guide (NQF6/Level 3), IWRC Advanced Qualifications in Pain Management, Wound Management & Fluid Therapy, ASI Advanced Venomous Snake Handling

📍 Mpumalanga, South Africa

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Volunteer For Wild Steff McWilliam

Want to Join our Collection of Volunteer Projects?

If you believe your wildlife and conservation volunteer project meets our Ethics Standards and are looking to be listed by Volunteer For Wild, please contact us using the below form and we will get back to you.

By submitting your enquiry you are agreeing to share your data with Volunteer for Wild.

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