Primate-Jobs
Positions Available

Research Opportunities with captive and wild baboons, South Africa

Hiring Organization:
C.A.R.E Centre for Animal Rehabilitation and Education

Date Posted:
2012-09-20

Position Description:
The Centre for Animal Rehabilitation and Education (C.A.R.E.) is a non-profit organization specializing in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of chacma baboons.

Situated on the banks of the Oliphant’s River, in the middle of a stunning ‘Big 5’ South African Nature Reserve, C.A.R.E. is the perfect location for a wild animal rehabilitation centre and is an exciting location to pursue undergraduate or graduate level research.

The centre currently houses approximately 400 captive chacma baboons, ranging in age from infancy to late adulthood. The large number of socially housed baboons and the ability to collect data in close proximity to them creates a unique environment for a vast range of captive animal research studies.

Additionally, C.A.R.E is home to a wild, habituated troop of approximately 100 baboons who roam the premises and adjacent land. Specific research may also be conducted on this resident troop where appropriate.

C.A.R.E is open to students interested in investigating the following general areas:

Behavior,
Enrichment,
Parasitology,
Genetics(we are eager for students to take samles to analyse the origins of the captive baboons which can aid in release applications and captive management,
Nutrition (can include investigating the diet of the habituated wild baboon troop),
Contraception (includes using contraceptive drugs to reduce testosterone/aggression),

Each research proposal will be evaluated on an individual basis and therefore students in fields other than the above are still urged to apply. C.A.R.E does not participate in invasive research, however, there may be opportunities to collect blood/hair samples from those needing veterinary assistance.

For more information about the centre, please visit http://www.primatecare.org.za

Qualifications/Experience:
Research at C.A.R.E is limited to students or researchers affiliated with a university. Preference will be given to students at the post-graduate level or above.

To apply to undertake a research project please submit a detailed research proposal and a copy of your CV with intended start date to samantha@primatecare.org.za. You are also required to provide a letter of confirmation/recommendation from the head of your academic institution or project supervisor if you are asked. C.A.R.E’s Director will review the proposal to determine the feasibility of the desired study as well as the limitations that may arise. Comprehensive consideration of the research concept and planning before arriving at C.A.R.E is the most important element to a successful project.

Salary/funding:
No funding will be provided. And we will require a donation to the project to cover your food and accomodation costs, this can be discussed and will vary dependable on how useful your project may be to C.A.R.E. (genetic and contraceptive research will warrent a discount).
*Our program fee is tax deductible for students from American and UK universities

This program fee EXCLUDES:
1. The cost of flights, travel insurance and visas.
2. Optional trips, activities and items of a personal nature.
3. Supplies/Equipment necessary to carry out any part of the research project. Some necessary items may not be available locally or even in the country. Please arrange for this prior to arriving at C.A.R.E.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
This program fee INCLUDES:
1. Transportation to and from the local Phalaborwa airport.
2. Comfortable but basic accommodation in shared rooms (twin/triple), communal showers and bathroom facilities. Hot running water, drinking water and washer are also provided.
3. Three meals a day.
4. On-site assistance and expertise where possible.

Term of Appointment:
Ongoing - dependent on requirements of researcher

Application Deadline:
Ongoing

Comments:
The Centre for Animal Rehabilitation and Education (C.A.R.E) is a non-profit organization specializing in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of chacma baboons located in Grietjie Private Nature Reserve bordering Kruger National Park, South Africa. C.A.R.E was founded by the late Rita Miljo in 1989 and currently houses approximately 400 baboons. The vast majority of these baboons were brought to C.A.R.E as orphans and have been successfully integrated into social troops, forming the familial bonds they were deprived of as a result of South Africa’s negative image of this species. C.A.R.E also houses a small number of rescued pet baboons as well as providing sanctuary for baboons retired from laboratory settings. Additionally, C.A.R.E is home to a wild, habituated troop of approximately 100 baboons who roam the premises and adjacent land.

Contact Information:
Samantha Dewhirst
South Africa

Telephone Number:
+27716 925 055

Website:
http://www.primatecare.org.za

E-mail Address:
samantha@primatecare.org.za