Volunteer life, a sequel

My time at the sanctuary is coming to an end with only 2 working days remaining. I have mixed feelings about this. There is a part of me that wishes I could stay longer; 2 weeks just doesn’t feel long enough to make a difference. I am not sure if seeing these beautiful animals daily ever gets old. Perhaps because I am only doing this for 2 weeks I am more appreciative of the time spent with the cats.

Animals aside, the people have been amazing. Being one of the oldest people here, surrounded by fellow volunteers and interns in the mid to late 20’s had me questioning whether this really was a mid-life crisis. Surely this is something I should have done in my 20’s before settling down and becoming a mom???

I mentioned this to one of my closest friends, who is a great sounding board for me, especially when I am spiralling, she called this a mid-life awakening. This I can work with; it has a far more positive association than crisis.

This experience has challenged me physically, mentally and emotionally. I wouldn’t say I am a pro at cutting the grass, but I have acquired a new skill, one that I find very therapeutic.

I can now skin a chicken without gagging. Skinning a carcass of an antelope…maybe next time.

I’ve learnt to use ratchet spanners and hammered my hands while fixing overhangs.

I’ve got scratches and grazes on my hands and arms and I would do it all over again because I have felt that I have made a difference in the lives of these creatures.

When tasked with researching enrichment ideas and looking through what had been done previously, I felt so inadequate as all I know is numbers. I wanted to do something awesome but being creatively challenged, I over analysed everything.

I surprised myself when I started playing around with some cardboard boxes and it all started coming together.

What was even more surprising was I found a way to join the boxes without using glue, staples, tape or papier-mâché. Using some string and making something that resembles men’s knotted cufflinks I constructed my box.

The box was filled with some guava’s, straw and jasmine and was presented to the servals.

The one showed some interest and rubbed against the box and finally providing her seal of approval by attempting to mark it as hers by spraying (she missed, and I had to perform some swift evasive manoeuvres to avoid the spray).

I’ve learnt I need to be kinder to myself and give myself the benefit of the doubt. Often, you just need to try, and you may surprise yourself with the outcome.

Ideally, if I could, I would do this as often as possible. It’s so good for the soul and to also put several things into perspective. The entire time I have been here, I have felt so connected and completely at ease; a feeling that I have not felt for a very long time. Dare I say that I have never felt more like myself. I’ve not once doubted or questioned the methods used because the cats are really the priority here.