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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 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 offered in June each year, offering participants a combination of veterinary and conservation activities, with a maximum of 10 each time for a more focussed experience.  Suitable for vets, vet nurses, vet techs, pre-vet and students studying vet science, nursing and other related disciplines such as animal sciences and animal management.

The specialist support 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.

Combine your 2 weeks veterinary program with a week or more of general wildlife volunteering on the reserve, either before or afterwards.

Snapshot

  • 2022 Dates: 30 May - 13 Jun, 13-27 Jun, 27 Jun – 11 July
  • 2023 Dates: 29 May - 12 Jun, 12-26 Jun, 26 Jun – 10 July
  • Pricing:
    • 2 weeks Veterinary program AU $5,395 
    • 3 weeks (inc 1 week volunteer prog) ​AU $6,845 
    • 4 weeks (inc 2 weeks volunteer prog) AU $7,995 
  • 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