THE INTRODUCTION TO CONSERVATION MEDICINE PROGRAM

This is a two-week course specifically tailored to veterinary students. There are a maximum of 12 students per course. You will accompany the veterinary and game capture teams on call-outs, and we endeavour to give you the maximum practical opportunities, allowing you to participate in all procedures.

The course has both theoretical and practical components. The WVC veterinary team will try to cover as much of the theory as possible through structured lectures. Still, this may only sometimes be feasible, as the program will focus on practical field experience. There will be some fixed sessions, including pathology lectures and a dedicated day for the veterinary care of reptiles.

At least one visit during your stay will be to offer primary veterinary health care to the communities on the border of the Kruger National Park. You will also be able to work with cattle, goats, and dogs in the human-wildlife conflict areas and learn how vital disease control is.

During the course you will also have the chance to go on a game drive in the magnificent Kruger National Park and explore some of the best panoramic views the beautiful Province of Mpumalanga has to offer!

AMENITIES

For the duration of the course you will stay on our farm, in the “Africa House.” There are two large rooms with five beds each and two smaller rooms with two beds each. We may have to spend a night out occasionally, depending on the work schedule. If we have to travel for work, we will organize the necessary accommodation at no extra fee.

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO APPLY

  • You must be a veterinary student.

  • Candidates must have a particular interest in wildlife medicine and conservation.

  • Candidates must be comfortable with remote living and limited amenities.

  • Candidates must have a good level of fitness and mobility.

  • Candidates must be proficient in English.

COST OF COURSE

The cost will be US$ 4000 per student for the course. (Unfortunately, we do not offer discounts for a shorter stay.)

Early Bird Special Offer - all students who apply and pay their deposits before end August 2024 qualify for the $3800 discounted rate, per student, per course.

Once your application is approved, you must pay a US$ 2000 deposit immediately to secure your spot. (Early Bird deposit $1800).

(Banking Details will be on your invoice. Deposits are non-refundable.)

Your application turnaround period is three to four days. If you have not heard from us, you are welcome to follow up via mail: sourcetreecourses@wildlifevets.net

The final outstanding balance of the course fees is to be paid 60 days before the start date of your course.

The final payment is not refundable if you cancel your trip 30 days or less before arrival.

INCLUDED :

  • Collection and drop-off at KMIA Airport or City Bug/Lime Time bus stops in Mbombela

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided with daily snacks

-(there is a R1500-00 surcharge fee for students with specific dietary requirements)

  • Weekly change of towels

  • WIFI

  • Wildlifevets.com scrub top to wear during fieldwork

  • Laundry (only on the middle Friday of the course): any extra loads will be charged an additional R500.00 cash per extra laundry bag.

EXCLUDED :

  • Travel Costs to and from South Africa

We would like to hear from you if you are interested in the Introduction to Conservation Medicine Course.

Please send an email to sourcetreecourses@wildlifevets.net

INTRODUCTION TO CONSERVATION MEDICINE COURSE

QUICK FACTS:

During the course, participants can expect to receive lectures and practical experience in the following aspects:

  • Practical demonstrations and active participation in fieldwork

  • Various Capture Methods – Mass Capture, Chemical Capture, Passive Capture

  • Basic Applied physiology

  • Basic Pharmacological principles from injection to recovery

  • Current and new pharmacological preparations

  • Equipment- darting with a range of projectors

  • Basic principles of immobilization

  • Species-specific information

  • Problems under anesthesia

  • Confined space darting

  • Conservation strategies in South Africa

The course takes in a relatively relaxed environment with some very intense days during captures. Participants will be based at Ngongoni Lodge, Mpumalanga. Transport is provided on a bus, with a very friendly and competent team leader at the group’s side, who will instruct and ensure safety during captures.

Duration: 13 Days – Arriving on a Sunday afternoon and departing a fortnight later on a Saturday morning, after breakfast.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

  • Course Cost – US $4000.00 (Early Bird Special Offer of $3800 valid till end August 2024)

  • Duration – 13 Days

  • Accommodation – Included

  • Meals – Included

  • Transport from/to Airport – Provided (Kruger Mpumalanga Int Airport)

  • Visit to Kruger – Included

  • Do I get to do hands-on work or watch? – Better get ready to work!

  • This is a hands-on working experience. You will be part of our team in the field doing REAL veterinary work!

  • Will I learn, grow, and have a good time? – Definitely!

