Big cats are majestic and intelligent animals. Some live in groups, like the mighty lion, whereas others are solitary species, such as the regal tiger. One thing they all have in common though is that they need our help.
Over the years, big cat populations have continuously declined for a number of reasons ranging from habitat loss to poaching. As apex predators, they play a vital role in helping to keep the ecosystem in balance. The Great Projects offer you the chance to witness these fascinating and furious felines on our various big cat conservation programs in a range of stunning locations, from Namibia to South Africa - all you have to do is take your pick!
Big cats have become recognised and adored through childhood stories such as The Lion King, The Jungle Book, and various nature documentaries from the likes of David Attenborough and the BBC. Becoming a big cat volunteer will help to provide these animals with a sustainable future for generations to come.
Volunteering with big cats involves a range of activities, from safari drives to help with game counts or behaviour monitoring, right through to caring for them right out on the reserves and protected areas they live in. Depending on where you go, you may even help to feed them!
Our big cat volunteer programs are truly rewarding, and you will walk away knowing you have actively contributed to big cat conservation.
There are many species of big cat that live across the planet’s 7 continents, but the most endangered of them all is the Amur leopard, with just roughly 60 of these majestic big cats remaining in the wild. Other big cats whose numbers are worryingly low are: the South China tiger, Asiatic cheetah, and the Scottish Wildcat.
Despite varying population numbers, all big cats are facing many threats each day, and this is why big cat volunteers are so desperately needed. Numbers are only going to continue to fall unless change happens. One of the ways you can help is by volunteering with big cats, and The Great Projects offer such opportunities in both Africa and Asia!
Threats that big cats face every day vary from habitat to habitat. However, the following are some threats that all big cats are subject to:
Visit the fabled Kanha National Park: home to a stunning array of wildlife, including leopards, wild dogs, and of course the famous Bengal tiger.
Help make a difference to Zimbabwe's incredible wildlife and follow in the footsteps of explorer David Livingstone set against the backdrop of the beautiful Victoria Falls.
Experience hands-on volunteering in Africa in the heart of the beautiful Namibian wilderness!
Assist the in-country team by collecting data on the area's big cat populations in the stunning Namibian Desert.
Volunteer with the 'Big Five' and the Born Free Foundation in one of South Africa's finest game reserves.
Play a vital role in the education of underprivileged children in South Africa
Assist in vital conservation efforts in South Africa, working to protect the iconic ‘Big Five’.
Assist the team with data collection to help with research on carnivore species in the stunning Kanaan Region of Namibia.
Join this 'Big 5' conservation project and help make a difference to the lives of the amazing animals that live here!
Volunteer with the 'Big 5' on one of the country’s most diverse wildlife reserves.
Take a 4 Day Adventure of Spectacular Wildlife, Walvis Bay and the incredible Sossusvlei Sand Dunes!
This all-encompassing tour takes in some of Namibia's most treasured wildlife including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and more!
Perfect for the intrepid traveller, this tour takes in some of the country's most iconic attractions including Etosha National Park, the Skeleton Coast and the stunning Sossusvlei sand dunes.
Find out what volunteer Doug had to say about his time at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary: from aiding conservation to making friends for life, it's easy to see why this project was such a fantastic experience for him!
During her time at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary, our very own Georgia got to sit down with a few of the volunteers to get the inside scoop on life at the sanctuary. Check out this video to see what Mollie, Nova and Melanie had to say!
The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary has been working closely with an organisation to develop technology that enables wild cheetahs and leopards to be tracked simply by using pictures of their footprints. This is revolutionary in the sanctuary's efforts to mitigate human-carnivore conflict. Read on to find out more!
Find out what volunteer Doug had to say about his time at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary: from aiding conservation to making friends for life, it's easy to see why this project was such a fantastic experience for him!
Check out Anita and Graham's review of their volunteer...
Ever considered volunteering with animals? An increasingly...
Read on for some exciting updates from our friends at the...
Do More
See More