Veterinary and research experience with big cats and other wildlife (plus a safari in world-famous Kruger National Park)!
The South Africa Wildlife Research program is a two-week adventure of a lifetime that gives you the opportunity to learn with a teaching vet and the wildlife conservation team at a Big 5 Game Reserve, learn about African wildlife research and care, go on safari in the world-famous Kruger National Park, and take a wildlife research course taught by Loop vets. Selati Game Reserve is a wildlife game reserve that is home to wild elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, lions, and other African animal species. This program site does not have captive animals or a vet clinic on site. It offers a field course that is a combination of wildlife veterinary skills and research related to wildlife and conservation.
Who It’s For
This program is designed for university-aged students who are interested in becoming veterinarians or working professionally with animals. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Most are 18 to 25, but we also accept full-time undergraduates over 25.
You do not need to currently be in college, have a specific major or degree, or have any veterinary experience for either program. Individuals of any nationality may apply.
Each group of up to 12 students will have its own veterinarian.
Highlights
- Participate in a wildlife immobilization and procedure in the wild (eg lion, cheetah, rhino, etc)
- Learn and practice field research methods including wildlife tracking of elephants and big cats, elephant impact surveys, monitoring big cats and other animals in the wild, and more
- Learn about all aspects of care of managed wildlife populations on a game reserve
- Visit a nearby wildlife rehabilitation facility
- Go on a safari to Kruger National Park, perhaps the most well-known national park in South Africa
- Live on a game reserve that is home to South Africa’s “Big 5”, with ample opportunities for wildlife spotting
