Exciting wildlife captures in South Africa

I have always wanted to work with wildlife in the future and have considered a career as a wildlife veterinarian. This experience has further cemented the idea and I plan to look into academic and career opportunities in the field.

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Published: Tuesday, 22 Nov 2022 Author: Walid Qoronfleh

Walid squatting near elephant on the ground in South AfricaDuring my study abroad, we conducted captures of two rhinos and an elephant. The elephant was for research purposes and so we put a tracking collar on her and took samples including hair, nails, blood, milk, and fecal. The rhinos were in order to dehorn and track them to protect from poachers.

Both captures involved a helicopter, several vehicles, a team of people including a wildlife veterinarian, and the rhino capture also involved a plane for spotting. After spotting the animals, we would drive out to their location while the veterinarian would board the helicopter and fly there. The helicopter would separate the target animal from the herd and drive them to an open area while the veterinarian would tranquilize the animal. The rest of the team would then begin any necessary work for that particular animal capture.

I was extremely excited while doing these captures, the vehicles were open so the dust and wind would blow into my face and I could see the helicopter and plane (for the rhino capture) flying by. When we reached the location, I saw the helicopter hovering by the animals as the veterinarian would jump and rush out which was amazing to witness.

I have always wanted to work with wildlife in the future and have considered a career as a wildlife veterinarian. This experience has further cemented the idea and I plan to look into academicWalid with captured rhino in South Africa and career opportunities in the field. They say if you enjoy your job you never work a day in your life and while I was helping take samples and measurements of these animals, I truly believed that saying.

This study abroad was a once in a lifetime event, but I hope to turn it into an everyday occurrence. I truly appreciate the donors who made this program possible.

Name: Walid Qoronfleh
Status: Senior
Major: Fisheries and Wildlife
Hometown: Ypsilanti, Michigan
Program: Sustaining South African Wildlife: Cash, Crime, Conflicts and Conservation