My AMAZING Trip to South Africa!
My wonderful school gives students the opportunity to shadow and work alongside a large animal veterinarian in South Africa. Our two week trip began in late May and we took ten students from all five campuses on this amazing adventure.
We had the opportunity to tranquilize a few zebras to perform health checks and transport them to a lower populated safari.
Poachers will cut the horns right out of the rhino's head to sell them on the black market. We put GPS trackers in these beautiful creatures to help catch and cut down on poachers.
This lion's home is at Born Free, an animal conservation center. They rescue abused animals and care for them because they cannot be returned to the wild.
I had the opportunity to ride in an open helicopter. This is the same helicopter that Dr. Brothers darted the zebras and rhinos out of!
The most beautiful coast ever! We spent the day walking along the sand dunes in Port Elizabeth. These dunes are the largest natural sand dunes in the world!
This safari has been specifically designed
to give the students of the Arizona
Agribusiness
and Equine Center in the USA an insight
into the conservation and wildlife veterinary issues that are faced in South Africa on a daily basis.
This safari took us 'behind the
scenes', giving us the opportunity to observe the work of a resident South African wildlife veterinarian, and discover the fantastic
world
of wildlife conservation and guiding in Southern
Africa.
We were guided
by
a Wildlife Veterinarian, researchers, various local guides, and an accredited Field Guides
Association of South Africa trainer and assessor and his
facilitators, all of whom shared their knowledge and expertise in their specialized field, giving us a unique and rare insight into the world of wildlife
in Southern
Africa.
Not only did we have a fantastic
time but our participation also
meant significant financial support to the various
wildlife
projects.
The Best Part?!
Listen to what the students had to say about their experience! I had the students answer a few questions after the trip. Check it out.
What was the most memorable moment for you?
Payton said, "Getting to go to the orphanage and seeing how content those kids were with what they have. It really opened my eyes to how much happiness can come from so little."
Megan said, "The most memorable moment for me was the rhinos. We were able to touch them and feel them breath. It was the most amazing experience!"
Meagan says, "I loved the little things, like the stars, hearing the jackals, and being so close to a rhino you could see the hair on their ears."
What is the one thing you will never forget?
Michele said, "I will never forget the fact that most problems are caused by humans and animals just happen to be involved and get punished for human mistakes."
Nathan said, "Something I will never be able to forget is listening to Dr. Brothers' opinions and thoughts on conservation and the well-being of wildlife through a business perspective. To be able to have that opportunity is unforgettable!"
Chelsi said, " I will never forget seeing the beauty of the wilderness. To be able to see these wild animals up close and know I am doing something to help and protect them.
Do you believe global experiences are important?
Emma says, "Yes! Reading something from a textbook doesn't give you that long lasting connection that you receive when being in a REAL place. It changes people and it changes the way you thing/perceive the world that you live on."
Colee says, "If we stay in our own bubble forever we will never experience the richness of other cultures."
Kaley said, "Yes, it gives you a different perspective on life."
