Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary Volunteer Program - Zimbabwe

If you are looking for the opportunity to be hands on with animals and really make a difference then Twala is the place for you. It is a very special experience. I had intended to go for a month in Sept 2018 and ended up staying 2.5mths (I would still be there if I could).

I had always been skeptical of many volunteer programs but Twala changed that for me. I chose Twala because it was a small program with a max of 6volunteers and I felt I would be given the opportunity to be hands on with the animals and make a difference. I'm so pleased I chose Twala. Volunteers are actively encouraged to get involved in everything that is happening be it caring for new babies coming in, going out to pick up rescues or just spending a bit more time with the animals that need it. Personally, I lived with two rescued jackal pups under my bed for two months, an experience I will never forget - neither will my chewed up shoes:) Every day is different at Twala, you really never know what will happen and that's what made it so hard to leave - fear of missing out!

Beyond the phenomenal interaction with the animals, the kindness, generosity and welcome of everyone at Twala is what makes it special. I travelled as a solo female and always felt so safe and at home in Zimbabwe. This is thanks to the Twala staff who are always around and look after you so well. I can't recommend it highly enough. If you're thinking about going, just do it!

If you are looking for the opportunity to be hands on with animals and really make a difference then Twala is the place for you. It is a very special experience. I had intended to go for a month in Sept 2018 and ended up staying 2.5mths (I would still be there if I could).

I had always been skeptical of many volunteer programs but Twala changed that for me. I chose Twala because it was a small program with a max of 6volunteers and I felt I would be given the opportunity to be hands on with the animals and make a difference. I'm so pleased I chose Twala. Volunteers are actively encouraged to get involved in everything that is happening be it caring for new babies coming in, going out to pick up rescues or just spending a bit more time with the animals that need it. Personally, I lived with two rescued jackal pups under my bed for two months, an experience I will never forget - neither will my chewed up shoes:) Every day is different at Twala, you really never know what will happen and that's what made it so hard to leave - fear of missing out!

Beyond the phenomenal interaction with the animals, the kindness, generosity and welcome of everyone at Twala is what makes it special. I travelled as a solo female and always felt so safe and at home in Zimbabwe. This is thanks to the Twala staff who are always around and look after you so well. I can't recommend it highly enough. If you're thinking about going, just do it!

I went to Twala in September 2018 and it was the best thing I’ve ever done. I volunteered for a month and was treated like part of the team from day one. The staff looked after me from the moment I arrived in Zimbabwe to when it came time to leave with a very heavy heart. I loved all the close contact with a wide variety of birds and animals. I learnt a lot about caring for them as I participated in the work involved, preparing food; cleaning and enriching enclosures; playing with the animals and sometimes just watching them as they went about their day. The volunteers also take responsibility for baby animals, it gives you an opportunity to observe wildlife up close and I cannot express how great it feels to see the little ones thrive. The staff were great fun and no two days were the same, it’s like being in the garden of Eden where man and animals interact and all have fun together. Zimbabwean people are special and it’s a safe place to go to despite the political challenges. I’d recommend this experience to anyone who loves animals, you cannot leave Twala without being impressed by the work they do both with the animals and within the community.

I know it sounds cliche, but my time at the Twala Trust Sanctuary changed my life. I got hands on work with such a variety of animals. I was given the opportunity to nurse, and rehabilitate a number or orphaned creatures from kittens to antelope. Each animal there has been given a second chance, and the opportunity to live the rest of their life in being loved and cared for. The sanctuary has such a peaceful and healing atmosphere, even when the residents do their very best to create chaos, keeping you constantly on your toes. The staff is so friendly and welcoming, especially Sarah Carter, and her husband Vinay Ramlaul. Such a fun, and inspirational group of people have impacted my life in such a significant way.

In conclusion I recommend volunteering at the Twala Trust Sanctuary to everyone! It is such fulfilling work, surrounded by amazing people!

In 2016 I got the chance to go and volunteer at the Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary on a number of occasions. It was such an incredible experience that taught me so much about the care and handling of animals, as well as filling me with a complete sense of purpose and contentment. All the staff at Twala are so welcoming and kind and their dedication to the animals is incredible. It is so fulfilling to become part of such a special community and is definitely something to look forward to when visiting Twala!
Every animal has their own personality and throughout your stay there you will learn what each one likes and dislikes, as well as all their quirks. The animals then become part of your life, and for weeks (and even months in my case!) you yearn to be back at Twala!
Being a local volunteer, I got to meet people from all over the world and learn about their heritage and culture. This was fantastic as I had never previously been exposed to such a diversity of nationalities. Also, they share your common love of animals which is something very special.
Overall I would highly recommend volunteering at Twala, whether you are local or international, as there is nothing to lose and everything to be gained.

