Giraffe Conservation Internship – South Africa

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and large mammals? Join our research team in a breathtaking 27,000-hectare South African game reserve — home to giraffes, 17 species of antelope, and two of the Big Five — for an immersive conservation internship. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful conservation work while gaining field experience in a spectacular environment.

Project Overview:
This internship provides hands-on involvement in giraffe monitoring and broader wildlife research. While you will work largely independently, you will receive guidance, supervision, and support from experienced researchers. Your efforts will contribute to understanding giraffe populations, behaviour, and habitat use.

Key Activities:

• Monitor giraffe populations: Identify and catalogue individual animals by building detailed identification kits using GiraffeSpotter, assess male-to-female ratios, and contribute to long-term population monitoring. All giraffe data collected are shared with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation to support broader conservation and research efforts.

• Observe giraffe behaviour, feeding patterns, and habitat preferences.

• Collect and manage field data to inform conservation strategies and management decisions.

• Collaborate with researchers and fellow interns to gain hands-on experience in fieldwork, wildlife monitoring, and conservation methods.
  

Why This Internship Matters:
Giraffes in South Africa face multiple threats, including habitat loss, climate change, low genetic diversity, and hybridisation between subspecies. Understanding population numbers, distribution, and behaviour is essential to protecting these iconic animals. 

Why Join Us:

• Natural Setting in the African Bush: Work in a scenic wildlife reserve with giraffes, antelope, and two of the Big Five.
  

• Skill Development: Gain practical experience in wildlife monitoring, field research methods, and conservation techniques.
  

• Professional Growth: Collaborate with researchers and conservationists, building connections and experience for your career in wildlife conservation.
  

Internship Duration:

The minimum duration is 2 months.

Conservation Fees & Logistics:
A monthly conservation fee covers:

• Support for ongoing conservation initiatives

• Shared accommodation within the reserve in a fenced research camp

• Transport (Polokwane airport pick-up/drop-off and fortnightly town trips)
  

This internship provides the chance to contribute meaningfully to giraffe conservation while building practical skills, gaining professional connections, and deepening your understanding of wildlife research. Join our dedicated team and support efforts to protect South Africa’s iconic giraffes.