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A GUIDE TO
VOLUNTEERING
AT CROW Centre for Rehabilitation Of Wildlife
“I loved being able
to go on rescues,
the animals get the
best care & love!”
Kelly Dyamond, Clinic Volunteer
2015
“I would highly
recommend CROW,
it is all about
getting animals
back into the wild
and not about
making money!
Mareike Gatterdam, Clinic
Volunteer 2014
“I had the time of
my life and will
never forget my
experience!”
Brenna Castro, PR Intern 2014
15a Coedmore Avenue
Yellowwood Park
Durban
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
www.crowkzn.co.za
+27 (0)31 462 1127
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CROW’s VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
Thank You for your interest in volunteering at
CROW. Below is a description of who we are, what
we do and what you can expect as a CROW
volunteer. Volunteers are an integral part of our
organisation and we look forward to welcoming you
to the team!
If you are interested in volunteering with us,
please kindly complete and return the Volunteer Application Form. If you have any
additional queries or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
ABOUT CROW
Run by a small, yet highly dedicated and experienced
team of staff and local and international volunteers, CROW
assists over 3000 injured, orphaned and displaced animals
every year. From mongoose, genets and monkeys to raptors,
reptiles and antelope, CROW represents a second chance at a
free, safe and sustainable life for all wild animals in distress.
CROW is a registered non-profit organisation in South
Africa and relies solely on the support and goodwill of the
public both locally and internationally to ensure the doors to its centre remain open.
As a proud member of the IWRC (International Wildlife
Rehabilitation Council), CROW strives to raise awareness and
improve the quality of wildlife rehabilitation in South Africa and to
uphold the code of ethics adopted by fellow professional wildlife
rehabilitation practitioners around the world.
VISION
CROW’s vision is to be an independent, pioneering force in the rehabilitation
and conservation of orphaned and injured wildlife, while promoting the preservation
of their natural habitat.
“Volunteers are unpaid. Not because they are worthless, but because they are
priceless!”
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MISSION STATEMENT
CROW is committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured and
orphaned wildlife and believes in action and education with regards to the protection
of all natural resources.
VALUES
As a reputable and professional wildlife rehabilitation centre, CROW strives to
uphold the following values in all areas of the organisation’s work:
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Compassion
• Commitment
HISTORY
Founded in 1980 by a local
environmentalist and conservationist,
CROW was South Africa’s first wildlife
rehabilitation centre dedicated to
assisting orphaned, injured and
displaced wildlife. Originally run from
Isolde’s garage, the need for a bigger,
better equipped premises soon became
apparent as news of CROW and its
work quickly spread.
The organisation was thrown a
lifeline in 1980 by the Durban (now
Ethekwini) Municipality in the form of the city’s 3.7 ha abandoned waterworks plant
situated in Yellowwood Park. Thanks to the support of the greater Durban
community, the funds were raised to convert the old plant’s sterile pans into aviaries
and enclosures that could house injured and orphaned wildlife during the
rehabilitation process. In 1988, additional funding was raised and numerous
corporate sponsors pledged their support in order to build the main clinic and
administrative offices that are still in use by the organisation today.
Since its humble beginnings over 35 years ago, CROW has inevitably
undergone many changes and benefited from the passion and commitment of
numerous staff and volunteers who have selflessly served the animals in its care.
However, despite these changes, the organisation’s vision and mission still remains
true to its founder’s philosophy of care, compassion and conservation not only for
our wildlife, but for our natural environment too.
CROW's Founder, Isolde Mellet with one of the organisations first ever patients.
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SPECIES AT CROW
CROW is registered to work with ALL species of wildlife indigenous to
KwaZulu-Natal. We have a large selection of animals under our care, ranging from
primates and mammals to reptiles and antelope. With an average of over 300
admissions per month, CROW is one of the busiest centres of its kind in South Africa.
PLEASE NOTE:
As a wildlife rehabilitation centre, CROW strives to release all its animal
patients back into the wild as soon as they have made a full recovery. Therefore it is
imperative that the conditions at our centre mimic their natural environment as
closely as possible and contact with humans is kept to that which is strictly necessary
for medical treatment of that animal. This means staff and volunteers are not
permitted at any time to stroke, pet and/or “play” with the CROW’s wildlife patients.
