{"id":5155,"date":"2026-05-22T18:53:58","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T16:53:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/south-africa-has-long-been-a-country-close-to-my-heart-but-through-helping-hands-4-wildlife-i-have-found-my-very-own-spiritual-home\/"},"modified":"2026-07-29T12:55:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T10:55:37","slug":"south-africa-has-long-been-a-country-close-to-my-heart-but-through-helping-hands-4-wildlife-i-have-found-my-very-own-spiritual-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/en\/south-africa-has-long-been-a-country-close-to-my-heart-but-through-helping-hands-4-wildlife-i-have-found-my-very-own-spiritual-home\/","title":{"rendered":"South Africa has long been a country close to my heart, but through Helping Hands 4 Wildlife I have found my very own spiritual home."},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"5155\" class=\"elementor elementor-5155 elementor-3925\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3341c0df e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3341c0df\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-473d5bc5 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"473d5bc5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;shape_divider_bottom&quot;:&quot;mountains&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shape elementor-shape-bottom\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-negative=\"false\">\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 100\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\">\n\t<path class=\"elementor-shape-fill\" opacity=\"0.33\" d=\"M473,67.3c-203.9,88.3-263.1-34-320.3,0C66,119.1,0,59.7,0,59.7V0h1000v59.7 c0,0-62.1,26.1-94.9,29.3c-32.8,3.3-62.8-12.3-75.8-22.1C806,49.6,745.3,8.7,694.9,4.7S492.4,59,473,67.3z\"\/>\n\t<path class=\"elementor-shape-fill\" opacity=\"0.66\" d=\"M734,67.3c-45.5,0-77.2-23.2-129.1-39.1c-28.6-8.7-150.3-10.1-254,39.1 s-91.7-34.4-149.2,0C115.7,118.3,0,39.8,0,39.8V0h1000v36.5c0,0-28.2-18.5-92.1-18.5C810.2,18.1,775.7,67.3,734,67.3z\"\/>\n\t<path class=\"elementor-shape-fill\" d=\"M766.1,28.9c-200-57.5-266,65.5-395.1,19.5C242,1.8,242,5.4,184.8,20.6C128,35.8,132.3,44.9,89.9,52.5C28.6,63.7,0,0,0,0 h1000c0,0-9.9,40.9-83.6,48.1S829.6,47,766.1,28.9z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-34bf8d32 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"34bf8d32\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b8c097e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b8c097e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d78401e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d78401e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>South Africa has long been a country close to my heart&#8230;<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-81312c7 elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"81312c7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\" style=\"--divider-pattern-url: url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=&#039;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&#039; preserveAspectRatio=&#039;none&#039; overflow=&#039;visible&#039; height=&#039;100%&#039; viewBox=&#039;0 0 24 24&#039; fill=&#039;none&#039; stroke=&#039;black&#039; stroke-width=&#039;3&#039; stroke-linecap=&#039;square&#039; stroke-miterlimit=&#039;10&#039;%3E%3Cpath d=&#039;M0,6c6,0,0.9,11.1,6.9,11.1S18,6,24,6&#039;\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;);\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-096728f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"096728f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">...but through Helping Hands 4 Wildlife, I have found my very own place of peace.<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e20605f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e20605f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-40e63e0 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"40e63e0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5e0785 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d5e0785\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Even from a young age, it was clear to me that one day I would like to get involved in a voluntary project working with animals. Animals give us so much, and I wanted to give something back and help protect them. At the same time, I was very wary of setting off on my own, and for a long time I couldn\u2019t find a project that really felt right. Because there\u2019s one thing I\u2019ve learnt over the years: unfortunately, there are many schemes where animals are exploited rather than receiving sustainable protection.   <\/p><p>That\u2019s exactly why it was important to me to find a project that provides genuine help and operates responsibly. By chance, I then came across Jana\u2019s group trip. At first I was unsure and hesitant, but eventually I plucked up the courage and signed up. Today I can say with complete conviction: it was one of the best decisions of my life.   <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ae4f935 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ae4f935\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ef08923 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ef08923\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-14604d3 elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"14604d3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;zoomIn&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-baby-zeit.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5146\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-baby-zeit.webp 720w, https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-baby-zeit-225x300.webp 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ca360e7 elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"ca360e7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;zoomIn&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"756\" height=\"1008\" src=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-versorgung-der-tiere.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5147\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-versorgung-der-tiere.webp 756w, https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-versorgung-der-tiere-225x300.webp 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 756px) 100vw, 756px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e623097 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e623097\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1214938 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1214938\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0c110d6 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0c110d6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6323abf elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6323abf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;zoomIn&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-gehege-reinigen.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5148\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-gehege-reinigen.webp 750w, https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-gehege-reinigen-225x300.webp 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9dfb4b5 elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"9dfb4b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;zoomIn&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-farmarbeit.