Subject: Unpaid Internship - Cheetah Conservation Centre
WILDLIFE INTERNSHIPS UPDATEWe now have openings for internships at the Hoedspruit Cheetah Conservation Center. You can check out their website at www.cheetahresearch.co.za The vet you would work with is Dr. Peter Rogers, formerly the vet of the Natal Parks Board, and Dr. Thys de Wet, previously a government employed Nature Conservationist. The center has nearly 70 cheetahs, two packs of wild dogs, and many other endangered species. INTERNSHIP DUTIES: The mornings usually start at 6:30am preparing food for the cheetahs and other Endangered captive animals. Most of the time, there are injured and or sick animals in the vet hospital and/or babies of some sort that need constant care and feeding around the clock. Interns might be divided into groups for logistical purposes. When the breeding center is quiet the groups will be helping with anti-poaching work, veld management, assisting in veterinary procedures, or even catching problem wild animals on nearby farms. The veterinary work is sporadic, so we cannot promise what immobilizations you will be doing, but the vets will keep you busy! The internship is $500 (US) per week. The booking for the internship is done through us (Parawild Safaris), and the cost covers your transportation to and from East gate airport, housing, one meal a day, plus access to a kitchen so you can cook your own meals. FOOD AND ACCOMODATION You will have to buy your own food (for the meals other than the one provided) and drinks. On your day of arrival, you will be taken grocery shopping. In addition, there will be a vehicle going to town once a week. Laundry facilities will be available, and you may be able to hire someone to do your washing, if needed. Students will stay in a dormitory setting. REGISTRATION: To reserve your place, we will need a 25% deposit ($125 per week you plan to be there), and the dates of your internship. See the registration form below. We are also offering a 9 day wildlife capture course (US $1500) and/or Aventure-, Cultural-, traditional sight seeing Safaris. Contact me if you are interested or have questions. Andre Pienaar GENERAL INTERNSHIP INFORMATION Thank you for your interest in Parawild Safaris Wildlife Internships. We specialize in Educational Wildlife Experiences, where people can learn about wildlife conservation through participation.
OUR PHILOSOPHY Our background is in wildlife capture, and we believe that people learn more about conservation when they become a part of it. INTERNSHIPS We place students with professional wildlife institutions and game capture companies where they work as a part of the wildlife team for an extended period of time (one week to one month). Students are expected to be full participants in all aspects of the wildlife work. The work can be physically VERY demanding, but is also very rewarding in terms of experiences. TYPES OF CAPTURES ( Capture course and Safaris only ) It is impossible to predict very far in advance what types of captures will be available for you, but they could range from a night-time lion capture to catching several hundred antelope in a day. GROUP SIZE AND PARTICIPATION We limit each internship to ten interns at a time. Participation is as extensive as possible, limited only by field conditions, the species being handled, and safety issues. AGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS All participants in the internship MUST be eighteen years of age or older. Students with animal and wildlife experience are preferred. If you are physically fit, and you like hard physical work, the outdoors, and a high level of adrenaline, this is the internship for you! SAFETY Wildlife work is inherently dangerous. We work with very dangerous wild animals in captive and free-ranging situations. We try our best to ensure your safety, however, you participate at your own risk and you must act responsibly. ROUGHING IT The may expose you to rough conditions. Be prepared to be up very early, working outside, in the sun, doing physical work for most of the day. During captures, the capture teams often do NOT have time for regular meals and students are expected to adjust accordingly. ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD Students and interns will stay in a dormitory style setting (usual) or will camp (occasionally). Camping equipment will be provided. Food will be very basic. CAPTURES The capture team leader has the final say: We often work under quite dangerous situations, dangerous for the animals and for the people. If the team leader tells you to get out, do it immediately without stopping to question. There is a good reason which you will understand later. Pay Attention: Captures tend to be fairly busy and sometimes chaotic. Situations change rapidly and we need to have everyone paying attention at all times to ensure the safety of the animals and the people. CROSS-CULTURAL ISSUES The South African culture is significantly different from the American culture. You are the guest and, therefore, you must be