I had the privilege of spending a month volunteering at this sanctuary, before they moved to their new site. From day one, it was clear that no matter the species of the animal, they will all the best care possible - from goats to lions. I had a special bond with two animals while I was there - Smeagal the serval who after his 2pm tuna would love to cuddle up and you would both have a siesta in the sun, and also Rover the rescue dog. Before I arrived, Rover was found tied up to the gates and it took days to get close enough to him to free him. Sarah and the team had been working with him for a while before I arrived, and for some reason Rover trusted me. He would actually relax enough to play and let me touch him all over, everywhere I went he was there.
I also got to help in the rescue of a donkey, who unfortunately couldn't be saved, as well as rescuing two puppies who were on deaths door. After a lot of care they became two beautiful girls who have since been adopted.
I cannot thank Sarah and the team enough for my magical expericene, you couldn't ask for a better group of people who are so welcoming.
Do I recommend this place? Of course - you are crazy if you don't want to go and help give a helping hand to those animals that will steal your heart.

I first went to Twala (in 2014) as I wanted some unique work experience to get into a veterinary degree, and volunteering there confirmed to be that all I want to do is work with animals. I can honestly say that visiting Twala changed my life. It is unlike any other sanctuary as each animal has such a special story, and being part of their recovery is the best feeling you could ask for. I am now doing a Veterinary Nursing degrees at one of the best veterinary universities in the world (Royal Veterinary College), and it is thanks to Twala and the experiences I gained there that I am able to do so.

In 2016 I planned to go travelling to other sanctuaries, however I realised the only place I wanted to visit was Twala as it is so special to me. Even when I am not there, seeing the animals updates makes my day, and on any low days I am having I always look back on my pictures there. When I'm at Twala I am constantly smiling and it really is my happy place in life.

Sarah, the founder of Twala, is the most amazing lady you will ever meet. Every animal absolutely adores and respects her dearly, and you can tell as soon as she is near them. The rest of the staff at Twala are all so friendly and keen to help you out. I cannot praise this place any more, it is truly amazing!

For the first time in a very long time, I’m was constantly in a state of FOMO – fear of missing out. From day one of being at Twala, I’ve learned that we are here to give these beautiful animals a second chance at life. It broke my heart to hear some of their stories, but at the same time, I felt so privileged to be a part of this team to help care for them during my two week stay. From the meticulous way their food is prepared and presented to the level of thought and detail of which each enclosure is fashioned, anyone visiting Twala will see that these animals are truly loved.

My favorite experiences at Twala include visiting two bush babies who like to climb all over you, caring for a bunch of rollie pollie puppies, and assisting in a wonderful dog clinic that takes place every Wednesday. As I’m learning more about the Zimbabwean culture, dogs are such an integral part of life here. However, many of these people who live in the villages can barely afford to put food on the table for their families. Therefore, Twala runs a wonderful clinic to help feed, vaccinate, and sterilize the dogs in the community. Every single one of them gets a full meal of chicken! It’s such a rewarding experience and one that I will never forget.

Twala is constantly growing, and they are taking in new animals and releasing rehabilitated ones almost everyday. Education and conservation is their utmost priorities, and I have learned more than I can imagine in the short time I have been here. I loved the staff here, as they are always willing to impart knowledge to a hungry mind. I loved sitting on the porch and watching all the animals live harmoniously in the garden. I loved the warm welcomes I received everyday from Kiko, the housedog; Horace, the vervet monkey; Sheila, the cockatoo; all the house cats, and the lovely hellos from Leila and Skittles, the duikers. I also loved that every night, I fell asleep to a chorus of roaring lions, howling dogs, and singing birds. It’s just such a magical place.

You won’t be sitting around doing nothing here. There’s always a project going on, furry critters to play with, or enrichment toys to make. The staff is just fabulous too, and they are always there to support you in your daily activities. Your mornings will start off early and more often than not, you will feel absolutely bushed after a long days work. However, in the end, you know it’s all worth it because you made a difference in the animals’ lives. Knowing that is the best reward.