South Africa - Voluntourism: The Good, Bad and the Ugly

One of the most important questions to ask when volunteering at wildlife facilities is "what are the organisation’s handling policies?" Volunteers should stay away from organisations and facilities that encourage handling of animals when not necessary – anything that is not veterinary, research or conservation related. And are the volunteer programs managed by skilled professionals like veterinarians and biologists, or by unskilled volunteer coordinators.

With all the recent campaigns and information about ethical voluntourism, Schneider's own agenda clearly serves his own profile and ignores the Five Freedoms for Animals. Three recent volunteers were able to interact with his pet lion Dexter enjoying the experience and promoting it across their social media, encouraging like minded individuals to do the same.