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Education, Research and Conservation Centre

Placement number: 0025
Location: Nigeria
Preferred Languages: English
Date: Volunteers required all year round
Minimum Period: 3 weeks

Founded in 1995 by Canadian Zena Tooze with 11 rescued primates, one local staff member, one volunteer and an annual budget of approximately $4,000 US. Originally a sanctuary for confiscated primates, which addressed a real need as the newly promulgated National Park carried out confiscations, today the centre is very much more than a sanctuary.

Now a centre for education, research and conservation of primates, the centre has staff of over 30 (including 4 international volunteers and 28 Nigerian staff) and an annual budget over $100,000US. Over 100 primates have been rescued through donations or confiscations by officials and are in varying stages of rehabilitation, we have had successful breeding in several groups, and we have a thriving environmental education programme in 4 local government areas and 34 schools in . We have also prioritized working with communities towards forest protection, land management and protection of endangered species, and research in our programming.

The centre is based in the tropical rainforest of Nigeria.

The centre receives ecotourists from near and far to learn more about wildlife, ecology and also to relax and explore this unique habitat. There are lodges available for overnight guests and night wildlife walks for the more adventurous as well as tree climbing, river rafting, tree climbing and trekking.

Our primate conservation program also allows people to view endangered forest monkey species up close. We also offer an opportunity for volunteers to work with us at the centre depending on their skill areas.

Role of Volunteer

Opportunities at the centre include:

• Teaching locals
• Guiding
• General Help
• Accountancy
• First Aid

Long Term: To be a long term volunteer, you should be financially (including medical insurance) and mentally prepared to commit to at least 6 months, preferably 1 year, and have a transferable skill to offer. You must be mature, willing to work long hours, often with little free time or privacy, have an understanding and tolerance of different cultures, a sense of humor and be able to work well as part of a team.

Finally, you must be passionate about conservation, whilst understanding the difficult issues facing conservationists in developing countries. Room & board, and local travel needs will be provided.

Short Term: To be a short term volunteer, you must be prepared for anything, flexibility is the name of the game! Above all you must be keen and used to hard work. Short term volunteers should plan a minimum stay of 3-4 weeks, and can stay for up to 3 months.  They must provide their own flights and medical insurance, and in addition, pay a small weekly charge to cover room, board and training.

Cost

Short term volunteers are expected to pay £150 per week.
Long term room and board provided.

Travel

Flight to Lagos then internal flight Lagos - Calabar.

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