C.R.O.W. provides an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime volunteering or internship experience in South Africa, where you can not only learn about local wildlife rehabilitation and conservation (with all its challenges and complexities), but also work alongside our team on a daily basis, assisting with wildlife care, rescues and releases, as well as marketing & fundraising.

You will have the chance to take care of 300-600 injured, orphaned or displaced wild animals that are housed at our centre at any given time. C.R.O.W. can accommodate up to 14 international volunteers at a time with accommodation provided on the property. We also welcome local volunteers based in Durban and surrounds.

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, meet new friends and learn new skills. Throughout the year, volunteers are always very welcome here at C.R.O.W., whether you are looking to volunteer with us regularly or as part of a once-off work experience placement.

volunteering at crow working in the garden
volunteering at crow sage foundation
Contact us!

Volunteer 

Are you an animal enthusiast and would you like to volunteer in South Africa?

Find out more about our programme

View our brochure

Clinic internship

internship crow

Are you a student in animal sciences or environmental science? 

Find out more about our internship

View our brochure

Marketing internship

Are you a student marketing, communication or fundraising? 

Find out more about our internship

View our brochure

Programme details

CROW’s volunteer programme is ideal for those who
  • Genuinely care about wildlife and want to see animals thrive in their natural habitats—not confined to cages.
  • Wish to expand their understanding of South Africa’s diverse wildlife that go beyond Big Five.
  • Aim to support true wildlife rehabilitation, actively contributing to the restoration of species to the wild rather than continuing exploitative tourism practices.
  • Seek hands-on experience at an NSPCA-accredited centre, where you will gain invaluable insights into ethical wildlife care and rehabilitation.
  • Are passionate about pursuing a career in conservation and are looking for real-world experience in a well-established facility.
  • Value guidance on responsible tourism, with recommendations on activities that respect the region’s natural beauty and wildlife.
What you won’t find here:
  • Big Five interactions: While South Africa is home to the iconic Big Five, you will find these majestic animals where they belong—in the wild or in ethical reserves, not in enclosures for human interaction.
  • Animal petting and cuddling: We prioritize the welfare of our patients. Contact with animals is limited to what is necessary for their rehabilitation, ensuring they maintain their natural behaviours.
  • Breeding programmes for tourism: Unlike some other centres that breed animals for captivity and tourism, our focus is purely on rehabilitation and release. We do not engage in breeding big cats, primates, or other wildlife for tourist interactions.
  • Speedy “releases” for show: We don’t perform rushed or staged releases for publicity. Each animal’s rehabilitation journey is determined by its readiness, ensuring the best chance of survival back in the wild.
  • Untrained handling: To ensure the safety of both volunteers and wildlife, handling is strictly regulated. Only trained personnel are allowed to interact with the animals, following specific protocols to minimize stress.

As a volunteer at CROW, your role will vary depending on whether you join our clinic or our marketing & fundraising team. Regardless of your placement, you will assist our staff with the day-to-day operations of the centre. The work can be physically demanding, often involving repetitive tasks, but it’s a rewarding experience. Typical activities include cleaning animal enclosures, preparing food for wildlife, maintaining clean work areas, washing towels and carpets used in cages, cutting branches and greenery, creating enrichment activities, and assisting in various other duties as needed. You may also have the opportunity to participate in animal rescues and releases when possible.

During our peak season (spring to summer: September – March), we are especially busy caring for baby animals and coordinating releases. In the off-season, volunteers may help with our vegetable garden or assist with enclosure maintenance.

It’s important to remember that CROW is a rescue and rehabilitation centre for wildlife, and the animals here are wild. To ensure their successful release back into their natural habitat, minimal human interaction is vital. Volunteers are not permitted to touch or handle any animal or bird unless assisting nurses with treatments. As CROW is not a sanctuary, all animals are prepared for release back into the wild, and human contact could endanger them by reducing their fear of humans, increasing their risk of poaching or harm.

2025 rates per day

First month

Private accommodation

Shared room

Local volunteer

R 690

R 530

International volunteer

R 900

R 690

Second month

Private accommodation

Shared room

Local volunteer

R 610

R 470

International volunteer

R790

R 610

Each additional month

Private accommodation

Shared room

Local volunteer

R 530

R 410

International volunteer

R 690

R 530

 

Example of a three month stay of international volunteer in shared bedroom

Month

Rate (R)

Total (R)

March (31 days)

31 days x R690

R 21,390

April (30 days)

30 days x R610

R 18,300

May (31 days)

31 days x R530

R 16,430
Important information
  • We welcome local volunteers from Durban and the surrounding areas to join us at C.R.O.W. without any associated fees. Local volunteers can participate from the age of 16 and up, and you can volunteer whenever it suits your schedule.
  • International volunteers must be 18 years or older and physically fit to participate in daily tasks. All volunteers should be prepared to engage in various responsibilities throughout their time at C.R.O.W.
  • The minimum stay for international volunteers and local volunteers using our accommodation is 2 weeks.
  • Returning volunteers are eligible for a discount.
Notes
  • A 50% deposit is required to secure your place.
  • Full payment is required 2 weeks before arrival.