This is not only important for your own safety, but to also ensure we give all wildlife
patients the best chance of a successful return to their natural habitat in the wild.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Depending on your origin you can fly direct to King Shaka International
Airport or catch a connecting flight via Johannesburg or Cape Town to Durban. NB:
Please try avoid booking a flight that lands in Durban later than 4pm if at all
possible.
VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT DURATION
The minimum length of stay on CROW’s volunteer programme is two weeks
(due to training requirements). There is no maximum time limit as long as there is
accommodation available in the volunteer house for your requested duration.
PEAK PERIOD
Volunteers are needed at CROW throughout the
year. Peak period for us is our Spring and Summer
months (September – March) when we are inundated
with babies and also undertake the majority of our
releases. However, please bear in mind that this is also
our hottest and most humid time of the year!
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”
“Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.”
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VOLUNTEER AGE RANGE
CROW’s Volunteer Programme has a minimum age limit of 18. While there is
no upper age limit, more mature volunteers must be fit and healthy and able to carry
out the physical tasks our volunteers assist us with on a daily basis.
QUALIFICATION AND SKILLS
No specific skills or previous experience are required for volunteers. However,
volunteers need to be dedicated and hard working. Caring for wild animals is a
physically demanding task.
LANGUAGE
The staff at CROW predominantly speak English.
CLINIC VOLUNTEER WORK
Clinic volunteers assist CROW staff with the day to day
running of the centre. Main activities include feeding and caring
for the animals, ensuring their enclosures are cleaned on a daily
basis and helping the team with general maintenance around the
grounds. Daily enrichment and stimulation programmes for the
animal patients is also a crucial activity volunteers assist us with.
Those volunteers that are willing and able are also given the
opportunity to assist staff on wildlife rescues and releases,
wherever possible.
DAILY SCHEDULE
Each day starts with a cup of coffee and a team meeting to lay out the plan for
the day ahead as well as individual task allocation.
A Typical Day in the Life of a CROW Volunteer
Please note that the below is just provided to give you a general idea. Every
day at CROW will be different!
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In terms of daily food preparation: The CROW centre
accommodates a wide range of animals including carnivores
which need to be fed protein/meat. Vegetarian volunteers need to
be aware that food preparation will include the cutting up of meat
and poultry for these animals.
CROW’s staff will ensure volunteers are prepped in safety
procedures if and when they assist with rescues and releases in
the field. For those volunteers who do not wish to participate in
rescues and releases, please note this is not mandatory and you can elect not to go.
•Volunteers report for duty07H00
•Morning meeting with staff and volunteers to plan the day ahead07H00 - 07H15
•Morning feeding & cleaning Session (Preparing food for all animals and assisting Clinic Nurses with feeding
the animals and cleaning out their enclosures) Assisting with rescues and releases as needed.07H15 - 09H00
•Volunteers' mid-morning Tea Break09H00 - 09H15
•Volunteers assist CROW Clinic Nurses with catching animals that are going to be released, prepping empty
enclosures for new arrivals, any ad hoc repair and maintenance tasks. Assisting with rescues and releases
as needed.
09H15 - 10H30
•Volunteers assist with daily animal enrichment activities such as gathering natural greens, berries and bugs
to supplement animals' diets & making a variety of natural treats and stimulating "toys" for the animals
from natural materials. Assisting with rescues and releases as needed.
10H30-12H00
•Volunteer Lunch Hour12H00 - 13H00
•Afternoon feeding & cleaning session (Preparing food for all animals and assisting Clinic Nurses with
feeding the animals and cleaning out enclosures) Assisting with rescues and releases as needed.13H00 - 15H00
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PR AND MARKETING VOLUNTEER WORK
In addition to clinic volunteer
placements, CROW also welcomes
volunteers who wish to assist the
organisation with public relations,
marketing and fundraising. These
volunteers will work closely with
CROW’s Director and Marketing and
Communications Officer. We also accept
students who are looking to do an
internship in the above mentioned
fields.