the one to accommodate the differences. LANGUAGE Many people we work with speak Afrikaans as a first language, and this is especially true on captures. You will find people speaking Afrikaans in front of you without translating. This is not considered rude in the South African culture. GENDER ROLES South African society has a very strong division between male and female roles. The attitudes and actions of South Africans can sometimes appear offensive to Americans. You are the guest. You must adapt. TIME OF YEAR Wildlife capture in South Africa is limited by weather conditions. Extremely hot weather precludes safe capture for the animals. Although our internships are offered all year round because the endangered breeding center is a static enviroment. COSTS The internship costs $500 per week, with a minimum of one week. This does not include airfare, but does include transportation from the local airport, accommodations, and most of your food costs during the internship period. TRAVEL Gracy-marrs Travel Agency apparently does more travel arrangements to Africa for South African Airways than anyone else. Their service is excellent and prices will normally be the absolute lowest. Call them for a price and compare with your regular travel agent. Talk to Debbie the owner or any of her staff at: 1 (800) 299-8558 Fax: (210) 698-2158 Make sure your travel agent gives you a package deal ( they book the inland flight As an add on to the international one ) it works out much cheaper. The only airline that flies Johannesburg to Hoedspruit is S.A Express. Make sure that your luggage weight does not exceed the maximum requirements of the airline. LOCATION We primarily operate in the Mpumalanga and Northern Provinces of South Africa. The most convenient airport is located near the city of Hoedspruit (pronounced hood-SPRAYT), which is about 500 kilometers north-east of Johannesburg (the capitol city of South Africa), and just west of the southern boarder of Kruger National Park. International flights to South Africa land in either Johanesburg or Cape Town. From there, South African Airlines has multiple daily flights to Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit. Students will be picked up at the Eastgate airport. DEPOSIT A twenty-five percent deposit will be required to secure your place for the internship. This is non-refundable should you decide to cancel your participation. The balance of the fee is due 30 days prior to the start of the internship. CANCELLATION POLICY The twenty-five percent deposit is non-refundable. Cancellations received after full payment but before the internship begins will be refunded all money except the deposit. REGISTRATION FORM FOR INTERNSHIP AT KAPAMA CHEETAH RESEARCH CENTRE
COST The internship costs $500 per week. This covers your transportation from Eastgate Airport, South Africa, to Kapama. It also covers your housing, and one meal a day. Facilities will be provided for cooking the other meals. DEPOSIT A $125 per week non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your place. Reservations will not be accepted without receipt of the deposit. Make checks payable to: "PARAWILD SAFARIS." The balance of the money will be due 30 days prior to the start of your internship. Places are reserved on a 'First-come, First served' basis. TO APPLY: Print out a hard-copy of the form below and mail completed form with the deposit check to: Parawild Safaris PO Box 4101 Nelspruit 1200 South Africa YOUR INFORMATION (Please print clearly):
NAME: MAILING ADDRESS: COUNTRY: TEL NO: FAX NO: E - MAIL: OCCUPATION OR FIELD OF STUDY: YEAR IN COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY: AGE: MALE OR FEMALE: PERSON TO CONTACT IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: ADDRESS: PHONE NUMBER:
FOOD OR MEDICATION ALLERGIES:
NOTE: Do not travel without an epinephrine pen/kit and other appropriate allergy medicines if you have known potentially anaphylactic type allergies such as insect stings.
ARE YOU VEGETARIAN? YES NO
DATES of Internship: NUMBER OF WEEKS: MEDICAL INSURANCE (full details): Please let me know if I can answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your interest, Andre Pienaar Parawild Safaris PO Box 4101 Nelspruit 1200 Mpumalanga South Africa Phone number from outside of South Africa: 27-82-468-7001 >From within South Africa: (082) 468-7001 Email: Safari@parawild.co.za URL: www.parawild.co.za Contact me if you have questions. Andre
PARAWILD SAFARIS CHEETAH CONSERVATION FACILITY INTERNSHIP
MORE INFORMATION During the internship, there will be people to provide assistance for any problems. This email is to prepare you as well as possible, but sometimes problems do arise during travel. Some of the information provided is for people who will be travelling through South Africa or other parts of the African continent before or after the internship. However, everyone should take the advice provided here quite seriously. WHAT TO EXPECT
BALANCE OF TUITION The balance of tuition will be due 30 days before the start of the internship.