The fee includes:

  • Accommodation and bedding
  • 3 meals and certain beverages (excl. alcoholic beverages)
  • training
  • volunteer t-shirt
  • access to internet/WiFi
  • biweekly lectures on specific species in our centre or wildlife rehabilitation
  • donation that contributes to supporting CROW’s conservation efforts

Transfers to and from the airport are not included. Please notify us via email if you require this service so we can arrange this at an additional cost.

Visas

A visa is required to enter South Africa. For detailed information, please check with the South African embassy in your country or refer to our Comprehensive Visa Guide for Volunteering in South Africa.

Medical aid

In South Africa, volunteers are responsible for covering the costs of any doctor visits or medical assistance. Therefore, all volunteers must have medical aid or travel insurance.

Malaria / vaccines

C.R.O.W. is not authorized to provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor regarding any necessary medications or vaccinations.

What to bring

A comprehensive packing list will be provided upon confirmation of your booking. However, some recommended items include a flashlight, phone and/or laptop, rain gear, mosquito repellent, and spare glasses or contact lenses. There is a small supermarket nearby, but your preferred brands may not be available, so consider bringing them along if they are essential.

Accommodation

Volunteers are housed in a single-level home located just 200 meters from the C.R.O.W. clinic. The accommodation includes shared (same-gender) bedrooms and private single rooms, featuring a mix of single beds and bunk beds. The house has three bathrooms with showers, as well as a kitchen, dining area, and lounge equipped with a Smart TV (connected to Netflix). Amenities include Wi-Fi, a small garden, and a patio with barbecue facilities. We can accommodate a maximum of 14 volunteers at any given time.

Volunteers have the option to book private accommodation. This private accommodation includes a private room, bathroom, kitchen, lounge, and patio but shares the communal garden with the main volunteer house. We can accommodate up to 4 people in the private accommodation, but it can be booked as individual or as a couple. Please indicate your preference on the application form. Each volunteer is responsible for their own laundry (a washing machine is available) and for maintaining a clean and tidy living space.

Meals

Our meal offerings are diverse and will vary based on seasonal availability. While all food will be provided, volunteers will be responsible for cooking. Each week, you will receive a grocery list prepared by your coordinator. We cater to vegetarians and can accommodate various dietary requirements, so please inform us of your needs and any allergies on your application form.

Breakfast and lunch will consist of familiar items commonly found in Western countries, such as toast and cereal for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch. Dinner will include a variety of dishes, from pasta and burgers to hearty stews. You will also have the opportunity to sample local specialties, including the famous Durban curry, for a true South African culinary experience.

C.R.O.W. is situated in the southern part of Durban, within the safe and lush suburb of Yellowwood Park, just a 15-minute drive from the nearest beach.

Safety
  • We are located in a secure community where our property is gated for added security.
  • In case of serious emergencies, we have an emergency security response company on call.
Medical
  • C.R.O.W. has two trained first-aiders on staff, two trained firefighter staff and one health & safety officer.
  • For all serious medical emergencies, we contact medical emergency services and in case we need the hospital we utilize is Life Westville Hospital.
  • We also have a private doctor’s room Dr Roberts, situated 2.5 km from our centre.

C.R.O.W. is located in Durban, South Africa. You will need to book your flight to Durban and you can arrange your own transport to our centre or ask us for help. We can assist with arranging airport transfers but it will be at your cost. Please note that, although Durban is an international airport, many international flights will go to Johannesburg and you may need to book a connecting flight from Johannesburg to Durban.

With two days off per week, you will have the opportunity to explore Durban surroundings and KwaZulu-Natal’s natural beauty. Whether it’s a day on Durban’s beaches, hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains, or a safari trip to Zululand, there are plenty of activities to choose from.