Some of the duties you would perform are:
• Assisting with daily updates on CROW’s social media platforms
• Updating and maintaining CROW’s website
• Researching and writing press releases for local online and print media houses
• Assist with the planning and delivery of PR fundraising events
• Assist with database management and newsletters
• Taking photos of CROW patients upon admission, during rehabilitation and
on releases
• Taking videos of CROW patients upon admission, during rehabilitation and
on releases
• Storyboard and design marketing and awareness campaigns
PR and marketing volunteers will be required to work as a clinic volunteer for at least
their first 4 days upon arrival. This helps to give volunteers a better understanding of
the organisation. You will therefore be required to bring with you everything that a
clinic volunteers needs to bring. It is also advisable that you bring along a laptop so
that you will be able to perform the tasks that will be required of you. If you do not
have a laptop, please advise us before your arrival so that we can make the necessary
arrangements to have a pc available you. Please also be sure to bring clothes that are
appropriate to wear for PR events.
ACCOMMODATION
CROW has a large volunteer house situated on the grounds of the centre.
There are separate male and female bedrooms and bathrooms in the house with
communal living areas. The volunteer house comfortably sleeps up to 10 people and
is furnished with basic equipment and cleaned once a week. Volunteers are
responsible for doing their own laundry (facilities are provided) and keeping the
house clean and tidy.
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All volunteers are expected to cook and eat together in the volunteer house. A
weekly roster is drawn up and easy to follow recipes are provided to help those who
need them. A weekly shopping list is compiled according to the planned menus.
Please note that our volunteer fees covers 3 basic meals a day. You will be expected to
purchase any luxury food items yourself.
The centre has internet which is available for the volunteers to use, however,
the wireless booster does not reach the volunteer house. There is a seated area at
CROW’s office where volunteers can access the internet.
CLOTHING
We strongly recommend that you bring old, light and comfortable clothes to
wear during your stay. Bear in mind that the volunteer activities are quite physical
and will be done outdoors so be sure to bring a lightweight raincoat and sunblock
with you just in case. Closed, comfortable shoes are a must!
Please note that volunteers are required to look neat and presentable during
their stay. No inappropriate or revealing clothing will be accepted.
COST AND IMPORTANT INFO
The cost of participating in our volunteer programme is R400 per person, per
day. This covers your 3 basic meals per day as well as all accommodation costs and
volunteering training and supervision.
WHAT TO PACK:
Please remember that you will be
spending the majority of your time
outdoors and Durban has a hot and
humid climate. It does get cooler during
the winter months so a fleece or a warm
jacket for your outdoor work will be
needed.
We recommend that in addition to your normal clothing, you bring the
following with you:
• Walking shoes (trainers will be fine!)
• Warm Jacket/Raincoat
• Day Bag - small rucksack
• Sunhat/Sun cream (at least factor 30 in the summer months)
• Alarm Clock (especially if you’re not an early riser)
• Towels (bath/beach)
• Adapter plugs (3 round pin)
• Toiletries/shower shoes
Average
Temp
30°C/86°F
Average
Humidity
83%
SummerAverage
Temp
20°C/68°F
Average
Humidity
73%
Winter
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• Padlock (lockers are provided in the volunteer house for valuables)
• You do not need bedding, it is provided for you. A sleeping bag is optional. If
bringing your own bedding, the volunteer house has single size beds only.
• A smart/casual outfit and shoes for any special occasions or event
• A pair of gardening gloves
• Camera, binoculars (optional)
• Books, games, cards (optional)
• Personal Discmans, iPods, laptop etc
PLEASE DON’T FORGET:
• Passport & visas where applicable
• Air tickets
• Travel insurance
• Cash & credit cards
• International driver’s license (if you will be renting a car during your stay) –
please note that the old pink British license is not valid in South Africa
• Baggage – advisable to use a rucksack;
• Pocket money
ITEMS YOU CAN BRING TO HELP:
If you have any spare space in your luggage, here are a few items you can bring
with to donate to the centre: Small feeding bottles (available from your local vet or
pet shop and are usually used for domestic kittens and puppies), lambing teats,
heating pads and hot water bottles to use for baby animals.