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5149\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-farmarbeit.webp 1200w, https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-farmarbeit-225x300.webp 225w, https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-farmarbeit-768x1024.webp 768w, https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-farmarbeit-1152x1536.webp 1152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9112a2e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9112a2e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-920bee8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"920bee8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>What began as a holiday quickly became an experience that touched me deeply and left a lasting impression. From the very first moment, I felt the special magic of this place. The centre is situated in the heart of nature, surrounded by mountains, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There is a tranquillity there that is almost impossible to describe \u2013 a tranquillity that both grounds you and gives you strength.    <\/p><p>After just a short time, I felt as though I\u2019d truly arrived. I was particularly impressed by the dedication and passion with which Elli and the whole team look after the animals. You can sense straight away that the animals\u2019 welfare comes first here. Every task, every encounter and every day had a purpose and showed me just how important sustainable wildlife conservation is. Working with the animals, being close to nature and living alongside people who share the same passion made this time truly unforgettable for me.    <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9c00bf8 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9c00bf8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-68a369f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"68a369f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0fe7a99 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0fe7a99\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1344efa elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1344efa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;zoomIn&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-zeit-mit-locals.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5150\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-zeit-mit-locals.webp 750w, https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-zeit-mit-locals-225x300.webp 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9055e8b elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"9055e8b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;zoomIn&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"563\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-safari.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5151\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-safari.webp 563w, https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-safari-211x300.webp 211w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 563px) 100vw, 563px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41e2810 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"41e2810\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1def9f7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1def9f7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>It\u2019s the little moments, above all, that have stayed with me: chopping fruit and vegetables together, cleaning the enclosures in the morning and getting soaking wet in the process, laughing together, or simply sitting there quietly and watching the animals. Feeling, over time, how the baby and young monkeys came to trust me more and more was something very special. Seeing how a cautious distance slowly turned into familiarity touched me deeply. Oh, sometimes I miss the sweet sounds of the little ones incredibly much.   <\/p><p>Outside of work, too, there were so many moments that made this time special: joint safaris in Kruger National Park, hikes to the waterfall and many lovely encounters with the locals. It was precisely these shared experiences, conversations and time spent together that showed me just how warm-hearted the local people are and made this trip something truly special, far beyond just a volunteering project. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0701614 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0701614\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52e39fc e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"52e39fc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fa08d5a e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"fa08d5a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1b7c7a3 elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1b7c7a3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;zoomIn&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"756\" height=\"1008\" src=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-babys-baden.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5152\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-babys-baden.webp 756w, https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-babys-baden-225x300.webp 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 756px) 100vw, 756px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a9cb8a1 elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"a9cb8a1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;zoomIn&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"756\" height=\"1008\" src=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-zeit-mit-affen.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5153\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-zeit-mit-affen.webp 756w, https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/helping-hands-for-wildlife-suedafrika-retreat-und-volunteering-zeit-mit-affen-225x300.webp 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 756px) 100vw, 756px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a9f9f2c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a9f9f2c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-10fb723 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"10fb723\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>After returning to Switzerland, I was unexpectedly overcome by a strong feeling of homesickness \u2013 for that place, the people, the animals and the special feeling that had accompanied me there. It quickly became clear to me: I have to go back. So I didn\u2019t hesitate for long and booked the group trip with Jana straight away.   <\/p><p>I\u2019m all the more delighted to be returning again this year and to be able to support Jana\u2019s group tour with all the experience and knowledge I\u2019ve gained so far. It feels very special to be able to give something back of what this place itself has given me. <\/p><p>South Africa has long been a country close to my heart, but through Helping Hands 4 Wildlife \u2013 thanks to Jana and Elli \u2013 I\u2019ve found my very own spiritual home.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b9788a1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b9788a1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>Martina, retreat participant and volunteer from Switzerland<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e9291c8 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e9291c8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5983a69 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5983a69\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-16481ccc elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"16481ccc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;zoomIn&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/helping-hands-4-wildlife-team-vervet.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-4387\" alt=\"Helping Hands for Wildlife Team Vervet\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/helping-hands-4-wildlife-team-vervet.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/helping-hands-4-wildlife-team-vervet-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/helping-hands-4-wildlife-team-vervet-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/helping-hands-4-wildlife-team-vervet-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/helping-hands-4-wildlife-team-vervet-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/helping-hands-4-wildlife-team-vervet-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ffe1a8e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ffe1a8e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-13f9c972 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"13f9c972\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Join our community<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-658d72bb elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"658d72bb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\" style=\"--divider-pattern-url: url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=&#039;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&#039; preserveAspectRatio=&#039;none&#039; overflow=&#039;visible&#039; height=&#039;100%&#039; viewBox=&#039;0 0 24 24&#039; fill=&#039;none&#039; stroke=&#039;black&#039; stroke-width=&#039;3&#039; stroke-linecap=&#039;square&#039; stroke-miterlimit=&#039;10&#039;%3E%3Cpath d=&#039;M0,6c6,0,0.9,11.1,6.9,11.1S18,6,24,6&#039;\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;);\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fb785e1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fb785e1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"173\" data-end=\"542\">Helping Hands for Wildlife thrives on the support of people who share our vision. #teamvervet brings together people from all over the world who want to take responsibility and make a real difference.  <\/p><p data-start=\"173\" data-end=\"542\"><strong>Join us on our journey \u2013 together, we\u2019ll give orphaned and injured animals a second chance.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-72507bba elementor-shape-circle elementor-grid-0 e-grid-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-social-icons\" data-id=\"72507bba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"social-icons.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-social-icons-wrapper elementor-grid\" role=\"list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-grid-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-icon elementor-social-icon elementor-social-icon-instagram elementor-repeater-item-9935700\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/helpinghands4wildlife\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-screen-only\">Instagram<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fab-instagram\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M224.1 141c-63.6 0-114.9 51.3-114.9 114.9s51.3 114.9 114.9 114.9S339 319.5 339 255.9 287.7 141 224.1 141zm0 189.6c-41.1 0-74.7-33.5-74.7-74.7s33.5-74.7 74.7-74.7 74.7 33.5 74.7 74.7-33.6 74.7-74.7 74.7zm146.4-194.3c0 14.9-12 26.8-26.8 26.8-14.9 0-26.8-12-26.8-26.8s12-26.8 26.8-26.8 26.8 12 26.8 26.8zm76.1 27.2c-1.7-35.9-9.9-67.7-36.2-93.9-26.2-26.2-58-34.4-93.9-36.2-37-2.1-147.9-2.1-184.9 0-35.8 1.7-67.6 9.9-93.9 36.1s-34.4 58-36.2 93.9c-2.1 37-2.1 147.9 0 184.9 1.7 35.9 9.9 67.7 36.2 93.9s58 34.4 93.9 36.2c37 2.1 147.9 2.1 184.9 0 35.9-1.7 67.7-9.9 93.9-36.2 26.2-26.2 34.4-58 36.2-93.9 2.1-37 2.1-147.8 0-184.8zM398.8 388c-7.8 19.6-22.9 34.7-42.6 42.6-29.5 11.7-99.5 9-132.1 9s-102.7 2.6-132.1-9c-19.6-7.8-34.7-22.9-42.6-42.6-11.7-29.5-9-99.5-9-132.1s-2.6-102.7 9-132.1c7.8-19.6 22.9-34.7 42.6-42.6 29.5-11.7 99.5-9 132.1-9s102.7-2.6 132.1 9c19.6 7.8 34.7 22.9 42.6 42.6 11.7 29.5 9 99.5 9 132.1s2.7 102.7-9 132.1z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-grid-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-icon elementor-social-icon elementor-social-icon-youtube elementor-repeater-item-1adc400\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@helpinghands4wildlife\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-screen-only\">Youtube<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fab-youtube\" viewBox=\"0 0 576 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M549.655 124.083c-6.281-23.65-24.787-42.276-48.284-48.597C458.781 64 288 64 288 64S117.22 64 74.629 75.486c-23.497 6.322-42.003 24.947-48.284 48.597-11.412 42.867-11.412 132.305-11.412 132.305s0 89.438 11.412 132.305c6.281 23.65 24.787 41.5 48.284 47.821C117.22 448 288 448 288 448s170.78 0 213.371-11.486c23.497-6.321 42.003-24.171 48.284-47.821 11.412-42.867 11.412-132.305 11.412-132.305s0-89.438-11.412-132.305zm-317.51 213.508V175.185l142.739 81.205-142.739 81.201z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>South Africa has long been a country close to my heart&#8230; &#8230;but through Helping Hands 4 Wildlife, I have found my very own place of peace. Even from a young age, it was clear to me that one day I would like to get involved in a voluntary project working with animals. Animals give us [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5154,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"elementor_header_footer","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5155","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-volunteering"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>South Africa has long been a country close to my heart, but through Helping Hands 4 Wildlife I have found my very own spiritual home. - HelpingHands4Wildlife | Wildlife Rehabilitation<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/helpinghands4wildlife.com\/en\/south-africa-has-long-been-a-country-close-to-my-heart-but-through-helping-hands-4-wildlife-i-have-found-my-very-own-spiritual-home\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"South Africa has long been a country close to my heart, but through Helping Hands 4 Wildlife I have found my very own spiritual home. - HelpingHands4Wildlife | Wildlife Rehabilitation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"South Africa has long been a country close to my heart&#8230; &#8230;but through Helping Hands 4 Wildlife, I have found my very own place of peace. 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