Volunteer at Inverdoorn

The Western Cape Cheetah Volunteer Program

Since 2001 Inverdoorn and the Cape Cheetah has been focusing on caring specifically for the endangered cheetah. Not only are these animals endangered but they are very susceptible to genetic diseases, often related to the skin and bones. These genetic dispositions generate a great challenge as far as providing optimal care for the animals and their nurturing.

The WCCC (Western Cape Cheetah Conservation) project, an organization conceived at Inverdoorn, and one through which the Reserve specializes in cheetah conservation, is at the forefront of the practice of predator conservation worldwide. The organization aims to educate, conserve and promote cheetah awareness. With leading names in conservation dynamics such as veterinary science and predator behaviour, Cape Cheetah Conservation has become a haven for cheetahs, where the undivided attention of 8 knowledgeable caretakers ensures their constant well-being.
Through passion, dedication and commitment to cheetah conservation, Inverdoorn has become a port-of-call for those who need help and advice with cheetahs worldwide. Today there are sixteen cheetahs at Inverdoorn making it the biggest cheetah stronghold in the Western Cape.

Our unique wildlife management system and caring for the well being of our cheetahs is open to the collaboration of volunteers and wildlife students.
Everyday, our tamed and wild cheetahs have programs designed especially for their physical and psychological well being with healthy stimulation which includes nursing, feeding, long walks, running exercises and interaction with visitors.

How to become volunteer?

To participate in our cheetah conservation and special care programs, you will need to book with us at least 6 months in advance.
A minimal period of 3 to 6 months stay is a requirement.

After a period of 2 weeks, you will be evaluated by management and you would be introduced to the cheetahs.  You would assist a handler in taking guests together with the cheetahs for long walks as well as setup and use equipment to stimulate cheetah for speed run.

Gaining the trust of a predator will vary from person to person, but the usual time required and the procedure to follow is 2 weeks.

Volunteers must always be with a handler when in contact with the cheetah.

Working hours are 6 days a week from 8am to 5pm with 1hour for lunch and 3 days off the fifth week.
These times are flexible, depending on weather, cheetah moods and whether there are interactions or running stimulation with the cheetahs. Management will organize the days off and it may not be possible to accommodate specific requests for time off.
Lunch breaks are not at any regular time and depend on work priority or guest requests.

Accommodation is provided for the volunteer.
Uniform and equipment is provided.

Only meals are catered for and the volunteer would buy any luxuries
A R3 000 deposit is required by all volunteers staying at the house or studio

R6000 / month with 50% deposit at reservation and not refundable

(Please understand that if you have been selected to join the WCCC team, it means that other profiles have been declined - Once you have agreed to join our team, our cheetahs and handlers are relying on your total cooperation)

Free internet access provided
Phone calls will be invoiced and is to be paid 24h before departure

Photographs :
Please note that photographs taken during a volunteer’s stay at Inverdoorn/Cape Cheetah may only be used for personal use. No photographs may be sold or published or used for any commercial purpose, or social network (such as Facebook) without the permission of the director, Damien Vergnaud.