The goal of the African Wildlife Rehab and Release is to receive, triage, rehab and then release a wide variety of wildlife that is injured in Kruger Park and surrounding areas. This project also has a special focus on endangered species and is part of a country-wide rehabilitation network.
What will I be doing?
This is a hands-on experiential internship. As an intern, you'll actively participate in captive animal care, conservation and education activities.
A typical week may include:
preparation and delivery of food to hippos, mongooses, antelope, cats and other animals, emergency responses to injured animals, participating in physical exams and medical procedures, maintenance of the rehabilitation center and the enclosures, taking pangolins on walks to forage for ants, and attending lectures about conservation, anatomy and physiology, wildlife crime, and ecology
as with all field work, weather and local conditions play a role in the schedule and can lead to last minute changes in the planned activities
What will I learn?
Previous interns often tell us that the biggest impact of these internship programs are the increase in self-confidence, the ability to get out of your comfort zone, the cultural learning, and the friendships made.
Below, are the methods and focus areas that are currently a priority at the project.
Methods:
Animal husbandry and handling skills for a wide variety of African organisms
Walking pangolins during evening foraging periods
Learning proper feeding techniques and supplementation for ideal health with bottle feeding and hand feeding
Assessing body condition, health, and learning veterinarian techniques
Learning to identify species of local plants and animals
Monitoring behavior of organisms to assess assimilation into groups and to determine release timing
Maintaining enclosures to ensure animal safety and health
Focus Areas:
How do we develop and present enrichment to captive animals?
What physiological problems are common in captive animals and how do we prevent and monitor for them?
What is the role of the illegal pet trade on endangered species and conservation?
How can policy changes, like electric fence height, be changed to lessen impacts on wildlife?
What previous experience or skills do I need?
General interest in African wildlife, veterinary skills, and captive animal management Interns need to show enthusiasm, positivity, maturity, and independence, adaptability, and willingness to work in a team
You will be living at the rehabilitation center near Tzaneen, South Africa. The drive from Johannesburg is just approximately 5 hours. Only other interns and staff are allowed at the secure facility.
How does housing and food work?
The interns stay in a large room with multiple beds and a bathroom with showers are located in the next building. There is a main room for meals, lectures, and other activities. Meals are included in the internships. Dietary requirements like vegetarian, vegan, or other allergies can be accommodated.
What’s included?
Transfer to the project, meals at the project, housing, all the hands-on, educational, and cultural activities, wifi, laundry, local experts talking with the group, pre-departure support, a field study abroad t-shirt, and logistic support at the Johannesburg airport at your arrival and for your return flight home.
How can I get academic credit?
If you need academic credit, we will work with your university advisor or study abroad office. Generally, this internship will satisfy any field course or experiential learning requirement you might have. There is also an option to take a course through Michigan State University for credit.
You will also receive a certificate of completion from Field Study Abroad and post-trip resume help.
What did previous interns say?
“This experience has opened up new connections to the field of conservation and animal husbandry that I did not possess beforehand. I grow more confident in my abilities to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, as well as to navigate and become comfortable within a foreign culture.”
- Giovanni -
“The passion and dedication to saving animals was so impressive to watch and be a part of. I got to do things I have only dreamed about. It was an amazing experience and I didn’t want to leave.”
Methods:
Focus Areas:
