Lions and Monkeys, Wildcat Rehabilitation - Your first steps into wildlife conservation, rehabilitation and veterinary medicine in South Africa ...
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The Wildest Trail
21/10/19
Lions and Monkeys,
Wildcat Rehabilitation
Your first steps into wildlife conservation,
rehabilitation and veterinary medicine in
South Africa.
Lions and Monkeys, Wildcat rehabilitation, Page 1
The Wildest Trail
21/10/19
Lions and Monkeys, Wildcat
Rehabilitation!
Have you ever wanted to work with lions, cheetahs, servals
and other big cats? Do you love going on an adventure? Ever
dreamed about thumb wrestling with monkeys?
If your answer was yes to one of the above, then you are exactly
in the right place! Right here, right now, you have the unique
opportunity to learn about ALL the amazing aspects of wildlife
conservation in the heart of South Africa!
This program is intended for all vet tech, animal care, biology-
and early vet students alike. And here’s what it looks like, it takes
place at two locations, Bloemfontein and Modimolle!
Go and rock 7 days of big cat rehabilitation at a rehab farm
with lions, cheetahs, servals,
monkeys and many other species.
Learn all the ins and out of
conservation and rehabilitation in
captivity. Learn first hand what it
takes to work in a zoo type
environment. When there are sick
animals, you can join vets in the
field. And this is just the tip of the
veil! Sounds awesome right? Get your biggest smile on, ‘cause you are
going to Africa baby!
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Transition day between the projects, move to the next location.
Usually this is done via a domestic flight between. Johannesburg and
Bloemfontein!
After your first adventure you will head
out to Modimolle, in the North for the
next 7 days of your awesome big
adventure. Prime Crew is a
rehabilitation centre for primates, i.e.
baboons, mandrils, vervet monkeys and
many other species. You’ll be diving
straight into a real monkey madness.
You'll wake up and go to sleep with all
these magnificent tricksters around you.
On site there are literally hundreds of
primates waiting for you! Don’t forget
to also check second part of the
program, Prime Crew!, on the website!
An unforgettable time in an unforgettable and authentic place!
Sounds great right huh!? Well, it does! Here’s all the information you
need to know before jumping on a airplane!
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Wild cat
rehabilitation!
A hands-on training
Part one, the first 7 days of your trip, you’ll spend at a wild cat
rehabilitation farm in the heart of South Africa. Bloemfontein! Owner
Lizette van Schalkwyk started caring for two caracal cubs, found in a
wildlife reserve over 10 years ago. Their mom had abandoned them.
They were a few days old, and would have
died very quickly. Lizette nursed them day
in, day out, and they lived. Lizette
immediately fell in love with conservation
and made it her life’s mission to start a
centre where orphaned, sick and hurt
animals get a second chance. People in
the neighborhood soon heard of Lizette’s
passion, and started bringing every animal
that were in need of rehabilitation.
Cheetahs, lions, caracals, monkeys, meerkats, servals, and many
other species are currently living a happier and healthier life!
The animals that you will find on the farm are either rescued from an
unavoidable death, have permanent health problems, or have never
learned to survive in the wild. Some return to the wilderness, some
never can.
You will get a wide range of experience, rehabilitation at its best. From
wildlife and domestic animal diseases, to environmental conservation,
to anti-poaching and direct contact with African wildlife. This is where
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conservation, rehabilitation and ethics go hand in hand, and you will
be right in the center of it!
Ever want to work in a zoo, or any other similar facility? Well, right here
you’ll learn exactly how it is to work with animals in captivity.
So are you ready to work with lions, cheetahs and meerkats, and be
lords and ladies of the wilderness?!
Let’s get wild!
Sounds cool? It does! Here’s what you’ll be doing:
1. Predator course.
2. Behavioral studies.
3. The farm life.
4. Ssssnake workshop.*
5. Getting to know other species.
6. Work with dogs and cats in the slums!*
7. Vet work in the clinics and in the veld!*
8. Wildlife rehabilitation course.
9. Cheetah interaction.
*Note that depending on season and availability these topics might change
or be replaced. We always try to give the best opportunity possible for every
student, but sometimes we need to be flexible depending on the situation!
