Volunteer Wildlife and Internships in Ghana

OGVO is asking for volunteers to assist with a unique opportunity to work in animal care and wildlife and environmental conservation projects. Conservation Project volunteers will have the option to work on a wide range of initiatives including  zoo work in Kumasi, monkey sanctuary work at Boabeng Fiema, and other options. This is a great volunteer option for all people who are interested in animals and want to make a difference in environmental conservation.

Volunteer Duties in Kumasi Zoo

The Kumasi Zoo is home to a variety of birds and other endangered species of animals that are indigenous to Africa. Accra Zoo shifted to Kumasi in September 2006 because of the presidential palace construction. Volunteer daily duties include:

• Cleaning areas
  • Feeding the animals
  • Moving the animals from one area to another
  • Taking care of sick animals as well as any other duties that will be assigned to you by the officials

Volunteer Duties at Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary

Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary is about 22km north of Nkoranza and hosts a lot of families of Mona Monkeys. There are around 600 in the entire sanctuary and are brown. We also have around 250 Geoffrey’s Pied Columbus Monkeys which are black and white. Traditional and local beliefs prohibit physical harm to monkey. This sanctuary is the only area in the region where people can see these species in large numbers. We also have a wide range of butterflies, birds, and many species of trees. Volunteers will be daily responsible for: administrative duties, leading tours, teaching visitors about monkeys and the flora and fauna of the surrounding area.

We are looking for volunteers who are hardworking, environmentally conscious, adaptable and open-minded about new cultures, and, of course, passionate.

Volunteer duties can shift daily, so volunteers must be flexible.

Volunteers who are interested in conducting research at the monkey sanctuary will need pay US $80 for an amount of time ranging from 1 day to 6 months.

Researches and volunteers are expected to teach during their time at the sanctuary.

Highlights

• Show your love for animals and the environment by volunteering at a zoo or monkey sanctuary in Ghana.
• Learn a variety of wildlife care skills, such as cleaning and feeding animals.
• Perform other tasks, such as administrative chores and visitor education.
• Live and work in Kumasi or Fiema in Ghana for a few weeks to a few months.
• Opportunity to do your research at the monkey sanctuary.

Qualifications

Volunteers must be 16 years or older at the beginning of the program.
No prior experience is necessary, however you must have be adaptable to a tropical environment, be in excellent health, and willing to help in the conservation initiatives.

Location of OGVO Volunteer/Intern Programs
We have volunteer and intern work placements in both urban and rural areas in Ghana including Accra, Koforidua, Kumasi, Cape Coast, Kwamoso, Salt Pond,Swedru,Tepa, Boaben-Fiema, Bibiani, Boako, Wassa Akropong, Wale Wale, Mampong, Asafo, Buduburam, and many more.

Start Dates and Durations
We pride ourselves for our flexibility. Volunteers or interns can arrive any day of the year with advanced notice. You can volunteer or intern for periods of 1 week to 6 months. Extension can be arranged with advanced notice as well.

OGVO Program Prices
Our fees are extremely affordable as compare to other organisations. Our program fee starts as small as US $250. Program fees mainly help us cover the variable costs, such as food, accommodation, airport pick-up, placement, program orientation, etc. Program fees vary according to the length of your program. To see program fees and what it covers, please click here.

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS ARE INCLUDED

Volunteers on this program will be accommodated with a local host family, and will gain the opportunity to become immersed in the local culture and custom, improving their knowledge of the people, culture and language. Ghanaian families are renowned for their kindness and hospitality and they love to learn about different cultures. Living with a local family truly is the best way to throw oneself into the local culture and to meet people who will often become lifelong friends!

All families have been fully vetted by our team and have extensive experience hosting international volunteers. Bedrooms are private but generally shared with volunteers of the same gender. Volunteers will be provided access to a shared bathroom. Generally, your host brother, sister or mother assist you with your laundry but it is not an obligation, learn to wash your clothing’s with your hands in several buckets, enjoy the sun drying your clothes and odor the African fragrance in your clothes.

Host families will provide volunteers with breakfast, lunch and dinner during the working week.

Breakfast is usually ready by around 7am; however you can eat later if you prefer to get up late. Lunch is usually packed by your host family in a lunch box so that you can eat at your project if you wish. Dinner is usually served around 6pm.

If you have special eating needs, you can indicate that while applying. Even though special eating needs are not something we can guarantee, we will do our best to meet your needs.

It is important to remember that the living conditions in Ghana are different from home. Most families have running water, but hot water is still uncommon in some areas. Although the accommodation is basic, this is part of the challenge and experience of volunteering in a developing country. With a little patience, and a flexible attitude, you will quickly get used to your new surroundings.

Working days and hours

You will work 5 days a week, leaving you two free days (Saturday & Sunday) to explore the area. You’ll work around 4 – 9 hours per day.

FREE TIME

During weekends Volunteers/Interns have the opportunity to visit all that Ghana has to offer. Weekend trips available include visits to Mole National Park in the Northern Region of Ghana. This National Park offers a great Safari-like experience and is one of the biggest Elephant Sanctuaries in Africa with the chance to spot Lions, Leopards & Antelopes in their natural habitat.
Volunteers can also take a trip to Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana to relax in the beautiful beaches and see the famous Cape Coast castle, the Kakum Canopy walkway and Elmina castle, where slave trade begun.

What Our Volunteers and Interns Are Saying