HELEN MULRY review 7 May 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Do you know what... all of it! From the warm and friendly greeting from the team and volunteers to meeting the chimpanzees for the first time. I enjoyed every minute of every task and the local area is also stunning.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
1/ If you go early in the year (up to April) prepare for chilly mornings and evenings and warm days- so take layers
2/ To get the most from your stay learn some Spanish before you go.
3/ Take time to visit Girona - beautiful city
4/ Be prepared to want to return again, it’s that type of place - it gets under your skin :)
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Supported conservation
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic. I'm going to return again someday for sure!
Kathryn Dowling review 27 Oct 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Experiencing the chimps up close, especially at dinner time when they really exhibited their excitement, and then their contentment whilst eating, and finally settling down for the night. I also watched one of the chimps doing a cognitive test which she passed with flying colours! They all have their own individual personalities which is quite fascinating. It was also memorable and moving seeing the carers' dedication to these animals who are now receiving the love and proper care they need after, for many, a bad start in life.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
None, really - just be open and ready to 'muck in'. It will be enriching whatever you do. The hotel I stayed in - Hotel Peninsular - was good and not far from the station.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One of my better decisions! Lovely people doing a wonderful job with great animals and I felt very privileged. I want to return!
Beth Kilsby-Macnab review 22 Aug 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything! We learnt so much about primates - how they live, their relationships and hierarchies and how much time, effort and care is required from the wonderful staff, who work there, to ensure the primates now have the lives they deserve, after all having had dreadful past experiences before they were rescued. The most exciting moment for me was meeting the chimps on the first morning when they came out of their sleeping quarters. Priceless!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take some closed toe old shoes! I didn't, but Mona kindly lent me some, as you will be walking in the animal enclosures, (obviously prior to the primates being let out in the morning). Additionally, at the time we went, (July into August) it was meltingly hot, so I suggest taking a hat, as it isn't always easy to find a shady spot, as the sun moves around a lot.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Everything is about conservation of these wonderful animals. Their environment is made to be as enriching and similar to the experiences that they would have in the wild as possible. We spent money in the nearby town where we stayed of Girona, so that would have been of benefit to the local economy. I would say the sanctuary benefits the local environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I have done working holidays with animals before, but it was the first time for my husband and it was a joyful experience for both of us. The staff made sure we were catered for at all times. We could choose to be fully involved in all aspects of the primates care, but we were also given plenty of opportunities to relax and just observe the chimps and other monkeys displaying their natural behaviours. It was great to be able to learn to tell the chimps apart from each other and get to know their personalities - all very different.
A brilliant experience that I would recommend to all - if you visit please send my best to all the great staff and especially to Tony and Nico! All of the primates are special and fabulous in different ways, but Tony and Nico were the two chimps who totally stole my heart- beautiful animals!
Read the operator's response here:
Thank you very much Beth, for your kind words. We will pass it on to the chimps as well!
We are very happy to hear that you had such a great time, but honestly, it should be us who have to thank you two for your help at the centre and the love you show towards our residents.
We enjoyed having you over, it was a real pleasure working together with you and a great help for the keeper-team. More people always mean that more extras can be done for the chimps and sometimes fresh ideas allow us to develop new enrichment strategies for the animals.
In any case, thank you very much for everything and we hope to stay in touch and perhaps may welcome you one day again.
Maria Papaioannou-Moran review 25 Feb 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Getting close to the chimps at the sanctuary and helping the keepers look after them. We learnt so much about chimp behaviour but also about how badly people have treated and sometimes continue to treat them.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It is a working holiday - be prepared to work i.e. clean cages and prepare food! Also sort out your jabs - we didn’t manage to do this on time and had to wear masks a lot of the time when near the chimps - not nice in the heat!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10/10.
Patricia Thomas review 14 Aug 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being so close to the chimps and helping with the everyday upkeep. Hard work but really rewarding.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Stay for the longest time possible.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Certainly benefited the chimps and keepers as there can't be too many volunteers to help with the workload.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The experience of a lifetime. For me - a dream come true.
Joanne Horton review 26 Oct 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Feeding the chimps in the morning.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Get a hotel near to the train station in Girona as the walk back to our hotel after a long day was hard work.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
It definitely provided a better life for the rescued chimps. A lot of the volunteers we met at the sanctuary were Spanish students and this helped them with their studies and careers.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was great to have time to observe the chimps while helping out with their care. We got plenty of time and opportunity to contribute to the work.
