"The trip was absolutely fantastic! I am still in awe of the animals we saw and experiences we took part in.”Jasmine
Designed for students, vet nurses / techs or anyone with a keen interest in African wildlife, this special Wildlife Rehabilitation Experience is the ideal program for those interested in pursuing a career in veterinary wildlife or zoology fields.
Participants will gain first-hand experience of wildlife husbandry in sessions led by the most experienced members of the sanctuary team. You’ll gain an understanding of species-specific behaviours and learn about the role of the sanctuary in rescue, rehabilitation and release through a busy itinerary packed with theory and practical sessions. Furthermore, this group will get a front-row seat for any unexpected veterinary activities going on during their visit, including call-outs and rescues.
Offered twice each year, in February and September, the program is capped at 10 participants per intake. The 2 week Wildlife Rehab Experience can easily be combined with a week or more of general wildlife volunteering at the sanctuary and/or time spent at one of the remote wildlife research project locations around Namibia.
Activities and lectures included in the Rehab Experience are: - Introduction to animal husbandry - Nutritional components and importance - Small mammal feeding - Small mammal anatomy and species specific information - Stages of rehabilitation and what it involves - Ethics and welfare - Ethical debate practical - Visual animal assessments (BCS) - Carnivore feeding and species specific information - Post-release monitoring - VHF reserve tracking - Kill-site investigation (only if collar cluster points dictate) - Ethology - Enrichment - Baboon walk and primate specific information - Conservation laws - Zoonosis