Posted by Patricia Gleason on October 23, 1998 at 12:39:26:
Pandrillus, a non-governmental organisation, has volunteer positions at the Drill
Rehab & Breeding Center in S.E. Nigeria, and also at the Limbe Wildlife
Center in S.W. Cameroon.
The project in Nigeria was established in 1991. The project has 70 drills and 16
chimps, over half the animals are in a permanent site in the rainforest of
northern Cross River State. Emphasis is on conservation and captive
breeding; the long term goal is the release of large social groups back to
the wild and the sustainable protection of wild drill and other species. The
project is also working to establish a wildlife sanctuary adjacent to this
forest site. This is a mountain area of about 150 sq. kilometers which is
home to Africa's western-most populations of both drill and gorilla, as well
as chimpanzees and other threatened species.
The original project site is in Calabar, the state capital. This is
where orphan animals come into the project and remain until they have gone
through quarantine, during which they are screened for all testable primate
diseases. Both sites serve as centers for public education, are open seven
days a week, and receive thousands of visitors a year.
The project in Limbe is at the site of what was a derelict government zoo.
Pandrillus became involved there in 1994, to help revamp the site as a rescue
center for all animals: there are gorillas, chimps,
drills, 8 other primate species and other animals too. The focus is on
education and establishing long term sanctuaries. LWC currently receives
12,000+ visitors a year
There is currently little to no protection in the protected areas of this
region. The large conservation organisations have had little impact on the general
population. The projects in both Nigeria and Cameroon are making an impact
on the local population and the government by giving them an
opportunity to see and appreciate their wildlife. Opportunities for
employment training and education are also having an impact on the local
population.
Volunteers are accepted for a minimum of 1 year. They are responsible for their own
airfare, insurance, and miscellaneous expenses. In Nigeria, all food and housing
expenses are covered but in Cameroon this is
notalways possible, though housing is always provided. It should, of course,
be noted, that the cost of living in this area is minimal.
The work at both projects consists of some or all of the following depending
on staffing at the time.
general supervision of local staff
training of staff
veterinary
lab testing,fecal and blood
general animal husbandry
construction of enclosures and other structures
keeping accurate accounts
quarterly project reports
timely correspondence to donors
education developement
maitanence of project equipment
liaise with government officers
fundraising
research and planning
This is a difficult part of the world in which to work and live, and from
the list above you can see it's a difficult job at it's best. The experience
of the Pandrillus directors and former volunteers over the last ten years has
shown the biggest problem voluteers will face is
working with the local people, both staff and government. This is not a
position for dreamers or the faint of heart as the resposibilities are many.
If you are interested in a position at either of the projects, please forward
a complete c.v./resume to:
Patricia Gleason
p_gleason@hotmail.com