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WILDLIFEVETS.COM INTRODUCTION TO CONSERVATION MEDICINE COURSES CALENDAR:

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YOUR TRIP TO AFRICA

Please read through the following section carefully!!!

Traveling to a new continent can be daunting. The following guidelines will help you plan your trip.

FEES

  • Once your application is approved, you must immediately pay the deposit ($2000.00 USD) to secure your seat. Banking details will be on your invoice. Deposits are non-refundable.

  • Application turnaround times are about three to four days. If you have not heard from us, you can follow up via mail: sourctreecourses@wildlifevets.net.

  • The final outstanding balance must be paid 60 days before the start date of your course.

  • The final payment is not refundable if you cancel your trip 30 days or less before arrival.

  • Any non-regular diets incur a ZAR1500 surcharge per person and must be settled on arrival.

FLIGHTS

  • Flights are not included in the course fees.

  • Fly from your country of origin to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa.

  • Should you need to stay in Johannesburg, please stay close to the airport and use the hotel's shuttle service. Be aware of whom you use for transport to travel efficiently and safely. City Lodge Hotel at O.R. International Airport.

  • Then you have two options:

    • After a long flight, the quickest option is to take a connecting flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA). For more information, visit the airport website.

    • Take the Lime Time or City Bug bus shuttle to Nelspruit. Lime Time & City Bug Bookings

  • Whatever you decide, give us your arrival times, and we will pick you up from either KMIA or the respective bus stop in Nelspruit. Please send us your itinerary via mail as soon as you’ve booked: sourctreecourses@wildlifevets.net.

  • A tip when landing in South African airports. Porters (usually in orange uniforms) might offer to assist you with your luggage. We advise you to handle your own luggage, be firm, and say “no” to their services. If you use their services, R10 is a fair gratuity fee.

  • There are well-signed airport information desks if you’re unsure where to go.

  • Please lock/wrap your checked-in luggage at your point of origin and label it with your name and phone number/email address.

  • We have a high rate of petty crime, so please always look after your valuables. Always keep an eye on your bags, don’t leave anything lying around, and keep cash, phones, and cameras on your person, not in plain view (“what the eyes don’t see, the heart won’t want”). Do not put expensive belongings in your check-in luggage.

  • Let your folks know you will most likely get hold of them a day or so after you arrive here. They are welcome to contact us via email at sourcetreecourses@wildlifevets.net to check if you have arrived safe and sound.

  • Very important: Keep all your electronics, a change or two of clothing, and your essentials in your carry-on, as luggage may be delayed. If your luggage is delayed/missing on arrival, make sure you report it to your airline, get a tracking/reference number, get the name of the person you reported it to and their telephone number, and give that person my contact details: Michelle Raath, Wildlifevets.com, sourcetreecourses@wildlifevets.net, telephone +27 79 497 9297.

GENERAL

  • You’ll be arriving in our winter season. Days are warm—up to 27° Celsius. Nights and mornings can be very cold—down to 5° Celsius (that’s cold for us!). We suggest that you plan to dress in layers that you can remove or add as needed. Bring a warm jacket/coat!

  • If you forget something, you’ll most likely be able to buy it from a store at OR Tambo International Airport or a store in Nelspruit if the program schedule allows time.

  • You’ll be staying at Ngongoni Lodge. We are located on a game farm in a rural area. Due to busy course schedules, limited vehicles, and our location, we can’t just “nip into town.” We do NOT recommend/or accommodate visits to bars/clubs in the evenings. All evening activities are based on the farm, unless it is necessary to sleep out due to capture logistics.

  • We always advise that students visit their doctor and get a broad-spectrum antibiotic, JUST IN CASE! Also, get a pro-biotic for your tummy.

  • We do not require any vaccinations for your visit (it is best to have your COVID-19 vaccine before you travel), but check with your doctor about your home country's requirements for re-entry. We would prefer you have rabies vaccinations as you may work with dogs in rural communities.

  • The lodge is not located in a Malaria area. You may/may not enter areas with Malaria, but a good repellent is the best defense. We do not take Malaria medication ourselves. For more info, please visit this site.

  • Be aware of the medication you take – it is not always necessary, and the side effects may prevent you from having the best experience on the course.

