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 center 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
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 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?
Transfer to the project, meals at the project, 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 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 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 -
At the rhino project, I experienced something truly amazing. These passionate people work hard everyday 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 have for rhinos is something I will never forget.
Methods:
Focus Areas:
