If you’re about to embark on your adventure at Seaview Lion Park, where you’ll be a volunteer, please have a look through this list of ‘what to bring’ as complied by past volunteers, Madeleine Dell’Avvocato and Diane Macpherson.
Essential:
- A torch
- A towel (Madeleine suggests you bring an old towel which you can then donate for use by the cubs when you leave – if you like!)
- Warm clothing for the evenings
- Raincoat
- Toiletries – bring all your toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel etc
- First Aid kit – maybe include an antiseptic cream for any scratches; non-drowsy antihistamines for any itchy bug bites!
- Summer clothes for the days, although trousers are better than shorts, even if it’s hot, because of wandering claws and scratchy/thorny plants. Strong cotton and pockets are useful!
- Solid shoes – maybe even boots are better for the walks in the grounds
- Several pairs of socks – they get quite dirty during the day
- Sun cream for those coming in summer months
- Day rucksack – useful to put things in you might want during the day (like your water bottle, camera, any personal items etc) as it’s about 500m to the cabins.
- Alarm clock – to make sure you are up for the early morning feeds!
Note from Madeleine: T-shirts – I think the key here is actually NOT to bother bringing too many T-shirts and tops as you will be in your Seaview T-shirts every day. Washing is done for you every week day, so you will always have clean clothes. The only time you will need ‘civvies’ is for the evenings. For those coming in colder months, it is worth bringing some long sleeve tops that fit underneath the uniform T-shirts.
Nice-to-have
- One or two chocolates and other treat items, eg your favourite tea
- Flip flops – for evenings in cabins. After a day in heavy boots / trainers, they’re just what you want!
- Evening entertainment – eg DVDs (there is a DVD player in the communal lounge cabin), pack of cards, books etc.
- Water bottle – useful to have your own refillable distinguishable bottle to put in the fridge so you know which one is yours, although Still/Sparking water is on sale in the restaurant
- If you’re a light sleeper, ear plugs may be useful as the lions can be pretty noisy during the night
- Your laptop, although please note that your cabin does not have lock-up facilities. There is a laptop that you can use in the restaurant/sanctuary area to email home etc.
