12/06/2026
What volunteering at Pumbaa Reptile Park looks like.
Without exception, each volunteer begins their experience with a guided tour of the serpentarium for better understanding of the wildlife they are to engage and assist in caring for.
For most of our international volunteers, snakes are not something they encounter often. That makes education and safety especially important, and therefore, before being allowed to engage in any work within the reptile park, they undergo comprehensive reptile handling and reptile husbandry training.
Proficiency in handling is introduced through the handling of harmless species to build confidence and to practise correct handling techniques, followed under close supervision by learning to work with medically significant snakes such as puff adders and cobras.
The venom lab forms another important part of the experience. Volunteers learn how venom plays an integral role in human medicines and how various venoms affect the body. They learn how antivenom is made, how it works, and why it plays such an important role in snakebite treatment. They also get to observe a snake being milked for venom.
After completing their training, volunteers help with the practical side of reptile care. They assist with cleaning, moving snakes safely, and feeding the animals on feeding days.
At its heart, volunteering at Pumbaa Reptile Park focuses on education, safety, conservation, and respect.
The more we understand these animals, the better we can protect them. 🌿🐍
