1. Art and Diseño

REPORT
AU G /2 0 1 4
Wildlife veterinary course and
conservation experience
by
W I L D S PI R I T
DAY 1
Welcome to South Africa.
“
Our desire is to teach them as much as possible about
wildlife medicine and make them part of conservation to the
high of their expectations and aims of learning”.
A
new
wildlife
veterinary
and
Africa. Thanks to all the members of De Wildt for
conservation course, by Wild Spirit,
your committed work towards the cheetah and
was about to begin. Our meeting
thank you for welcoming us as part of the family.
point was on the 1st August at OR
Tambo Johannesburg, international airport. Our
At the centre our two amazing wildlife veterinarians
desire was to teach them as much as possible and
Dr. Peter Caldwell and Dr. Brendan Tindall, together
make them part of wildlife conservation to the
with a great veterinary nurse Natanya were there
hight of their expectations. Despite of being tired
to welcome us.
after a long trip from countries all over the world,
Belgium, France, Portugal, Mexico and Spain, their
The cheetah conservation project was the perfect
excitement and aims to learn was higher than
location to learn from Dr. Peter, one of the best
ever before. On the way to our first destination,
large carnivore specialists in Africa and in the
250 Km from OR Tambo, we travelled from one of
world. Together with Dr. Brendan and De Wildt
the biggest cities in the world to the real African
team, they taught us all about cheetahs and wild
bush, close to Bela-Bela. Our final destination and
dogs: handling, breeding, behaviour, nutrition,
accommodation for the following days were at
diseases, and veterinarian care. This place was our
De Wildt, a Cheetah breeding centre. Her founder
base for the following 3 days, where we attended
Ann Van Dic, developed one of the biggest and
several vet works in game reserves and carnivore
more successful cheetah conservation projects in
conservation centres in the area
.
DAY 2
Sables and buffaloes: anaesthesia, control disease
and management.
We started off waking up to an African sunrise. After
CONCEPTS:
- Control measures for infectious diseases on
a good rest and a good breakfast everybody was
- Drugs, anaesthesia and handling for capture and
buffaloes.
ready to start. We spent the day working in a game
transport of buffaloes and sables.
- Requirements and highlights on breeding centres
reserve and breeding centre of sables and buffalos.
- Safety principles and effective way of handling
of sable species.
dangerous drugs and dangerous animals.
- Sable and buffalo population history and actual
SPECIES AND WORK:
- Introduction on equipment needed for wild animal
distribution in South Africa.
- 4 Sables: Chemical immobilization, anesthesia
chemical immobilization and translocation. Dart
monitoring, general treatment, translocation and
gun and darts.
transportation.
- Distribution of wildlife in South Africa.
- 17 Buffaloes: Chemical immobilization, anesthesia
- Contribution in the conservation of the species
monitoring,
from the wildlife private industry. Breeding program
.
treatment.
vaccination,
identification,
general
and diseases control. Example Sables.
Once we returned to our accommodation, our hosts from Shinwedsy, Anna, Rika and Roy, following the usual good South African hospitality, cooked a delicious traditional
dinner
DAY 3
Cheetah and wild dogs: medical health, welfare,
behaviour and reproduction.
“
A good vet needs to think with an open mind, deep understanding of internal
medicine and work quickly but efficiently” - Dr. Peter Caldwell.
After recovering from the previous days hard work, and a good breakfast we had a theoretical lesson and presentation on Wildlife anaesthesia by Dr. Brendan Tindall.
SPECIES AND WORK:
Cheetah Breeding program:
- Social structure and behaviour.
African animal identification and tracking.
- Infrastructure.
- Breeding and reproduction.
Environmental management on game reserves.
- Genetic distribution and selection.
- Nutrition requirements.
Nutritional and desease control management on
- Cheetah behaviour and reproductive behaviour.
game reserves.
- Cheetah breeding requirements and calfs
requirements.
Cheetah conservation program:
- Caracal, wild cats and vulture.
