Working hands on with cheetahs

Kim took her passion for photography to South Africa where she worked at PoD's pioneering Cheetah Reintroduction project.

"This project was amazing - certainly the most enjoyable/rewarding experience of my life so far. The cheetahs are beautiful and the staff are amazing - you get all the support you need and have so much fun! Even slaughter can be made fun which is something I never thought I would say (although it's not for the squeamish!!) I was lucky that the project had three new cubs and spending time with them was fantastic. I couldn't have asked for a better experience - was gutted when I had to come home :-) I definitely want to go back to Africa next year - I think I have the bug now.

It was definitely a once in a lifetime trip and I would thoroughly recommend it to anybody else who is interested in volunteering. I couldn't fault anything to be honest. You get to meet amazing people, make new friends and spend time working with these amazing cats - what's not to love?! If you're thinking about doing this project I have only two words for you - DO IT!

Morning duties start off with collecting poo, cleaning and filling water buckets etc and on some days there is a cheetah run. After breakfast duties can include level 2 preparation, general maintenance and slaughter. Afternoon is spent with the cheetah's then late afternoon duties are feeding and cleaning. Data collection is also done during poo collection and feeding, as well as during a run.

Spending time with the cheetahs was amazing - it's something that most people never get the chance to do and certainly something I won't forget.

Volunteering abroad is an experience of a lifetime - you get immersed in a different way of life, meet new people, make new friends and it's hugely rewarding. Far better than a normal holiday!

I would definitely recommend PoD to other people. I am hugely grateful for all their help before I went and for organising the placement."