TUITION COVERS: Collection and drop off at Eastgate Airport, Hoedspruit, Northern Province, South Africa (easiest means of arriving) Seven days (six nights) lodging at Kapama (one meal per day included) All equipment and drugs to be used Transportation to and from captures CANCELLATION POLICY The $125/week deposit is non-refundable.
WHAT TO BRING CLOTHING: Note - May through August is our WINTER (Southern Hemisphere). Even though it is Africa, it gets COLD here at night, meaning we even get frost some nights. 3 pairs of loose, long pants in 'safari' colors (olive, green, khaki, grey) 7 short or long-sleeve shirts in 'safari' colors T-shirts in safari colors for layering on cold days Lots of underwear and socks Thermal underwear or warm pajamas for night time For women: sports bra or equivalent....roads and terrain are very rough Sweatshirts - it gets quite chilly at night - sometimes we have frost Rain gear - just a poncho will do. Almost never rains, but just in case. Sweatpants Hat for the sun Sunglasses Warm jacket (nights can be cold, below 35 F or 2 C) Light winter gloves Light work gloves Fishing vest - the type with lots of pockets -- perfect for carrying drugs and syringes on captures FOOTWEAR: Hiking boots or work boots - be aware that your boots will need to be disinfected. Running shoes/Sneakers PERSONAL ITEMS: Soap/Shampoo/toothbrush/toothpaste/comb/razor/personal toiletries Alarm clock For women: tampons/sanitary products Anti-malarial drugs Earplugs (you may be sleeping right next to someone who snores!) Matches or lighter Bug repellent Sunscreen Locks on all baggage - for airports Money pouch - neck type and/or waist type Day-pack (for taking things to captures) Fanny pack/bum bag Copies of your passport and medical, insurance, and ticket info Travel guide of the country For contact wearers - several sets of extra contacts and glasses Camera with zoom lens Lots and lots of film Vicks VapoRub (to cover stinky smells if we do a necropsy) ACADEMIC ITEMS: Pens, pencils Paper/notebooks/journal Small notebook for field note taking Regular watch with second hand for monitoring breaths per minute Stop watch Three pairs of latex exam gloves (for necropsies/post-mortums and some captures) FIELD EQUIPMENT: Water bottle Flashlight/Torch/Petzel 'head-light' (great for camping) Binoculars Swiss army knife or 'Leatherman tool' - Leatherman are better because they have pliers - great for pulling out darts Fishing vest - the type with lots of pockets -- perfect for carrying drugs and syringes on captures FIRST AID KIT: Note - Unused medical supplies can be donated for veterinary use and/or health care of the local workers who have minimal access to health care. Bandages, Gauze and Tape, Triple antibiotic cream/ointment Anti-diarrhea medicine (Immodium A/D) Pepto Bismol (Bismuth salicylate) Aspirin/NSAID Cold medicine/decongestant Thermometer Anti-itch cream for bug bites Teguderm (non-stick artificial skin stuff) Mole-skin for blisters Broad spectrum antibiotic (for severe diarrhea) Yeast infection treatment - especially for women on daily anti-malarial drugs (doxycycline) OTHER: Carry contact info for the internship with you, as well as info on lost luggage (See Travel Section). Converter/transducer for electrical appliances (USA has 110 volts, South Africa has 220 volts) OPTIONAL ITEMS: Presents from home for new friends - school T-shirts and hats make great presents Music tapes for long rides or quiet nights Gum and candy Things for amusement sitting around the fire at night. (One student brought a guitar, which was fun!) WEATHER
May, June, July, and August are winter in South Africa (southern hemisphere). The temperature can range from quite chilly (28 F or -2 C) at night or during the early mornings, to quite warm during the day (75 F or 24 C). Plan on dressing in layers, particularly on captures. Meals are generally eaten outside so be sure to bring a warm jacket for nighttime. GENERAL WORKING CONDITIONS This is an experiential internship. You will be out in the field participating in animal care. This means you can expect to get dirty (sometimes very dirty), sweaty, hot, tired, and hungry. At times you may get exposed to ticks and other unpleasant things. We will be in semi-free ranging situations, which carry the dangers of wild animals, venomous snakes and spiders, running through uneven terrain, and working with heavy/dangerous vehicles/machinery. This is NOT an every-day drive through the zoo. You must be aware of this going in and take some responsibility for your own safety. Despite or because of all these rough conditions, YOU WILL HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!! There's nothing like Africa to get your adrenaline pumping and give you stories to take home. CULTURAL ISSUES