INOCULATIONS AND MEDICATION:
Rabies and tetanus inoculations may be required, but please check this with
your local doctor and take his/her advice. Speak to your travel clinic with regards to
malaria prophylaxis – Durban is not in a malaria area but you might like to travel to
other areas in the province that are. It is also recommended that your bring a small
first aid kit with your regular medication and general items you might require while
away from home – speak to your pharmacist about suggestions.
PLEASE NOTE:
Mobile phones do operate with full reception and it is recommended that you
bring one with you. SIM cards are cheap and readily available. You will need to
ensure your phone is unlocked to be able to use this. Please speak to your mobile
service provider about their policies and charges for setting up international phone
services during your stay at CROW.
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UPON ARRIVAL
Please book your flights so that you arrive in Durban on a Sunday between
07h00 and 16h00. Please note it is your responsibility to arrange your transfer from
the airport to CROW. We strongly recommend that you use Strelitzia Tours to get to
our centre as they are safe, reliable and offer all CROW volunteers a discounted fee of
R450.00. (Most taxis charge R600.00 plus)
U
Upon arrival at the CROW centre, our team will greet you and help you get
settled in the volunteer house. Thereafter, once you’ve had a chance to unpack /
freshen-up you will receive an induction session which will include a tour of the
centre and an introduction to the CROW team. Please note that if you arrive late in
the day, this will take place the following morning. Similarly, if there is an emergency
case on the day of your arrival we will ask you to bare with us until the situation is
attended too, thereafter you will be given your induction session as soon as possible.
Should you have any questions or queries regarding our volunteer
programme, please do not hesitate to contact CROW’s Marketing & Communications
Officer, Paul Hoyte on [email protected] or +27 (0)31 462 1127.
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
CROW is situated on the east coast of South Africa, in the province of
KwaZulu-Natal. Located just outside of Durban city in the residential suburb of
Yellowwood Park, CROW is about a 40 minute drive from Durban’s King Shaka
International Airport.
The centre lies close to the Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, a small
protected reserve of 253 hectares. The reserve offers fine examples of coastal forest
and grassland habitats and includes many species of wildlife and over 200 bird
species. There are 13 km of nature walks and a pleasant picnic site is available with a
stunning castle as a backdrop.
You can take a taxi to town. CROW will provide you with the numbers for safe
taxi services that give discounts to volunteers. There is a small shopping complex
within walking distance from the CROW centre which includes a supermarket, post
Contact details for Strelitzia Tours: Tel: +27 (0)31 579 5681 or via
email [email protected]
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office, and an internet cafe. A safe is available at the main office should you wish to
lock away any valuables.
ABOUT DURBAN
Durban Metro is Africa's ultimate coastal playground in the sun! The
enchanting, vibrant, historic city and townships of Durban are very cosmopolitan
and offers an idyllic outdoor lifestyle in a subtropical climate. Durban is Africa's
largest and busiest port and the economic powerhouse of the province. Durban is
also ideally situated as a departure point to many of the Province’s fine tourist
attractions, among which the majestic Drakensberg mountains; the world-famous
Big 5 Game Reserves of Zululand, history-drenched Battlefields where the Zulu’s
fought both the British and the Afrikaners; the Midlands Meander route and a resort-
dotted coastline that stretches seemingly forever in both directions.
The Durban seafront is known as The Golden Mile, offering golden beaches
and the warm Indian Ocean current. Beaches are protected year round by shark nets
and expert lifeguards. It is a location for excellent surfing and at the end of the mile is
the uShaka Marine World, spanning over 15
hectares of prime beach front, is Africa’s
largest Marine Theme Park. uShaka Sea
World incorporates a unique shipwreck-
themed aquarium (one of the five largest in
the world), a 1,200-seater dolphin stadium, a
seal pool and penguin rockery- and interactive
activities in the dive tank, snorkel reef, and
touch pool.
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Thank you for offering your help in the
rehabilitation of injured, orphaned and
displaced wildlife. We look forward to
welcoming you to the CROW family!
the Best cage is an Empty cage!