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1. Predator course
Learn more about the African predators while
being up close with them within arm’s reach.
Learn about management of captive predator
populations, basic ecology, design and
improvement of enclosures, handling and care,
parasites, diseases and vaccinations, food
chains, … Sounds awesome right?
2. Behavioral studies & roaring cats!
After learning all the ins and outs of the predator, it is time to put your
glasses on and watch them closely! Register their behavior with the
behavioral chart. The cages of the smaller animals are free to access
whenever you want. To study them and play with them. When you see their
typical behavior just tick them off your chart!
The farm hosts a mighty pride of lions, cheetahs, servals, caracals, jackals,
vervet monkeys, porcupines, bat-eared foxes, meerkats, rock hyraxes,
African civets, owls, and many more.
The focus is always ethical animal-first interaction and study.
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3. The farm life!
When you are not out hustling, saving dogs, or wrestling a kid in the slums,
there is probably some work that needs to be done at the farm.
On the rehab farm you’ll see first hand which tasks are necessary in a zoo-
like environment: what to feed the animals, what to do when an animal gets
sick, why is my lion breathing heavily, huhh my meerkat is showing nesting
behavior, etc. A few activities include: preparing food for all the animals,
behavioral checks, designing enrichment, administering medication,
administrative work, cleaning out enclosures, playing with the monkeys, etc.
Immerse yourself in the rehab life and get a real bond with these
magnificent animals!
4. Ssssnake workshop!
Africa is full of snakes! Especially when the rains fall, the snake eggs hatch.
Result? A few weeks later there is a booming case load of cats, dogs, horses
and other animals that get bitten by snakes. People rush to the vet! We have
antidotes for some of the snake species, others we don’t. Since every
antidote is species-specific, it’s very important to know which one bit your
lovely chowchow!
In this workshop you learn all about the venomous and non-venomous
snake species of Africa.
Here’s your chance to become a parselmouth just like the real Harry Potter.
Isn’t that everybody’s dream?
Ok, we proceed.
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5. Getting to know other species!
A real South African ranger, will explain you everything there is to know
about exotic antelope like kudu, Livingstone eland, sable, roan, springbok
and many other species. Ever heard of a nyala? This half day trip will open
your eyes to the South African game industry, plus you’ll probably get to
ride the bakkie.
6. Into the slums!
A unique opportunity, that will stay with you forever! Treat dogs and cats,
play with the kids, high five locals and have a truly remarkable time! Get
ready for a culture shock.
The slums, also known as townships, is a congregation of small houses
made of cardboard, plastic and garbage thingies.
During the project you will go on a township run to help the local animals
of the slums. Many are mistreated, sick, wounded, underfed and full of
parasites. You will treat them
all! A great opportunity to
support the community, and
see a boat load of different
pathologies and clinical
conditions! Don't worry if you
don't know enough yet about
veterinary medicine, the team
is always there to help you
with their experience.
*The people at the cat farm try their very best to include this experience into
everyone’s trip, but it depends on the safety situation in the townships at the
time of your arrival. If there’s turmoil, they don’t go. If not, it’s all safe!
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7. Veterinary training!
We work together with a few vets surrounding Bloemfontein. Depending on
what comes in everyday. Because let’s be honest, what’s cooler than real
clinical work?
Most of the vets’ work is domestic animal work. You will help and assist the
vets at the clinic and/or on location with cats, dogs, horses, livestock and
occasionally wildlife. Assist in operations, sterilizations, diagnostics, game
captures and/or various treatments as they come along! What can this be?
Check out some pictures below of some previous students.
How much vet work? 1 day at least, depending on availability. Animals
don’t get sick on demand.
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8. Cheetah interaction!
Oh my, is this what I think it is? Yes, it is!
You will go into the cheetah enclosure to meet this big cat from up close.