SOUTH AFRICA

  • PLEASE NOTE: You will be attending the course in South Africa, a country in Africa, NOT Southern Africa, which refers to a region of Africa. South Africa is a well-developed country with excellent infrastructure. This also means that we are not affected by most of the issues you might encounter in the media regarding Africa. If you are unsure of anything, you can check with us directly.

  • Wild animals do not run around our streets. They are encountered in wildlife areas, parks, farms, and sanctuaries. Our cities are much like yours, just smaller.

  • Our currency is Rand (ZAR). Check out the latest exchange rate here. Most stores accept Mastercard and Visa. Don’t carry more than R200.00 cash on you. It is not safe or necessary. ATMs are at most filling stations if you need to draw more money. 

  • We have 11 official languages in South Africa. Swahili is not one of them.

  • We work on 220V – 240V AC @ 50Hz. We have a type M wall socket. We advise you to buy these converters at a South African airport. 

  • Our country is almost double the size of Texas. Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Swaziland border us.

  • Transport

    • Taxis in South Africa offer transportation to and from rural areas, and we do not recommend using them at all.

    • You can find relatively cheap flights to any airport in South Africa.

    • We drive on the left-hand side of the road. Our roads (highways and national roads) are well maintained, clearly marked, tar roads. It is easy to self-drive here, but be aware of traveling at night, and calculated navigation is essential.

    • Trains are not the safest means of travel unless you use the luxury lines. The Gautrain can take you from the OR Tambo airport to destinations in Pretoria and Johannesburg.

    • If using a bus, use reliable shuttles like Lime Time, or City Bug.

    • We provide all your transport during the course, in a small bus.

  • During the course, you are in our care, and we make every effort to ensure your safety and well-being. Please do not arrange private trips with friends or other operators during the course.

  • No one is permitted to leave the group during the course or on captures with anyone who does NOT work for Wildlifevets.com.

YOUR STAY

  • Don’t worry—you won't stay in a tent in the bush amongst the lions!

  • Accommodation is shared in 2 large rooms with five beds each and two smaller rooms with two beds. A lounge in the middle has a fireplace and a pool table.

  • There is WiFi throughout the lodge. However, it is not as fast as you might be used to, as there are no phone lines here, and we have to use radio networks.

  • Although we provide an internet connection on our farm so you can communicate from your devices, activating your international roaming while you are still in the States is advisable. We provide free Wi-Fi at our main lodge. Our primary service provider is Vodacom: www.vodacom.co.za.

  • You are welcome to run early in the morning or late afternoon. The farm lies within the Crocriver Mountain Conservancy, so the elevation changes slightly. Go with a buddy!

  • Bring enough clothes for seven days. We will then take your clothes to a laundromat to be washed.

  • We have credit card facilities at the lodge. We accept only Mastercard and Visa.

  • If we have time in the afternoons, we will take you to one of the farm's hilltops for a sundowner in the bush.

BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR COURSE

TESTIMONIALS

  • “ Working with Wildlife Vets SA was such an incredible experience! It was everything from learning about the animals in the classroom to working with them hands on! This trip allowed me to see and work with some amazing animals like giraffes, rhinos, leopards, and so much more! Everyone treated us like family and always made sure we were taken care of! I learned so much over the two weeks and found that I truly have a passion for wildlife medicine! This was an experience of a lifetime and I hope I can relive it again!”

    Rachel Hively - April Ross 2024

  • “I was initially hesitant to invest in this trip, but after speaking with a KSU student who had gone in 2023, I was encouraged that it would be valuable, adventurous and fun! I’ve traveled to and worked in several countries in Africa and was most afraid of being disappointed. I couldn’t have been more wrong! Wildlife Vets has curated an incredible team of professionals who are sincerely interested in inspiring veterinary students to learn more about wildlife vetmed, and each of the daily activities planned lend to that goal. During my two week stay with Wildlife Vets SA, I was able to watch an attempted hippo rescue, dehorn rhinos (in anti-poaching efforts), learn to make darts and use a variety of dart guns, participate in an impala necropsy, help process African wild dogs and Cape buffalo and blesbok for transport. We enjoyed some incredibly instructive and interesting lectures in pharmacology and pathology. And there were two days devoted to herps and reptiles! If you’re looking for an intensely hands-on experience, interaction with veterinarians who are experts in the field of wildlife medicine yet still incredibly kind and humble, and a stay in a comfortable resort with delicious catered meals, then please put this trip on your radar! It is worth every penny! And, if you need help planning your travel to and from Nelspruit, SA, reach out, as I’d be glad to help!!

