We work at the forefront of wildlife rescue and conservation – and you could too

The research volunteer placement was more than I could have imagined. I felt part of the team and that I was making a small but very real contribution to conservation efforts in Malawi. Plus, I learned a huge amount about the wildlife of Liwonde, and the threats to wildlife and habitats throughout the country. I loved every single day there and didn’t want to leave. Every small thing is a reward for your efforts, and the payoff is immense. If you are unsure about whether this placement is for you, I would urge you to do it. It is an experience like nothing else and is sure to leave an impression on your soul.

Making a difference, learning new skills and living in the bush was exactly what I wanted from a volunteering experience. It was a real privilege to spend time in Liwonde – the animals are beautiful, the scenery is mind-blowing and the people made the whole experience even more special. To anyone out there, at any age and career stage or path, who might be tempted, I would highly encourage you to go ahead and book on!

I would have extended my stay because I liked it so much! For me, it didn’t really feel like work – it is very exciting because you never know what will happen the next day. I was not just doing veterinary work as I know it – I had the opportunity to experience related fields like integration, enrichment, research. You will work with so many different animals but all of it would just be half of the fun if the people weren’t that nice. All of them were so friendly and will help you whenever you need it. It is an amazing experience and totally worth it.

I am now a lot more fearless in pursuing my personal goals, and this experience has reawakened a dream I had as a child to work with wildlife. My placement went far beyond my expectations, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. The feeling of having an animal you helped with finally being released back into the wild is unparalleled.