Vets for Wildlife program

Experience wildlife veterinary medicine in Namibia like never before.

The Vets for Wildlife Program is a 7-day, field-based adventure created specifically for veterinary students who want to step beyond the classroom and into real-world conservation work. This immersive program offers hands-on exposure to the daily realities of wildlife health, rehabilitation, and ecosystem management in one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions.

Guided by experienced Namibian wildlife veterinarians, conservationists, and field researchers, you won’t just observe — you’ll actively participate. Each day places you at the heart of genuine conservation challenges: responding to wildlife emergencies, supporting rehabilitation cases, assisting with research projects, and learning the practical skills required to work safely and ethically with wild animals.

From monitoring carnivores in vast desert landscapes to assisting with health checks on antelope, primates, and other rescued wildlife, this program is a rare opportunity to develop your clinical confidence while contributing to meaningful conservation outcomes. It’s authentic, impactful, and designed to strengthen your understanding of what it truly takes to protect wildlife in southern Africa.

What to expect:

Each day brings new learning opportunities — from treating injured antelope and monitoring carnivores in rehabilitation, to understanding the challenges of managing wildlife health and human–wildlife interactions in southern Africa.

As a participant on this program, you’ll be actively involved in:

• Assisting with routine health checks, wildlife immobilizations, and sample collection for research.
• Supporting rehabilitation efforts for injured or orphaned animals within wildlife sanctuaries.
• Learning about ecosystem health, disease control, and the ethics of wildlife management.
• Attending expert-led lectures and hands-on sessions to develop both clinical and practical skills.

• Practical Skills & Field Activities

Depending on seasonal conditions and active conservation projects, participants may take part in:

• Research and population monitoring of lion, leopard, spotted hyena, and brown hyena.
• Providing care, feeding, and behavioural monitoring of animals in rehabilitation.
• Assisting veterinarians with wildlife cases in sanctuaries and nearby farms.
• Participating in wildlife capture, handling, and release operations.
• Supporting veterinary procedures and health assessments for primates.
• Attending lectures on capture techniques, pharmacology, behaviour, and anaesthesia.
• Hands-on training in dart gun operation and safety.
• Conducting research using camera traps, GPS tracking, and telemetry.
• Enjoying engaging wildlife-focused activities, including sunset game drives.

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Why Join This Program

• Gain practical, real-world experience in wildlife veterinary medicine.
• Learn directly from local experts in veterinary care and conservation.
• Work with iconic African species while contributing to ongoing conservation efforts.
• Develop skills that go beyond the classroom — practical, ethical, and conservation-driven.
• Be part of Namibia’s mission to protect and preserve its unique wildlife.

This program is ideal for adventurous, adaptable veterinary students who want to apply their knowledge in a real conservation setting and support meaningful wildlife projects.