Alumni Spotlight: Emma-Lisa Lok

I wanted to volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary that had many different species of animals and where volunteers weren't too involved with dealing with customers, and African Dawn looked perfect on their website. After exchanging a few emails with the manager I was more confident about going and felt like I would be welcomed by everyone there. I initially only went for one month, which I then extended to 6, and eventually to 10. African Dawn became more than a wildlife sanctuary to me, it became home.

The morning feeding of the animals started at 7:30am everyday. There were different routes for the different enclosures to ensure that volunteers weren't feeding the same animals everyday. After morning feeds, volunteers ate breakfast and then offered to do jobs on the 'Jobs List' which envolved anything from cleaning enclosures to caring for any animals that were currently in the clinic.

After jobs there was a lunch prepared by the staff and then all the volunteers would help prepare the afternoon food for the animals at 2 and then do different routes than they had done in the morning. After afternoon feed there would be scheduled afternoon jobs to ensure that everyone did it and then supper at 6pm. There was a lot of free time in between for cuddling the friendly mouse-bird in the main aviary or playing with the squirrel monkeys. No two days was ever the same.

To pack clothes that you don't mind getting dirty and to accept all the staff, volunteers and animals like family, because they will treat you like family and make you feel welcome and at home. If you love animals, you will love it at African Dawn.

Personally I have grown as a person and professionally I have learnt so much and gained invaluable experience. The knowledge and hands on experience I gained at African Dawn is priceless.