    Dr Emily McLeod, DC, cAVCA, cIVCA, MTAA

    KSU CVM | DVM Candidate | Class of 2027

    Intro Course 26 May to 8 June 2024

  • “The wildlife vets course changed my life. I found my passion and love for wildlife conservation and medicine through this course and learned from the very best in the industry. I’ve spent several years working alongside many of their vets and their incredible team which has been a dream come true. I will forever be grateful for the knowledge, experiences, friendships and personal growth I’ve experienced through Wildlife Vets”

    Dr Kelly Zier, DVM - August Ross 2015, Internship 2016 & 2019

  • “This was a 10/10 no…. 20/10 experience. I never thought I’d take an opportunity to actually work with African wildlife before in my life but when the opportunity became available, I jumped at it. And thanks to this great organization I got to have a great experience. I loved everything about the trip from the experiences with the animals to the travel excursions they took us on, everything was great I never took so many photos in my life. What also makes the course so great is that you’ll get plenty of hands on experience but you don’t know what you’ll work with or what you’ll do which makes your experience different than everybody else before and after you. The staff were also really friendly and nice which helped make the course more enjoyable and the vets Hayden and Chris were phenomenal instructors. They were extremely knowledgeable and answered any questions we had, and you can tell they have a real passion for the field they work in that it radiates off of them. I never really thought about wildlife medicine much only wanted to experience working with the wildlife of Africa in person, but they opened my eyes to this field and make me want to consider it. Or at the very least I know I want to work with these animals every few years to get this experience again. Even if you leave the program not wanting to work with these animals or wildlife again, I can promise you that you’ll enjoy the experience and won’t regret it.”

    Nichols Drew-White - SGU - 16 to 29 June 2024

  • "Going to South Africa and working with Wildlife Vets was nothing short of spectacular. From lectures in pathology and pharmacology, to dart practice, to riding in the back of a truck chasing buffalo, and everything in between, Wildlife Vets gave me an experience I could have never imagined. I was fortunate to interact with reptiles, wild dogs, leopards, impala, blesbok, and more. The entire staff made me feel comfortable and welcome from the moment we met. I can't wait to be back!"

    Faith Frey - SGU - 26 May to 8 June 2024

  • "Wildlife Vets confirmed my interest in wildlife medicine with their strong devotion to my education during my time in South Africa. The whole team was very kind and were always willing to teach me about the profession. I got outstanding hands-on experience that you can’t normally get. I look forward to returning to South Africa in the future and working closely again with Wildlife Vets."

    Jack Warmflash - SGU- 26 May to 8 June Intro Course 2024

  • "My time spent with Wildlife Vets was definitely a time to remember. From the moment we set foot in South Africa, they treated us like family and welcomed us with open arms. The experiences and memories from that trip was unforgettable. Being able to work with animals ranging from rhinos to giraffes and even leopards was incredible. I would highly recommend going to South Africa and experiencing this amazing trip. I am truly thankful to Wildlife vets for the chance to live out my dreams and further reinforce my love for wildlife. "

    Camryn Pelitere - April Ross 2024

  • "My trip with the wildlife vet organization was amazing! It was a two-week experience for veterinary students to work with the wildlife veterinarians in South Africa. It was a really cool opportunity to meet veterinary students from other schools. We stayed on the farm, which contains its own wildlife as well as a beautiful lodge and dining area. The wildlife you get to work with depends on what jobs come up within the practice. However, no matter what job pops up, you get hands on experience. My group had the opportunity to work with water buffalo, leopards, giraffe, cheetahs, wildebeest, Impala, and crocodiles. We also had a community day where we went to a local village to assist with vaccinating and treating cattle and dogs. Along with great wildlife veterinary experience, we got to experience various tourist attractions as well. We had a day trip to Kruger National Park where we went on a safari, and a day trip to the local natural wonders. We also had several different lecture sessions to provide greater understanding of the area’s conservation challenges, the medication the veterinarians use, and how pathology is crucial in wildlife management. The staff are great, and the wildlife veterinarians are so knowledgeable and make the experience really fun. This was my first experience traveling internationally outside of the United States, and I did so on my own, so I was a little worried about safety initially. However, I felt safe the entire trip and made great friends along the way. I highly recommend taking this trip if you are contemplating!"

    Rosalie Gudd - K-State - 16 to 29 June 2024