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"I could not have asked for a better experience - the staff were all so knowledgeable and the hands-on activities we were able to participate in were absolutely incredible.  I can’t recommend this experience any more highly.”  Sarah

One of Africa’s finest private game reserves, Shamwari is home to the coveted Big 5 and a wide range of other iconic African species.  What better location for students to learn veterinary related wildlife, reserve and conservation management during this 2 week specialist program, working alongside world renowned African wildlife veterinarian, Dr Johan Joubert and his award winning wildlife conservation and veterinary team.

3 start dates are available each year (1st, 15th and 29th June 2020), all offering participants a combination of veterinary and conservation activities, with each group limited to 10 students, ensuring participants a more focussed experience.  The first two dates are for veterinary students studying science, nursing and related disciplines.  The 3rd program is also suitable for pre-vet, animal sciences and animal management students.  Make use of your participation to meet EMS or related study requirements and to add to your CV.

The specialist team offers participants a balanced learning and upskilling experience, with a keen focus on hands-on participation through practical tasks as well as through observation.  Lectures and interactive talks are presented and hosted by members of the Veterinary, Conservation and Anti-Poaching teams.

Extend your stay by combining your 2 weeks veterinary program with a week or more of general wildlife volunteering on the reserve.

Snapshot

  • 2020 Dates: 31 May-15 Jun, 14-29 Jun, 28Jun – 13 Jul
  • Pricing:
    • 2 weeks Veterinary program from AU$4,395
    • 3 weeks (inc 1 week volunteer program) from AU$5,345
    • 4 weeks (inc 2 weeks volunteer program) from AU$6,295
  • Minimum Age : 18
  • What’s included: Return airport transfers, accommodation, all meals and activities
  • Accommodation: Twin / triple-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms
  • Food:  Three catered meals per day are provided
Practical Experience
  • Wildlife drives on reserve
  • Assistance with immobilisations
  • Health-checks and translocations
  • Visits to Shamwari Rehab Centre and Born Free Sanctuary
  • Basic veterinary care and treatment of community animals
  • Mass capture and translocation of antelope
  • Target shooting with dart gun – both on foot and from helicopter
  • Necropsies

​Lectures & group discussions
  • Role of the veterinarian on game reserves
  • Wildlife management, monitoring and ecology
  • Species identification
  • Game capture techniques (mass capture, passive capture, chemical immobilisation)
  • Game translocation
  • Immobilising drugs, darting and translocation equipment
  • Husbandry of captured animals
  • Important infectious diseases of wildlife
  • Wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife rehabilitation
  • Community work at disadvantaged communities
  • Poaching and veterinary implications of survivors of poaching incidents