CHALLENGES: Please remember that you are the guest in a foreign country and YOU should be the one to adapt to the local customs. TIME MANAGEMENT: Americans and other Westerners are far more time conscious than people in South Africa. This can be a source of great frustration for visitors. Things are likely to go wrong, take more time than expected, and schedules are likely to change. But, beyond that, attitudes are simply very, very different. If something starts on time or not just does not receive the same priority as in the States. This is a MAJOR factor of doing work in an African country. Please read the section on flexibility. LANGUAGE:
In South Africa, English and Afrikaans are the two languages most educated people speak, but there are nine other official languages as well. If you are working with other people, the instructions may be given in Afrikaans. Try to be patient and wait for a translation. GENDER ROLES:
South Africans have a different view of gender roles from Americans and other Westerners. Be aware that you are in a different culture, and please try to be culturally sensitive and remember that you are the guest. DRESS:
In the field, loose, long pants and short or long-sleeve shirts in 'safari' colors are ideal. Loose pants (rather than tight jeans) are easier to maneuver in. Nights and early mornings (when most captures start) can be very cool to cold. Dress in layers. Some people insist on wearing shorts, which is fine, but be aware that you may get scratched up by thorn bushes and bitten by insects. Good hiking/working boots are a must. FLEXIBILITY:
Wildlife work is a test of flexibility and patience. This will be true on this internship as well. Despite all the effort, things will not go as planned. Things will change without notice and you will have to adjust. Please be aware of this ahead of time. Western perceptions of time management are not shared by much of the world. Relax (!) and learn from the cultural experience. Bring a book to read during down time. TRAVEL FLYING TO EASTGATE, SOUTH AFRICA: Kapama is located near the town of Hoedspruit (pronounced HOOD-SPRAYT) in the Northern Province, which is about 450 kilometers north-east of Johannesburg (the capitol city of South Africa), and is just west of the Kruger National Park. International flights to South Africa land in either Johanesburg or Cape Town. From there, South African Express has a daily flight to Eastgate Airport, Hoedspruit. Students will be picked up at the Eastgate airport. The airport is very, VERY small. Don't expect to be able to buy anything there or get money changed. If you have a long wait, bring food and drinks from your previous stop. And bring a book or something to amuse yourself in case your ride is delayed. In case of problems en route, the contact phone numbers are: Andre's cell phone: (082)468 - 7001 Marie's cell phone: (082) 549 - 9274 Willie's phone (Last resort): (013) 733-3516 If dialing from outside South Africa, the country code is '27', and do not dial the '0' in the area code. LOST LUGGAGE :
If your luggage is lost en route, ask them to hold the luggage at Eastgate airport and someone from the internship will pick it up from there. SOUTH AFRICAN LANDING CARDS/VISAS :
Upon arrival in South Africa, you will have to fill out a landing card. Select 'Holiday'... NOT 'Education'. It is much, much easier. They won't accept the education selection for this internship. (That is for people enrolled in full time education program at a university.) JOHANNESBURG: If you will be traveling through Johannesburg, please see the section on Johannesburg under Personal Safety. CITY TAXIS: Taxi means taxi in almost every language. But many drivers don't speak English, so make sure the driver is clear on the destination before (literally) zooming off. Also, agree on a price before taking off. In some cities (eg. Johannesburg), it is very unsafe to hail a taxi on the Street or from the airport. TRAINS: Trains are generally UNSAFE in South Africa, except for the very expensive 'Blue Train' from Johannesburg to Capetown. They are NOT recommended. BUSES: Buses are generally safe in South Africa, but you must make reservations ahead of time. You are still responsible for getting yourself to the airport by 5pm on Sunday. TRAVEL ADVISORY REPORTS USAID Travel advisories (202-647-5225) Country desk - State Department, DC (202-647-4000) WWW RESOURCES http://www.globaltraveler.com/home.htm - This commercial site links to the CDC (country-specific health and vaccination requirements), WHO, International Society of Travel Medicine, and many travel-related service organizations. http://travel.state.gov/index.html - Find out what the State Department and American Embassies should be able to do for you abroad, and what they can't do. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/travel.html - Travelers' tips, including what you can bring back to the U.S. without a permit. MONEY NOTE: Please change some money at the Johanesburg or Cape Town airport because we may not get the chance to go to a bank during the internship. ATM Cards: It is possible to draw money off of most ATM cards that are connected with international clearinghouse (Cirrus, etc.). They also take Visa and Master Cards. This is probably the easiest and safest way to get South African money. There is an ATM at the Johanesburg and Capetown airports and at many road-side convenience stores. Be sure to bring some cash in case your card does not work. CASH:
