Volunteers/Interns/Students
Volunteers and interns/students play a vital role in supporting the mission of Action for Cheetahs in Kenya (ACK). By contributing their time, skills, and passion, they help expand the organization’s capacity to carry out essential conservation, research, and community outreach programs. Whether assisting with field data collection, educational initiatives, or behind-the-scenes logistics, these individuals provide valuable support that enables ACK to reach more communities and gather critical information for cheetah conservation. Their involvement helps bridge gaps in manpower and brings fresh perspectives and energy to the team.
Beyond the daily tasks, volunteers and interns/students contribute to long-term impact. Many bring specialized skills in areas like GIS, biology, communications, and education, which enhance project outcomes and foster innovation. Their participation also strengthens community engagement, as interns and volunteers often become ambassadors for cheetah conservation in their home countries and networks. By investing in the growth of future conservationists and involving diverse voices, ACK ensures that the legacy of cheetah protection continues to grow beyond Kenya’s borders.
Volunteer
Volunteers can expect a mix of field research, education outreach, and support tasks unless otherwise arranged with the primary investigator. Fieldwork is physically demanding and includes habitat monitoring through walking and driving game counts, vegetation surveys, and cheetah scat/spoor tracking. Walks cover up to 10 km and occur monthly, while driving counts take place both day and night. Volunteers should familiarize themselves with regional wildlife and estimating distances before arrival. Additional tasks include data entry, report writing, and basic computer work. Volunteers also help maintain camping gear and equipment. Education efforts involve presenting cheetah-related programs in schools, leading community meetings (“baraza”), and engaging tourists through presentations, craft sales, and Q\&A sessions.
Interns/Students
Internships are available for students and recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in research, community development, conservation management, or environmental education. Interns must be affiliated with an academic institution or have relevant qualifications. While permits are typically not required, interns planning to use data for academic purposes (e.g., theses) may need additional clearance. Internships are tailored to individual interests and offer more specialized tasks than general volunteering. Areas of focus include habitat monitoring, ecology, zoology, environmental policy, community education, and conservation. All programs are conducted in collaboration with Cheetah Conservation Fund and Kenya Wildlife Service.