Antje Müller review 1 Oct 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Without expectations, I arrived there. And the 4 days I spent there went by way too fast. I met wonderful, friendly, helpful people. The work there has given me a lot of fun. The people there do everything for the well-being of the animals. Each animal has its own sad story and each day was again exciting.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Enjoy the day. Wearing old clothes and sturdy shoes. Do not expect to play with the monkeys or to touch them, they are very dangerous.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes it is all reused and creatively processed and the local people are very helpful.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Interesting, extremely nice people to know, had a wonderful experience and receive recognition and thanks
Krystyna Gajda review 25 Feb 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the primates in their recovery, receiving great care and attention from the sanctuary staff and volunteers. I enjoyed preparing their food and enrichment activities, designed to make their lives more interesting. Each primate has a character and a story, and is now receiving the care towards a better life, although that life can never be in the wild. The time I spent seeing Amelia, one of the vets, trying to give a chimp, Africa, her medication, was very special, as she gained her trust and persevered gently and firmly. The staff know what they are doing and the volunteers are in good hands.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Wear old clothes and wellies or old sturdy shoes, take clothes to put on or take off as the weather can be cold in winter but you can warm up while working.
Don't expect to hold or play with chimps - they are unpredictable and the staff only have your interests and the animals' interests at heart. However, as a volunteer keeper, you are in a privileged position when it comes to access. You could watch the chimps all day. Be prepared to join in, although you are asked very kindly to say if there is anything you don't want to do.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, the sanctuary recycles everything, from yogurt pots to magazines. The fire service supplied old hoses to make hammocks! And the sanctuary also has good links with local businesses to obtain bread and fruits for the primates. Local schools also visit and forge links with the charity.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful, useful, very interesting, with lovely staff who make you feel valued.
Jane Perry review 19 Oct 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Every single moment of it. The staff and volunteers at the sanctuary carry out such dedication and care for the chimps and I thank them all for letting me have this wonderful experience. I plan to go back out, maybe next year. What a wonderful opportunity this was and these working weekends generate such a valuable income towards the sanctuary.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a packed lunch, old clothes to wear and Wellington boots. I can also happily recommend Hotel Peninsular as your accommodation in Gerona.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Not sure about the benefit to the local people, the chimps benefit though, as they have been rescued from appalling circumstances and now have a natural environment to be safe and very well cared for responsibly.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, I plan to go again and to send regular donations toward then running of the sanctuary. I have wonderful memories to share new friends. The staff and volunteers are very warm, welcoming and so very dedicated. All like minded-people should experience this working weekend. I thank the organisation and responsibletravel.com so much for my experience.
Helen Jones review 21 Oct 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the way the volunteers and keepers obviously enjoy the great work they do with the chimps and macaques. Also, seeing the difference in the chimps from the way they were when they arrived at the foundation to the way they interact wit each other now. It was a warming feeling to see how happy everybody was - keepers, volunteers and chimps!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take warm, old clothes. Be prepared to get stuck in. Don't be afraid to make suggestions when you're there. If you want to get a good night's sleep, don't stay at the Girona youth hostel; it might be cheap but it's so close to the Cathedral you'll hear the bells ring every fifteen minutes if you even a slightly light sleeper.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I can see that the holiday definitely benefited the charity, seeing how heavily they rely on donations to keep things running. I don't know about minimising impacts on the environment, although the charity does recycle and re-use as much as it can.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An excellent, worthwhile holiday where you can feel like you give at least a little bit back to the world we take so much from.
Emma Fairlamb review 30 Sep 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Having the opportunity to spend so much time in close proximity to the chimps and getting to know their individual characters.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Watch out for chimps armed with orange peel! Seriously: bring comfy clothes you don't mind getting dirty,
be prepared to work long hours, and don't forget to bring your lunch and drinks with you.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely felt we made a contribution
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing
Hedda Walker review 13 Aug 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all a fantastic experience and we've come home with so many great memories and photographs. The best part was having the time to observe the chimps - their individual personalities really do become apparent. We arrived at a very interesting time as the chimp groups (which had previously been kept separately) had just been introduced to each other and were beginning their process of learning to socialise within a larger, mixed group. We were made to feel very welcome at the centre and our contributions to the daily tasks were valued. The staff look after the animals so well.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to join in with all tasks - even helping to clean out the cage wasn't too bad! Remember to pack your lunch and snacks - it's quite a long day. Be prepared for your legs to ache at the end of the day. Practice your throwing skills - you'll find out why if you book this trip!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We like to think that we were of help to the excellent staff and volunteers who run this centre so well. We also know that the tasks we completed were all for the benefit of the primates; who deserve this care so much.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant, we intend to visit again!
