Call: +44 (0) 207 193 7819
Email: info@gapafricaprojects.com
An amazing opportunity to work with our Veterinarian and Game Capture team at several locations and game reserves in the Eastern Cape. The work is incredibly varied and you will have the opportunity to be involved with hands on Game Capture plus community based clinical work.
The programme is aimed at veterinary students in either pre-clinical or clinical years and is centred around gaining hands on experience in Game Capture via a range of methods and you can expect to be working with different species of antelope and other Southern African animals.
Project Type: Wildlife Veterinary Science, Conservation Project, Extra Mural Studies.
Location: Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Pick Up Point: Port Elizabeth/East London Airport.
Duration: 21 Days.
Price: 2018 Rates: £1,749 per person
Start Dates: Course 1: 2 July – 22 July 2018 | Course 2: 23 July – 12 August 2018 | Course 3: 13 August – 2 September 2018
Accommodation: Volunteer house situated in coastal town of Cinsta.
Meals: Three meals per day included, semi participation.
Age Range: 18 Plus.
This course is aimed at veterinary students in either pre clinical or clinical years. The course is centred around gaining hand on experience in Game Capture via a range of methods.
The objectives of the course are:
In this area there is also a fantastic opportunity to be involved in some community outreach farm animal work. The majority of farming communities in the area have no veterinary aid and so to travel out to these remote areas and help provide veterinary care is extremely rewarding and is a strong contribution to improving animal welfare within these areas.
There will be a variety of supplementary lectures as well as a course manual so you have to hand all the information you will learn during your time with the wildlife team.
Game Capture Team
Although wildlife veterinarians try not to interfere with the every day life’s of wildlife, we have to manage the populations of animals within reserves. This means changing the ratio of species on a reserve as well as the actual population size. Each year following a game count it is decided what needs to be moved from the reserve and be translocated elsewhere. This is where the mainstay of a wildlife vets work comes into play, Anaesthetising animals for transport and releasing them to a new home.
As a volunteer you can expect to participate in different styles of capture with a specialised veterinarian and capture team, whilst working with different species of antelope and other Southern African animals.
Different styles of capture conducted, which you may participate in during the programme, include:
You will work hands-on with these animals helping with their immediate handling as well as treating the individuals with appropriate medications and monitoring them during their anaesthetic recovery period prior to transportation. You will also visit the release sites of the animals.
Domestic Clinic
The Wild Coast Veterinary Clinic is a non-profit institution that services the animals of the Chintsa Village and surrounding area by treating various injuries and illnesses such as Mange, Biliary, Transmissible Venereal Tumors, open wounds and abscesses. Basic spay and neuter surgeries should decrease the prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, aggression, and malnourishment.
Students shadow our Program Vet through patient care, in-house lab work, and surgery. Students are involved in each case from history to diagnosis to treatment and recovery. Students observe and assist throughout each surgery and practice suturing on simulation skin pads.
The clinic functions as a normal small town private practice but there may be opportunity for students to work in the clinic if they wish.
Community Outreach
Students will have the opportunity totravel into rural communities where free roaming farm species have little to no veterinary care.
Animals in remote areas are by far the most in need of veterinary care- through our community project, we serve animals with no access to veterinary medicine throughout the Eastern Cape. Students perform clinical exams and administer treatment for parasites, tick-borne diseases, minor wounds, and infection. Students also learn about Xhosa culture and customs while working in the community.
Additionally farmers often are alerted that the team are visiting and so they bring their sick and injured animals to the team to provide any first aid they can.
Cintsa East is the “home base” of the program. Our Volunteer House has electricity, running water, and modern bathrooms. Bedrooms are comprised of single or bunk beds with 4-6 people in each room. Bedding (sheets, pillows, and blankets) and bath towels are provided. Chintsa East is a short distance away from many villages, farms and game reserves, which provide access to a wide range of animals and activities.
Students also stay at one of our Community Project sites for 1-2 nights each week. Bedding is provided at all sites and we guarantee safe and comfortable accommodation throughout the program.
Meals are simple and nutritious. Breakfast consists of cereal, fruit, eggs, toast, tea and coffee. A sandwich lunch is packed at the beginning of each day- options include meat & cheese, peanut butter & jelly, or tuna mayo, along with fruit and juice. Dinner consists of a protein, a starch, and at least 1 vegetable. We accommodate most dietary preferences including vegetarians.
RATES
Rates from: £1,749 per person (2018)
PAYMENT
£300 deposit to secure placement at time of booking, final balance due 8 weeks prior to departure.
INCLUDED
Pre departure support and documentation.
Programme fee and contribution.
Return Transfers Airport to Project.
Accommodation for duration of stay.
Housekeeping costs.
All meals.
Reserve activities.
All transportation on project.
24 hour in country support.
NOT INCLUDED
Flights & Travel Insurance.
Any vaccinations as recommended by your GP.
Internet access.
Soft drinks and snacks.
Any visas required.
Any additional activities outside of project itinerary.
If you have any questions, or if you’d like to find out more about this incredible adventure and create some unforgettable memories, just fill in the form below and one of our team will be in touch as soon as possible.