The internship is very safe in terms of security. However, traveling always has inherent risks. People should not bring more cash than they are willing to lose. American dollars are the most universal for exchanging money in other countries. Please be aware that once the internship starts there may not be the opportunity to get to a bank to change money. Be sure to change some ahead of time at the JOHANESBURG or CAPE TOWN AIRPORT. TRAVELER'S CHEQUES: Travelers cheques like American Express are accepted at money exchange places. They are a safe way to carry money. Keep the cheque receipts separate from the cheques. CREDIT CARDS:
Money can be drawn off of credit cards at many banks or ATM's in South Africa. But please be aware that we may not have a chance to visit a bank. COMMUNICATION General considerations: Phone and email communication is sometimes unreliable, particularly during thunderstorms. There will be a phone that can be used to make international calls using a calling card such as AT&T or MCI. Be sure to get the South African access number from your phone company before coming. Incoming calls will also work, but please advise your family and friends that it will be difficult to reach you and for you to reach them. WE MAY NOT CHECK EMAIL EVERYDAY!! Please be aware of that if you are trying to contact us or someone is trying to contact you. PERSONAL SAFETY
General: Students need to be aware that security and health conditions are very different in South Africa, and they need to act responsibly in providing for their own safety and security. The following topics should be seriously considered. JOHANNESBURG:
Be aware that Johannesburg has a very high rate of violent crime. Avoid the city if possible. If you must stay overnight because of your flight schedule, make a reservation at a hotel near the airport. Call the hotel to arrange a shuttle to pick you up or have them send a taxi to get you. Do not take general taxis from the airport as they are not necessarily safe. AUTO SECURITY:
Car jacking is common in South Africa. Avoid driving at night if possible, particularly if you are on your own. South Africans drive on the left side of the road. If you are used to the right-hand side of the road (American/Canadian system), think twice about driving in South Africa. It can be very tricky. PASSPORT:
Take along two photocopies of your passport, ticket, and vaccination card in case your passport is lost or stolen, and keep them in different pieces of luggage. Leave the same with someone at home in case your passport is lost or stolen. Do the same for airline tickets. SAFETY IN THE FIELD: You will be living and working in parks and areas with wild animals, including large carnivores such as lions and other highly dangerous animals. THIS IS NOT A ZOO!! Do not under-estimate these animals and how deadly they can be. Do not act foolishly, it could cost you your life. For example: Do not go looking for lions on foot! You are responsible for acting with common sense. Don't go walking at night away from the buildings. POLITICAL INSTABILITY:
Avoid known areas of unrest (many of the former townships). Do not discuss politics with people you do not know well, particularly touchy subjects like the former Apartheid government. If asked about controversial foreign policies, gloss over the issues so as to indicate your disinterest in getting into a political discussion. You can say something like, "that's an unfortunate situation," and give an empathetic look. Most people won't press you. If they do, listen in silence or excuse your self from the scene. INSURANCE INFORMATION
