Join Dr Luis Amaral, wildlife veterinarian, on a one week (intensive) or two week course as he introduces you to the world of game game capture in South Africa. In partnership with Amathole Wildlife Practice, we are proud to offer students the chance to dive into capture pharmacology, species specifics, health and safety protocols, safe handling of wildlife and use of a dart gun in chemical immobilisation. Participants also have the opportunity to assist in the field as they act as the ground team alongside Dr Luis in the capture of game animals. On rare occasions students have had the incredible opportunity to work with lions, rhino, giraffe and buffalo.
Wildlife Vet Experience
2024 Dates:
TWO WEEK
13th - 26th May
8th - 21st July
5th - 18th August
14th - 25th October
11th - 24th November
ONE WEEK
10th - 16th June
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
This course is open to qualified veterinary surgeons and nurses, vet techs, students and anyone an interested in veterinary medicine. We ask that participants have some prior knowledge of pharmacology before joining this course.
However, the course can be tailored to suit different levels of experience.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
During your stay you’ll be located on a tranquil country estate; with 12 hectares of prime land, home to retired and rescued horses. There are various safe and scenic walks behind the property.
The estate is situated on the East Coast resorts route (Jikeleza Route) with plenty of activities available within a 15km radius. Including the Wild Coast beaches, game drives, abseiling, mountain biking, quad biking, canoeing, horse riding and many restaurants. The farm is located only 900m from a small shopping centre offering a grocery store, bottle store and 4 different restaurants/bars.
All units are fully furnished with a maximum of 2 students per room (same sex).
The accommodation boasts an unspoilt view of the landscape, with its own deck overlooking a dam. The evenings will be spent by the fire pit sharing stories with your fellow students and hosts.
Off grid power available during loadshedding (scheduled powercuts) as well as free, uncapped wifi.
EXAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY 1
Lecture Day
Students learn about the history of game capture and purpose of chemical immobilisation, basic capture pharmacology, safety and first aid, standard operating procedures, drug box checklist and game species protocols (antelopes).
DAY 2
Lecture Day
Students learn about the equipment used for chemical immobilisation, how to fill darts and the importance of dart placement. After a demonstration from Dr Luis, students get to try their hand at target practice. In the afternoon students are taught about predator protocols, preparing the drug box for the field and discuss the various ticks and tickbourne diseases found in South Africa.
DAY 3
Game Captures
Students assist Dr Luis in the field and are actively involved in monitoring patient vitals (HR, RR and SPO2 levels), positioning, sample collection, recording of information and administration of medications and recovery.
DAY 4
Morning - Students assist Dr Luis in the field and are actively involved in monitoring patient vitals (HR, RR and SPO2 levels), positioning, sample collection, recording of information and administration of medications and recovery.
Afternoon - lab practical with Dr Coen De Bruin.
DAY 5
Morning - Revision session followed by student assignments/exam and discussion of post mortem techniques in wildlife and evaluation of data from practical days.
Evening - certificate ceremony and celebratory drinks
