The goal of this project is to have interns work alongside an experienced exotic wildlife veterinarian to sedate, treat, relocate, and perform surgery on animals on private game reserves.
You will learn about disease control, veterinary drugs and their uses, assist with game capture, and help with medical work. You will be responsible for ensuring that the animals treated are comfortable and monitoring the effect of anaesthesia on vital signs. You will also be responsible for assisting in the preparation and administration of drugs. Each animal is different, and interns will need to be flexible.
What will I be doing?
The internship provides an in-depth look at veterinary medicine and conservation through hands-on work. Interns will learn what it takes to be a wildlife veterinarian and conservationist, and will also have the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and understanding of wildlife conservation and management efforts through this program.
Some of the activities that interns may do include:
Practical darting session from a helicopter
Intravenous injection and intramuscular injections
Chemical restraint of wild animals
Chemical immobilization of individual species
DNA sampling on various species
Preparation of all non-scheduled drugs
Pregnancy diagnosis
Wound treatments and abscess lacerations
Rhino de-horning to fight the illegal poaching trade
Immobilizing buffalo and antelope to measure horn size for animals for sale
TB testing on buffalo
Game drives on nearby reserves to identify animals and learn typical behaviour in the wild
Mineral and vitamin injections delivered by darting and or sedation
Waterfall swims, giant baobab excursions, and team bonding activities
What will I learn?
This internship will allow you to learn how to work as part of an exotic animal care team while developing skills to provide veterinarian care for a wide range of animals. You will anatomy and physiology of South African wildlife and how game reserves work in South Africa. You will build your skills and your network as you meet people from all over the world who are passionate about caring for wildlife.
Research Methods:
Species identification: Learn to identify species of mammals, birds, trees, insects and other organisms visually and by tracks and other sign
Data collection and input into dataset for analysis
Telemetry, GPS, and other software to quantify spatial and temporal patterns
Habitat health assessment: Monitoring grassland restoration, invasive species, and tree damage in the reserve
Camera track deployment and analysis: assist in setting up and maintaining cameras and going through footage to help inform management decisions
Various ongoing research projects include elephant contraception, disease research, breeding initiatives, and grassland restoration
Research Areas:
Describe the general principles which govern lowveld ecosystem interactions
Document the spatial and temporal movements of large mammals in the game reserve
Explain animal behavior and how it relates to physiological requirements, consumption, predation, and reproduction
Analyze population dynamics and the impact of disease, reproductive rates, and changing climate
What previous experience or skills do I need?
Strong interest in wildlife ecology, research, conservation, education, and learning about other cultures Interns need to show enthusiasm, positivity, maturity, and independence, adaptability, and willingness to work in a team
The project is located near the town of Hoedspruit and Kruger Park, South Africa.
How does housing and food work?
Rooms are in separate units with up to 4 beds and an attached bathroom. Interns will be put in same sex rooms with other interns. There is a living room/dining room/kitchen area where interns can hang out and where meals are served. The kitchen area has a refrigerator for personal drinks and food, as well. Dietary requirements like vegetarian, vegan, and other food allergies can be accommodated.
What’s included?
Meals at the project, housing, all the veterinarian, educational, cultural activities, local expert lectures, and game drives. Wifi, laundry, and a practical darting session from a helicopter are included. Transfer to and from the project from Hoedspruit. Pre-departure support, logistic support at the Johannesburg airport during your arrival and your departure, a Field Study Abroad t-shirt, Project Cap, and Fleece.
Not Included: International flight, Transfers, International Health and Travel Insurance, and Optional excursions.
Pricing starts at $*** 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.
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?
“No amount of money could ever pay for the experience and newfound perspective I gained, nor the confidence I found in myself and my career path. If you are like me and want to know if zoology is truly the field for you, going on The Big 5 Conservation Internship is a perfect way to figure that out”
- Ethan W., Psychology, Michigan State -
“I loved traveling out of the country independently as it helped build my confidence. When I arrived, the scenery was absolutely beautiful. I learned about animals and their importance to the local environment, as well as the impact of plants and trees. This impacted me greatly as it was a new learning experience for me, and the people involved were amazing. I’m already planning to go back.”
- Jake Bowman, Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech University -
“This trip was one of the greatest experiences of my entire life, and I am thrilled with what I got out of it. I feel more confident in my ability to solve real-world problems. It is as though I’ve stepped into the life of the people I grew up admiring. I’ve been instilled with a newfound love and appreciation for how diverse and beautiful the world is, as well as how nature can connect people together from anywhere.”
- Giovanni D., Michigan State, Fisheries and Wildlife -
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