Thien-Ly Ngo review 5 Dec 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The opportunity to learn and interact with the chimps. They were nervous about us on the first day and we really got to see how they planned actions out, interacted amongst themselves, and were curious about us. The volunteers and staff are very wonderful people who really do care about the chimps and would do anything for their well-being. It was a great feeling to come home tired, dirty, and sore for the sake of the chimpanzees and macaus.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Wear old clothes and pack your lunch!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely. They needed all the help they could get, and with the added help of just two volunteers, we were able to redesign an entire enclosure for the macaus! What a great way to contribute as a part of our stay.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
TERRIFIC. The staff really made a difference in how we were able to help out. They explained everything and allowed us to use our own creativity to contribute as well.
Claire Murray review 29 Aug 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole thing really. It was all just amazing.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to muck in and do as many different jobs as you can to get the most satisfaction and reward from your holiday.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I certainly hope so and it will benefit the chimps who had previously come from lives of awful abuse and neglect to a place where they are so obviously loved and well looked after by the keepers.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One of the most amazing experiences I have had. To be that close to such wonderful animals and have the chance to observe their behaviour was incredible.
Fiona Buck review 27 Oct 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable aspects of the trip were spending time watching the animals especially when they have their evening meal, getting to know their individual characters and hearing about the journeys they were on before they arrived at the centre. I was also impressed by the longer term volunteer staff and the vet (Amelia)/keeper (Christina) their commitment is great and I came away hoping that I had helped out in some small way to the work that they all do!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Volunteers need to be prepared to do the grotty bits - cleaning the cages in the morning but these are countered by helping to make 'enrichment' tasks, hammocks and watching the chimps during the day and at the evening mealtime. It is a long day on site, we usually finished at 7-7.30 starting at 9 but it wasn’t a problem. It is important to listen carefully to the briefing and be cautious around the animals at all times. Be prepared to be enthralled by the chimpanzees!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I felt very welcome at the centre and that the staff wanted me to understand the work they are doing as well as for me to contribute to the daily workload and the more fun aspects!
I felt that the centre is well run and the animals are cared to the highest standard and it was great to feel part of team even if it was for a short time... I felt like my volunteer payment will be going to good use, it was nice to leave Spain feeling I had contributed something to the local environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I have come home with great memories and I hope I can find time to go and help again... Although my Spanish/Catalan was hopeless!- I found the staff welcoming, there were enough people who spoke English and we managed the rest of time in various ways! I enjoyed the experience and if someone is prepared to do the work, they will have a great trip.
Marjolein Alting review 7 Jan 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being close to the chimpansees and having the opportunity to learn more about their behaviour and different personalities. Sometimes I felt the animals were as interested to observe me as I was to observe them! Everybody at the centre was very friendly and willing to teach me everything. They made me feel part of the team, even though I only stayed for two days. The work at the centre is very practical and you really feel you are helping out.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t expect to work hands on with the animals. However, working for them and observing their behaviour is very rewarding and a unique experience.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Working as a volunteer improves the centres income, so it was very beneficial
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a great short term volunteer holiday and I can recommend it to everyone.
Julie Macdonald review 24 Oct 2007
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Getting the opportunity to spend two days so close to the chimps. Two days was enough to get to know the names and personalities of the 14 chimps and for them to accept my presence. It was incredible to look into the eyes of the chimps and watch their behaviour. I also found the working aspect very enjoyable, especially cleaning the sleeping enclosures - something which quite surprised me!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't expect to get too close to the chimps on the first day. They can be nervous and aggressive with newcomers. The second day is likely to be much more involved and enjoyable. The more you put in, the more you'll get out of the experience. The staff and other volunteers (six month placements) are very friendly and helpful.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
It definitely benefited the chimp sanctuary as the two-day volunteer placements provide them with a large part of their income, which will go in time to building further outside and inside enclosures, so that more chimps can be rescued. Currently the sanctuary is at capacity and cannot take more chimps, despite there being many more to be rescued. The money from this holiday really does help.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic. A brilliant opportunity and one that I fully expect to do again.
