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.
Our Ethics Standards
We stand for:
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Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release.
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The minimal handling of wildlife and only when absolutely required.
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Environmental consciousness.
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Programmes that actively involve the participation of our volunteers.
We do not support:
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Wildlife in captivity or captive breeding of any kind.
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Exploitative animal activities such as elephant rides or lion cub petting.
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The keeping of exotic wildlife.
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Rehabilitation programmes that are not pro-release.
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Any practises that put the well-being of an animal into question.
Meet The Team
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
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
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
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
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.