The goal of the Rhino Rehab and Release Project is to triage orphaned rhinos and then rehabilitate them until they can be released into a wild game reserve. In addition to this primary goal, this project works on decreasing rhino poaching and promoting education and conservation.
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 milk and food to rhinos, lions, hippos and other animals, participating in physical exams and medical procedures, maintenance of the rehabilitation centre and the enclosures, caring for the anti-poaching dogs, interacting with the local community, and attending lectures about conservation, anatomy and physiology, and anti-poaching
Since you will be working at a rehab facility, animals arrive and are then released. This can create last-minute changes in schedule, planned activities, and the animals you are working with.
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 animals
Preparing milk, medicine, and food for rhinos and other animals
Employing proper feeding techniques and supplementation for ideal health
Performing body condition assessment, health assays and veterinarian techniques
Assisting with rhino dehorning
Handling and training of anti-poaching dogs
Species identification: Learn to identify species of local plants and animals
Enclosure maintenance to ensure animal safety and health
Focus Areas:
How can rhinos be best prepared for rewilding?
How do we triage and help stabilize rhino calves that arrive at the project?
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 rhino dehorning, education, and ecotourism on conservation?
What previous experience or skills do I need?
General interest in rhinos, 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 an animal sanctuary located near about 25 minutes from the town of Nelpsruit, South Africa. The sanctuary is self-contained behind fences and has free roaming wild game. Only other interns and staff are at the facility.
How does housing and food work?
The interns stay in bunk houses with an attached bathroom. There is a beautiful, renovated stone farmhouse that is used for meals, lectures, and other activities. There is a pool for cooling off on warm days. Meals are included in the internships. Dietary requirements like vegetarian, vegan, or other allergies can be accommodated.
What’s included?
Meals, housing, all the research, educational, and cultural activities, wifi, laundry, local experts talking with the group, pre-departure support, a Field Study Abroad t-shirt, and the logistic support at the Johannesburg airport for your arrival and your return flight home.
Not Included: International flight, Transfers, International Health and Travel Insurance, and Optional excursions.
How to Finance your internship
Pricing starts at $3,135 for 2 weeks.
Most universities have a wide range of scholarships for study abroad. You can check with your university to see which scholarships they offer. You should visit your study abroad/global engagement office and your department. Your department may have travel funds available to assist with airfare or other program-related expenses.
“This study abroad program was an invaluable experience that I would do again in a heartbeat. I learned so about rhinos and so much more than I could’ve expected, and made friendships that are sure to last well beyond the scope of the internship.”
- Griffin B., Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University -
“At the rhino project, I experienced something truly amazing. These passionate people work hard every day to put an end to the poaching of these animals, and it is truly amazing. The dedication and love each and every one of the employees has for rhinos is something I will never forget.”
- Charley S., Animal Science, Michigan State University -
“I’ve always wanted to travel, but to get to experience all of this is amazing. I don’t think anywhere else you get the kind of experience that you do here. And it’s really nice that you just get so much more hands-on skills here than if you stayed somewhere local.”
- Jillia L., Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Georgia -
Methods:
Focus Areas:
