South Africa
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Our Farm Animal Sanctuary is based on a private farm seven kms outside the village of Greyton. It offers a permanent home for rescued, orphaned, sick, abused or retired farm animals where their every need is met for the rest of their natural lives. Vets attend the farm regularly and every individual is named, known and given all that they need for a full and happy life, including lots of cuddles and love.
The animals, currently numbering 210, comprise pigs, sheep, goats, cows, geese, chickens and a duck. We also have 6 dogs and 6 cats. The sanctuary gives our farm animals a chance to communicate to visitors how special they are, how they want to live and to enjoy their natural behaviours for their normal lifespan.
We live off the grid in our self-built, straw bale homes. Volunteers become part of our family with full access to the founder's house where you can relax, cook meals, chat or just enjoy the spectacular views.
We are particularly keen to welcome volunteers who are headed for, or already in, a career working with animals but we welcome anybody with a passion for animals. We do ask for a commitment to following a vegan lifestyle whilst at the Sanctuary as we do not bring any animal products on to the farm out of respect for our residents! Because of the huge risks we are unable to accept smokers. Volunteers should allow for an expense of up to US$5 to purchase their own food
Charity Work
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
All aspects of caring for animals, meeting fellow compassionate volunteers from around the world, farm living, working alongside South African people from all sectors of the community.
Animal feeding and caring, gardening, general help and cleaning of paddocks and shelters.
We also look for: Ability to work in all weather conditions (it can get very hot in South Africa in the summer months - November to March), ability to perform strenuous physical labour and heavy lifting, willingness to follow detailed Animal Sanctuary’s work protocols, commitment to our goals and programmes. It is essential that volunteers are very tidy and well organised as our animals' health depends on strict hygiene, regular cleaning and prompt clearing up of feed bowls etc. Previous animal care experience preferred but not required. Familiarity with farm and/or country life is also an asset - city dwellers need to be flexible! Volunteers need to be fairly fluent in the English language as we rely on accurate understanding of instructions so that the animals' safety is not compromised.
English: Fluent
Double bed in caravan. Double bed in old English style Shepherd's Hut. Two single beds in spare room in cottage. Three beds in large converted barn. Shared hot water showers and composting loos (flush loo available to volunteers in owner's house and the cottage. We currently can accommodate 6 single volunteers or up to four couples
Greyton is currently the South African Town of the Year. It sits in the foothills of the spectacular Riviersonderend Mountain range and has two rivers running through it.
Greyton owes much of its charm to the fact that its Cape Vernacular architectural heritage has remained largely intact. It is an extremely popular weekend and holiday destination for visitors who enjoy its combination of old-world charm and modern conveniences. Many of town’s original buildings and features have survived, including the original leiwater(irrigation) system of street furrows, the town kraal and dipping tank, a blacksmith's house and forge, the school's boarding house and the extensive public commonage crisscrossed by walking, hiking and cycling paths that surround the town. There are also two old churches, some of the earliest cottages built between 1854 and 1860 in Vigne Lane and at the end of Vlei Street, as well as an old shepherd's cottage built prior to 1840, which is now incorporated into "The Old Potter's Inn" building on Greyton’s Main Road.
There is the historic town of Genadendal (Valley of Grace) that is approximately 15 minute drive from the farm. Genadendal has a rich spiritual history and was the first mission station in southern Africa. It was founded by Georg Schmidt, a German missionary of the Moravian Church, who settled on 23 April 1738 in Baviaans Kloof (Ravine of the Baboons) in the Riviersonderend Valley and began to evangelise among the Khoi people. The Moravian Church (originated in 1457 in Moravia, today part of the Czech Republic) had a particular zeal for mission.
In 2011 the Founder of the Animal Sanctuary, Nicola, established South Africa's first ever Transition Town, part of a worldwide movement of over 3000 cities, villages and towns committed to bringing their communities together to find local solutions to the global challenges of peak oil and climate change. From time to time there may be opportunities to spend some days working on Transition Town projects for those volunteers who are interested. The Sanctuary also has a vegan restaurant situated in the village.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
We can, providing they can work around feed times and also be mindful of other volunteers, especially at night when we prefer to have peace and quiet after 10 pm.
We have plenty of space for campervans but we can't guarantee hooking up to power or to sewage.
More than two
5 hours a day
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