Wildlife Vet Experience
If you’ve been searching online for wildlife vet opportunities to gain some in-person, practical experience, you may be restricted by the cost or quality of the options out there. For this reason, we’ve designed an exclusive package just for vets-in-training that is both affordable and of high quality. It’s built around our principles of collaboration, credibility, and accessibility by connecting communities and exceptional projects and experts while not sacrificing some of the fantastic food and accommodation that South Africa has to offer.
How it works
Selecting only 8 students per two weeks, the wildlife vet experience will bring the wildlife vet online course to life with a tour of projects, reserves plus wildlife vet shadowing. The experience includes the following highlights:
- Inspiring project and reserve visits
- Credible wildlife vets
- Practical clinical EMS and AHEMS sign-offs
- 24-hour support crew
- Professional airport pick up and drop off
- Complementing activities and conservation topics
- Delicious South African food
- And fantastic reserve accommodation
Dates
2022-2023
Group tailor-made bookings are available on request (minimum 8 ppl) ➜ Register your interest here.
Costs
2023-2024
Starting at £170 GBP / $210 USD / *R3400 ZAR (subject to change) per day for 15 days.
*Rate based on required South African Rand and therefore international currencies subject to change.
Arrival
JOBURG O.R. TAMBO AIRPORT
Sunday arrival at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport (or when possible / if advised – Hoedspruit Airport) where you will be collected by our team (please arrive by 10:30 am at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport on your arrival day in order to meet our transfer time).
Hoedspruit Airport is reached via a 1-hour connecting flight from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport.
Contact us for details and help coordinating flight arrivals and departures.
Projects
WEEK 1
WILDLIFE VET SHADOW AND RESERVE MANAGEMENT
Focus – Shadow an experienced wildlife vet
Wildlife Vet – Dr Chris Boshoff and Dr Peter Rogers (when available).
Summary – Observe / participate in clinical procedures, observe darting / capture techniques, helicopter darting (optional add-on). We aim to include the following – Assist with rehabilitation, Human-wildlife conflict, anti-poaching, and conservation techniques, Husbandry skills – handling, Husbandry skills – observation. When possible – Husbandry skills – physical exam, Husbandry skills – reproduction, Husbandry skills – routine health care.
WEEK 2
CONSERVATION IN THE COMMUNITY
Focus – Wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife orphanage, community education, and cheetah breeding
Projects – Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre plus Daktari Bush School and Nourish
Summary – Monitoring and care of Cheetah, Wild Dogs, White Rhino, Lion, African Wild Cats, Ground Hornbills, Sable Antelope, and more, feeding and assisting with or observing veterinary activities, learning about cheetah breeding, learning about hospital equipment, feeding rhinos, lions and leopard. When possible – Vaccination of cheetahs, Lime Sulphur treatment of cheetahs, Treatment of antelope for internal and external parasites. More details here.
Topics
We aim to include and allow you to sign off the below topics. Please note that when working with wildlife, wildlife vets, and wildlife conservation there are times when ethics or circumstances do not always allow schedules to run according to plan.
CLINICAL EMS:
Observe / participate in clinical procedures
Observe darting / capture techniques
Helicopter darting (optional add-on)
HUSBANDRY SKILLS:
Wildlife handling
Wildlife observation
Wildlife physical exam
Wildlife and / or captive routine health care
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION:
Assist with wildlife rehabilitation
Human-wildlife conflict, anti-poaching, and conservation techniques
CONSERVATION IN THE COMMUNITY:
Wildlife education
Environmental conservation
Accommodation
(Subject to Change in 2023)
SELWANE LODGE
Read more about Selwane Nature Reserve, River Lodge accommodation here.
BUNDOX TENTED CAMP
Read more about Bundox Explorer Tented Camp accommodation here.
Support
PRE, DURING, POST TRIP SUPPORT
Consult our Travel Advice here and also refer to Government advice and regulations around COVID (South Africa here and UK here) and prepare your Declaration for Travel if required.
The best way to prepare for this experience is to take our Wildlife Vet Online course and read about our partners.
How To Book:
1. Register here.
2. Once your initial registration has been approved you will be invited to set up an interview here.
3. A deposit request to secure your spot will be sent to you.
4. Personalised support then follows – this includes payments plans and trip planning. Online planning available here.
DROP DOWN ONLINE APPLICATION ALSO BELOW
“The whole process of getting a spot was easy and straightforward. I’m really looking forward to the trip, I know I’ll be with knowledgeable people the whole time and learn a great deal. It will be a great experience for an aspiring wildlife vet.“
– Emily / BVSc University of Edinburgh
“Such an amazing opportunity and the application process couldn’t have been easier or more reassuring! All questions or queries are responded to very quickly and the team is super friendly and helpful in walking you through each detail involved in arranging your trip. If you are thinking of applying, definitely just go for it and you will not regret it.“
– Izzie / BVSc University of Nottingham
WHY CHOOSE THE EXPEDITION PROJECT?
As a social enterprise, we are unique in our community partnerships and project spending. Additionally, our expeditions include donations and community support, carbon offset via tree plantings and local business partnerships. Where your money goes is very important to us! Continue reading – click here.
OBJECTIVES, VISIONS AND WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
The EXPEDITION Project works with organizations, NPOs, charities, social enterprises, and small businesses to create a reliable network across South Africa for all to use as a ‘how, what, where, who’ resource. Our vision is to contribute meaningfully to sustainable rural communities, food security, and improved quality of life for all South Africans. Continue reading – click here.
COVID-19 TRAVEL UPDATES
It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure that all COVID-related requirements as well as passport and visa requirements are met prior to travel. The Expedition Project cannot be held responsible for the traveler being denied boarding / entry due to incorrect / insufficient documentation.
Please note that it is your responsibility to make sure you will be allowed entry into South Africa with all relevant documents and COVID-19 tests complete (if applicable).
Look out for updates on entry requirements – click here. Continue reading – click here.
Get prepared with Wildlife Vet Online!
Wildlife Vet Online is not just for wildlife vets, or aspiring wildlife vets, it is suitable for all interested in conservation, ecology and veterinary medicine.
Join Wildlife Vet Online
Modules / Species topics available individually or as a complete course.
Make sure you purchase a membership plan before you make a purchase if you want discounts.
South African?
Get your SA membership plan for FREE here for discounted purchases!
Make sure you register your SA membership before you make a purchase if you want discounts.
Membership Options
Choose from FREE to paid memberships in order to access more opportunities and member discounts.
Make sure you purchase a membership plan before you make a purchase if you want discounts.
