PLEASE NOTE: our volunteer programme is currently closed until further notice. If you have already applied to volunteer with us, we will be in contact at a later date. 

Ape Action Africa also offers exciting opportunities for veterinarians and veterinary nurses to work with the resident Cameroon team on a volunteer basis.

All our volunteers live and work at our Mefou forest site, home to over 120 chimps, 24 gorillas, and a whole variety of monkeys, taking the number of primates in our care to almost 300. The accommodation is very basic; it is very hot and humid, and volunteering for us requires flexibility, resilience, patience, enthusiasm, and a lot of dedication. However, the rewards of working with our amazing primates outweigh any difficulties you will encounter.

The role of the vet team includes overall observation and management of primate health following established procedures. Responsibilities include dispensing of medication, immobilising as necessary for treatment, implementing disease prevention measures (including parasite checks and treatments) and attending to any medical emergencies. Health checks and close monitoring of newly rescued chimps may also be needed. An essential requirement is the maintenance of daily data records.

We are always looking for enthusiastic team players who possess a recognised university degree in veterinary medicine.

Ideally, you will:

• have a minimum of 3 years of experience as a qualified veterinary practitioner;
• have previous experience working with primates;
• have travelled/lived overseas;
• be willing to live in basic conditions;
• enjoy working with others to develop their knowledge and skills;
• have a good working knowledge of English;
• be able to speak basic French.

Placements are usually for a minimum of three months, which can sometimes be extended to six months, depending on the project's needs at the time. 

In return, you will be rewarded with an amazing experience working with gorillas, chimpanzees and monkeys while living in a beautiful, developing country.

Food and accommodation cost €300 per month. This includes three meals a day, accommodation in the forest, and transport from and to the airport. Flights, visas and vaccinations are not included in these costs. 

To Apply

Please email your CV, covering letter and two references to Professor Sandra Corr at [email protected].