TPI has teamed up with EcoLife Expeditions to bring you our version of...

“Vet Nurses In The Wild-South Africa ”.

Study Abroad Program

Wildlife Veterinary Science ~ Wildlife Diseases and Medicine ~ Capture and Care of wild animals Breeding of Rare Species ~ Wildlife Rehabilitation ~ Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservations

$3500.00 CDN

         per person, land only, based on double occupancy

      Includes: meals, accommodations, excursions, participation in expedition activities

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October 5 - October 26, 2008

Trip Summary:

Join us for the experience of a lifetime, a 22 day field study program in South Africa specifically created for animal health professionals.

 

• Experience the world of wildlife conservation in Southern Africa, hands-on.

• Meet and interact with conservationists and wildlife veterinarians in the field.

• Learn about the crucial balance of people and wildlife in conservation today.

• Gain hands-on experience by taking part in game capture operations.

• Earn university credits for these programs from Pretoria University.

• Earn 10 CE credits from the OAVT.

Detailed Itinerary:

 

Day 1: Arrival

Students arrive and are received at OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, by EcoLife Staff Members.

Transfer to a guesthouse, close to the University of Pretoria, and spend the afternoon relaxing before the evening

welcoming dinner. 

Guesthouse facilities include: telephone, internet and swimming pool

Accommodation: Guesthouse

 

Day 2-3: Community Veterinary Services

After breakfast we drive towards Soweto, the sprawling black city adjacent to Johannesburg where we join CLAW,

(Community Led Animal Welfare), a world renowned group of dedicated animal lovers and veterinarians who

volunteer their professional time to black African townships to care for these people’s domestic animals.

For two days we experience and assist in the treatment and care of these often neglected pets.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

 

Day 4-7: Introductory Lecture and Wilderness Training at Imbambala

After an early breakfast we attend a lecture by Prof Wouter van Hoven at the Centre for Wildlife Management of

the University of Pretoria. We learn of elephant population management and other topical issues surrounding scientific

wildlife management.  During the late morning we drive east to a private camp in the Bushveld on the banks of the

beautiful Loskop Reservoir. The wilderness reserve surrounding this reservoir is a pristine area in which to learn practical

bush skills, track wildlife on foot and study wildlife behavior, and is perfect for learning how animals and man utilize plants.

Nocturnal animals and their activities can be observed, and we learn navigation by the stars on a sleep-out.

Weather permitting we will also do some abseiling.

Accommodation: Safari Tents

 

Day 8: Birds of Prey Centre and Blyde Canyon Reserve: Swadini Resort

We depart from the Bushveld, traveling east over the rolling hills of the Highveld and get the opportunity to enjoy

real South African pancakes in the quaint Highveld town of Dullstroom. We also visit the interesting

Birds of Prey Centre outside Dullstroom. Thereafter, we descend to the Lowveld to set up camp at the foot

of the northern Drakensberg (Mountains of the Dragon).  The pristine Swadini Resort’s facilities include public

telephones, a shop, heated and ambient swimming pools, restaurants and a laundry.

Accommodation: Camping (Swadini)

 

Days 9 – 14: Hands-on Game Capture Course

The successful capture, handling and translocation of wildlife all form important parts of the wildlife veterinarian’s

program. The next five days are dedicated to observation and learning about and participating in actual game

capture operations under the guidance of a world renowned specialist. Weather permitting we will also have the

opportunity to mock dart a moving target from a helicopter in flight.

Accommodation: Camping (Swadini)

 

Day 10: At Leisure

We enjoy a day at leisure to explore the reserve around the spectacular Blydepoort Reservoir, a boat cruise

and for activities of choice such as horse riding, swimming and hiking.

Accommodation: Camping (Swadini)

 

Day 15: Khamai Reptile Centre and Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

We attend a workshop presented on the handling and care of reptiles, including highly venomous snakes,

and we also visit a world renowned wildlife rehabilitation centre. The care of a wide range of wildlife species

will be experienced and demonstrated first hand.

Accommodation: Camping (Swadini)

 

Days 16 – 19: Kruger National Park

We depart after an early breakfast en route to the Kruger National Park. The biodiversity of this jewel of wilderness

areas is spectacular, and the ideal area for observing and studying most of the wildlife species Southern Africa

has to offer.  We meet the researchers and wildlife managers and also learn about controversial issues such as

the management of elephant populations and of the new trans-frontier parks. We meet with the local researchers

and veterinarians and learn about disease control and other management issues in the Park. We also visit the wildlife

quarantine and relocation bomas. The greatest attraction of this magnificent Park is the opportunity to experience

African game viewing at its best: we will drive along the Park’s pristine rivers, go on a nature walk in the bush with

experienced Park rangers to guide us and enjoy a game drive at night. Park facilities include public telephones, a bank,

a shop, restaurants and a laundry.

Accommodation: Camping

 

Day 20: Back to Pretoria

It is with great reluctance that we leave the Lowveld. We ascend the picturesque Long Tom Pass to the pretty towns

of Sabie and Lydenburg before returning to our guest house in Pretoria.

Accommodation: Guest house

 

Day 21: Veterinary School and De Wildt

After another early breakfast we drive to Onderstepoort, just north of Pretoria. As guests of the famous Faculty of

Veterinary Science of the University of Pretoria we are hosted on an interesting tour of the facilities and the campus.

After a packed lunch we visit the world renowned De Wildt Cheetah and Wild Dog Breeding centre where these two

magnificent animals were saved from the brink of extinction.

Accommodation: Guest house

 

Day 22: Rhino and Lion Park

After breakfast we visit the Rhino and Lion Park to also experience the behind the scenes management and health care

of this interesting park close to the Johannesburg metropolis. We return to our guest house where we could prepare to

be tested on what we have learned on our expedition. The evening is devoted to the graduation ceremony and the farewell dinner

Accommodation: Guest house

 

Day 23:  Departure

After having said our farewells to our friends at the guest house we drive to a spot where we can shop (and haggle!)

 for some interesting souvenirs. Then we depart for OR Tambo International Airport near Johannesburg to be in time for our flights home.

 

EcoLife reserves the right to make changes to the program should it be deemed necessary.

 

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