GENERAL: This internship requires two types of insurance, regular medical insurance, and evacuation insurance. EVACUATION INSURANCE: Evacuation insurance is designed for people traveling to other countries. It provides services to get people out of the country and to a place with adequate medical care in case of illness or injury. Some also provide services to get people out in instances of war or other political instability. Contact info on two American evacuation insurance companies can be found below. We are not endorsing either of these companies. This information is just provided for your consideration. Check with your school, as some schools will provide this coverage free of charge. Some medical insurance plans also provide this coverage, but take into consideration how effectively they will be able to actually help you if you need it. SOS Consumer Program : 1-800-523-8662 Assist America: 1- 630-778-1900 HEALTH The following information is provided to give you a general idea of the health issues to be addressed relative to your travel. However, be advised that you and your doctor should become familiar with the inherent risks in any of the immunizations, prophylaxes, and treatments mentioned here and base your decisions accordingly. All final decisions about your specific preventive medicine regime rest with you and your advising physician or travel clinic staff. VACCINATIONS: For vaccinations you have not had before, be sure to leave enough time to receive multiple initial injections to ensure protection. For example, the hepatitis vaccines require multiple initial doses. If you do not have enough time to get the necessary doses of hepatitis A vaccine, discuss with your physician the alternative of gamma globulin. ANTIBIOTICS: Antibiotics for bacterial enteritis including salmonella and shigella (usually ciprofloxacin), for respiratory infections, and for skin infections including staphylococcus should be taken with you. These may be available locally, but may be difficult to get if we are out in the field. DIARRHEA: Regardless of the cause of diarrhea, rehydration therapy is very important. Carry packets of oral rehydration salts (ORS). Mix with boiled water if you are at all unsure about the water supply. Bring tablet form of Pepto bismol to alleviate symptoms (a very useful and convenient drug). Be careful about using Imodium: guaranteed it will shut down your diarrhea, but if the diarrhea is due to a serious toxin producing organism, the effect of Imodium can be quite dangerous as toxins may be absorbed systemically rather than be expelled with the diarrhea. ANTIMALARIALS: Check with CDC (Center for Disease Control), your physician, or a travel clinic about the current status of malaria in South Africa or your other countries of destination and also specific areas in those countries. Be aware that chloroquine resistant falciparin malaria can be life threatening.
Some antimalarials have serious side effects. Discuss these with your physician. In the past, Mefloquin (brand name Lariam) was prescribed for most Americans as an anti-malarial. Because of the potential for severe side-effects such as paranoia, hallucinations and psychosis, some physicians are now prescribing Doxycycline (daily) instead. If your physician prescribes Mefloquine/Lariam, please ask for a prescription of Doxycycline (or another antimalarial drug) to use as backup in case you experience bad side effects. Women on doxycycline should bring yeast infection treatment also, as that is a common side effect of the drug. DRUG ALLERGIES:
Be sure to review any allergies with your physician. If you have any that may be severe, a bracelet or necklace indicating these allergies is strongly recommended. In addition, the information should be marked in large, clearly readable lettering on your International Health Certificate which should be carried (along with your Medical Evacuation Card) at all times. Do not travel without an epinephrine pen/kit and other appropriate allergy medicines if you have known potentially anaphylactic type allergies such as insect stings. SEND US INFORMATION ON ANY DRUG/FOOD/OTHER ALLERGIES YOU MAY HAVE. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES: Use precautions as you would in your own country. There is a VERY high incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (AIDs, hepatitis B, and others) in many African countries.
FOOD AND WATER: Food and water in South African is generally safe and are certainly safe at the internship. This is NOT true of most countries in Africa and strict precautions must be taken elsewhere.
MORE HEALTH INFO (Gathered from American contacts. If you have information from other countries, we would love to get it from you.)
US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) International Traveler's Hotline 404-639-2572 US State Department Overseas Citizens Emergency Center 2201 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20520 202-647-5225 International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) (a non-profit organization that provides travelers with health info for areas around the world) IAMAT 417 Center St. Lewiston, NY 14092 716-754-4883
Andre Pienaar
<safari@parawild.co.za>
Tuesday, May 8, 2001 at 10:54:00
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