International Primate Rescue Gap Year Adventures

International Primate Rescue, founded in 1996 is an exotic (non native) primate sanctuary based in Pretoria, South Africa. The sanctuary cares around 60 primates including Marmosets, Tamarins, Owl Monkey, Capuchin and Rhesus Macaque, none of which can be released into the wild and are considered permanent. The sanctuary also cares for primates who have been confiscated by the legal authorities. These primates are placed in our custody until a court decision is made regarding their future. Many of our primates are hand reared ex-pets who have been surrendered buy their owners and most will arrive with behavioral problems. The nature of our work is to socialize incoming primates with their own species and provide an opportunity for natural behaviors. The focus of our attention is on quality of life. Enclosures are outdoor, large and natural with living trees and additional wire tunnels which give them the choice to move to other areas. The sanctuary also accepts ex-zoo primates. International Primate Rescue is not open to the public except for volunteers, our male primates are sterilized to prevent breeding, and we do not engage in any kind of animal trading. Volunteers play a major role in supporting the work of our sanctuary and make a difference to the quality life for our primates. Whether you are preparing food in the primate kitchen, topping up food bowls at the primate enclosures, entertaining our monkeys with enrichment or cleaning we maintain a friendly, family like environment. You will work alongside our trained staff with plenty of time to interact with our mischievous monkeys as you go about your duties. Our program is a monkey lovers paradise and suits any animal lover. For the more serious students pursuing a career in veterinary science, primatology, phycology or primate behavior our sanctuary provides an excellent opportunity for work experience, career boosters, studies and dissertations Volunteers do not work over the weekends. Day trips out such as safaris, skydiving or visiting cultural centers are easily booked from our sanctuary. We are very flexible about time off. If you need extra time off to spend a few nights the Kruger Park, this can be organized, we are happy to let you take extra time out to explore during your stay with us

Why are International Primate Rescue so good to travel with?

Our sanctuary provides an excellent, hands-on opportunity for animal lovers, wildlife work experience, primate behavior, phycology, veterinary or students needing to complete dissertations or studies. Our internship provides detailed training from basic care and handling to in depth training on behavioral issues International Primate Rescue is a primate lovers paradise for those who just want to hang out with, and interact with a bunch of monkeys

Gap Year Benefits include

Accommodation at the sanctuary, food is not included. An equipped kitchen is provided for volunteers to prepare meals, and a small shopping center is within walking distance An opportunity for work experience, studies or dissertations in the field of veterinary science, psychology, primatology or primate behavior and care giving. For primate lovers, the opportunity for a hands-on experience with plenty of interaction with our mischievous monkeys Day trips out including safaris, sight-seeing, skydiving or a 3-day trip to the Kruger Park for an additional cost. A taxi service is available if you chose to visit shopping malls We are flexible about time off from your volunteering duties