Her name is Diva, and a diva she is! She loves a pat and a walk. You will be
guided by Miekie, who will watch everything closely and learn you
everything there is to learn about these magnificent creatures. Diva is one of
the animals that can’t go back into the wild because she has never learned
how to survive and find her own food. At the farm she lives a happy life!
9. Cherry on the cake!
Boy this is good, but why not boost your career with it? Well, it can!
During the program, there are three remarkable courses for you included.
You get to learn a lot, that so many other people just never will! Great for
your resume later on!!! It will set you apart when you apply for a job within
the niche. Did I say zoos, aquariums, animal rehab centers, wildlife reserves,
national parks, and others? I think I did.
The predator course and the snake workshop, as mentioned earlier, are two
of these. But here is the crème de la crème (drums please…):
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Wildlife Rehabilitation course!!
This extensive one-day course will learn you everything you need to know
about animal rehabilitation. You will get a syllabus where all theory is laid
out for you. The rehab farm is the ideal place to put theory into practice,
because a lot of species are present. You will learn everything about what to
do when a dehydrated fox comes in, what to do when baby servals didn’t
get colostrum (colo what..?), how a vulture holds its wing when it’s broken,
etc etc. Very interesting and useful clinical material!
For real badasses, we can also organize the Wildlife Rehab course -
intermediate and advanced level. Absolutely great to have under your belt,
but can only be arranged on a longer stay. Ask us for more info!
Certification Baby!
Upon successful completion of every course, you will get an official
certification. One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind your
resume! The Wildest Trail approved!
Sleeping with a roar!
Wake up and fall asleep with the roaring lions!
Your bed is literally just a few steps away from the kings of the savannah.
“The Barn” will be your safe haven on the rehab farm, it’s a ten bedroom
farm stall within walking distance of the main lodge and all enclosures.
There is a fully functional kitchen, a bathroom and a communal room.
Here you can play some pool, read a book or just relax a bit. You can be
bunked together with 2-4 other volunteers, depending on who is at the
farm. So let’s get social!
*There is the possibility to have private rooms at an additional cost. Ask for
the possibilities and we’ll let you know the options asap!
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Meals!
All meals will be included in your stay at the rehab farm. Meals range from
the casual everyday sandwich, to potjies, stews, braais and boboti! On
certain days, you will need to pack your lunch. You will be told this
beforehand so you know you need to bring your food. Local supermarkets
are not too far away, and you can always ask the staff to get you to town and
buy some delicious yumminess for yourself.
Important reminder: Students must advise us of their dietary needs
(vegetarian, allergies, etc) prior to their arrival.
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Great, but what does this wonderful
program cost?
This project is part of the 14-day Lions and Monkeys program of The
Wildest Trail. Make sure to also check out the second part of the
program, and the brochure Prime Crew!, on the website.
Send us an email and we’ll check availabilities and prices for you, via
thewildesttrail.jonas@gmail.com!
Usually you stay at the rehabilitation centre one week, as part of Lions
and Monkeys. But if you want stay longer, no problem at all! Ask us and
we’ll make a plan for you if there are spaces available!
Quick overview!
What’s included in Bloemfontein?
‣ Sleeping arrangements and food
‣ All transport
‣ The most awesome time ever
‣ Top courses and activities listed above
‣ Animal overdose
What’s NOT included?
‣ Domestic flight or transportation between location
‣ Other air fare and visa
‣ Insurance
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‣ Vaccinations and personal travel medication
‣ Extra activities not included in the program
How to fly dirt cheap?
We have written a free e-book for you to find the cheapest flights possible!
Download it here! Let’s get you in the air pronto!
Where do I sign?
You can simply make an enquiry for a booking and availabilities by
sending an email to thewildesttrail.jonas@gmail.com.
Wanna stay longer? Just let us know and we’ll make a plan!
Get connected!
Instagram: @jonas_thewildest_vet
Facebook: facebook.com/thewildesttrail/
Website/blog: thewildesttrail.com
Wildest regards,
Jonas Spruyt
DVM
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