Day activities:
  • uShaka Marine World
  • PheZulu Cultural Experience
  • Horse riding
  • Zip-lining
  • Guided snorkeling
  • Helicopter rides
  • Local markets & shopping
  • Cinema
  • Mountain biking and more
Multi-day excursions:
  • Explore the Drakensberg Mountains
  • Visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Midlands Meander
  • Take a 4×4 trip to the Sani Pass and into Lesotho
  • Safari tours in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi

Our volunteers in action

To apply or for more information, give us your details and we will get back to you

    Frequently Asked Questions

    General questions

    We are thrilled that you want to volunteer with us! If you are a local resident from Durban or the surrounding areas, simply reach out to us via our contact form, and we will get in touch with you to discuss the next steps.

    Yes, absolutely! You can volunteer with friends or as a couple. We can arrange shared rooms for you, or you can book a private room for an additional fee.

    No prior experience is necessary, though it is always a plus. You will receive training during your orientation week. However, for internship roles, some relevant experience in either animal care or marketing & fundraising is preferred.

    Programme details

    Volunteers typically engage in a set schedule of activities. Interns, on the other hand, usually stay longer and work on specific projects that align with academic or career goals, in addition to regular volunteer duties.

    Local volunteers need to be over 16 but as long as you are fit, healthy and can work there is no upper age limit. The age of our volunteers that require accommodation ranges from 18 to people in their fifties and older. As long as you are physically fit and able to work you are welcome to volunteer at C.R.O.W.

    Your day will typically start at 7 am with a briefing, followed by morning tasks such as feeding animals and cleaning enclosures. After a midday break, you will continue with afternoon duties like animal enrichment, maintenance, or educational outreach, ending around 3 pm.

    At the end of your volunteer period, we provide a certificate of participation. While it isn’t a formal qualification, it does acknowledge the hands-on experience and skills you have gained.

    Local volunteers who do not require accommodation can join us for flexible durations, from just a day to multiple weeks. However, the longer you stay, the more you’ll learn and the greater variety of tasks you will experience.

    Yes! For local volunteers from Durban, we welcome weekend support. You can join us for a day or two to experience what it is like to work at a wildlife rehabilitation centre.

    Accommodation & fees

    The volunteer fee covers your accommodation, meals, a C.R.O.W. t-shirt, WiFi, and access to training sessions. As a non-profit, we rely on contributions from volunteers and donors to sustain our operations. Local volunteers from Durban who do not need accommodation are not required to pay this fee.

    Local volunteers benefit from South African tourism rates, which are generally lower to encourage domestic participation. Additionally, exchange rates create a difference in affordability. Local volunteers from Durban or surrounding areas who do not need accommodation can volunteer without a fee. If you are a South African citizen but require accommodation, you will pay a local volunteer rate.

    Please refer to our refund policy for details. Generally, a portion of your deposit may be retained if cancellations are made less than a month before your start date.

    Your fee covers your essential living expenses at C.R.O.W., but you may want to bring some extra money for snacks, personal items, and any off-site activities or excursions. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it is always good to have a credit card for emergencies.

    C.R.O.W. has been rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in South Africa since 1980. We are a registered charity (046-898-NPO) and are governed by an Executive Committee and a Board of Trustees. We also publish our annual reports on our website, and you can reach out to past volunteers for feedback. Contact us if you would like further information.

    Bring comfortable, old clothing that can handle dirt and stains, as you will be working closely in a wildlife rehabilitation centre. Durban’s climate is hot and humid, so light, breathable fabrics are recommended. Closed-toe shoes are required, and we will send you a detailed packing list once your booking is confirmed.

    Visa & travel

    • For stays under 3 months: A tourist visa is sufficient for most nationalities and typically takes 2 weeks to process or is issued on arrival at our airport (country dependent).
    • For stays over 3 months: A Visitor’s Visa (Section 11(1)(b)(II)) for volunteer or charitable activities is required, which may take 2-3 months to process. Please check the requirements specific to your country. 

    For more information, please refer to our blog 

    Yes, we encourage it! South Africa has so much to offer, from the beautiful beaches of Durban to game reserves and cultural landmarks. You will have 2 days off per week, perfect for exploring local attractions, such as PheZulu Cultural Experience.

    Volunteer roles

    We are always looking for skilled volunteers to support our marketing and fundraising efforts. Your expertise could greatly benefit our campaigns, social media presence, and outreach projects. Please highlight your experience in your application form.

    Due to South African regulations, not all foreign vets cannot practice in our clinic as this may be country specific. Please highlight your experience and your nationality on your application form and we can advise.

    Yes, definitely! We greatly appreciate skilled volunteers who can help with maintenance projects on our property. Please note your skills in your application.

    Additional contributions & donations

    We are grateful for any donations! Please refer to our website for our current wish list, or contact us directly to find out what is needed most.

    If you are unable to volunteer, there are other ways to help. Consider becoming a monthly donor, sponsoring an animal, or spreading the word about our work on social media.