- Cheetah handling and welfare.
Vultures:
- Cheetah population history and actual situation.
- Threats in the wild and human conflicts in Africa.
Rehabilitation centre:
Wild Dogs:
- Species identification.
- Social structure in the wild.
- Wild Dog population history and actual situation.
- Species behaviour and role in nature.
- Ann Van Dic conservation project.
- Threats on the wild and human conflict in Africa.
- Threats and population distribution.
Wild animals, their role in nature and the perfect balance in nature it´s self. Once the safari was finished it was time to do and learn some more
veterinarian work. We joined Dr. Peter Caldwell in the vaccination of 10 cheetah cubs of various ages.
CLINICAL CASE:
CONCEPTS:
DOCUMENTARY ROLE ON WILDLIFE
.
VETERINARIANS IN CONSERVATION:
- Management for vaccination and treatment on
Real clinical case by Students on an adult cheetah
Late
baby cubs with mothers and orphans.
with a femur fracture, history and traumatology
Geographic documentaries were the protagonist
- Vaccination protocols for cheetah cubs.
surgery by Dr. Caldwell.
vets were Dr. Peter and Dr. Brendan Tindal
- Cheetah immune systems and principal deseases.
Real clinical case by students on an adult cheetah
- Cheetah drug specifications and sensitivity.
with a root canal infection. Diagnosis and treatment.
- Internal medicine: Anti-inflamatory cycle and organ
Lecture supervised by Dr. Peter Caldwell.
infection on cheetahs and carnivores.
Cheetah
interaction
with
one
of
the
cheetah
ambassadors as part of educational programs.
afternoon
Animal
Planet
and
National
DAY 4
Surgery on lions: anaesthesia, castration and root
canal.
“
It was a big privilege learning from 3 of the most knowledgeable and experienced
wildlife vets in South Africa and probably in the world: Dr. Peter Caldwell: carnivore
specialist, Dr. Brendan Tindall: rhino specialist and Dr Gerhard Steenkamp: wildlife
dentist”.
D
ay 4 of our course was White lion day and
The location was a rescue and rehabilitation centre for
a day of traveling. As always we woke up as
big cats.
the African sun did. The group jumped into
the bus and prepared ourselves for a 1:30
PERFORMED:
hour trip on gravel roads along several game reserves.
Thabo, our great driver and friend brought us to the
- Lions chemical anaesthesia.
destination at the same time the Toyota Hilux arrived
- Anaesthesia maintenance and monitoring during
with Dr. Brendan, Dr. Peter and Natanya.
surgical procedure.
This day was a privileged day, the students had not only the
- Simultaneous surgeries:
opportunity to assist and learn on two lion vasectomies,
but also to be part of a root canal intervention in a
at the same time Root canal procedure by Dr Gerhard
canine tooth on a lion. This complicated and unique
Steenkamp.The root canal was too affected so it was
intervention was performed by the best wild animal
necessary to perform a canine tooth extraction.
dentist in South Africa and probably most experienced
• Lion 1: Vasectomy by Dr. Brendan Tindall and
• Lion 2: Vasectomy by Dr. Peter Caldwell.
and world renowned. Dr Gerhard Steenkamp is one of
the world’s top vet dentists, in South Africa he operates
CONCEPTS:
from lion dentistry to elephant tusk , his recognised
- Equipment for lion capture and immobilisation.
specialisation hastaken him to China, Egypt, UAE, and
- Cautions and procedures in approaching and
across Africa.
transportation of lions in short distances.
- Lion anaesthesia for capture: Drugs, dosis and effects.
- Lion anaesthesia for surgical procedures: Anaesthesia
maintenance and monitoring.
- Preparation of the operating theater outside the clinic.
- Sterility of the surgeon, and the patient material during
surgery.
- 2 different techniques and procedures for vasectomy
on lions.
- canine root canal procedure on Lion.
- Unique anatomy on Lion teeth.
- Anatomy of the Lion reproduction tract.
After all excitement learnt, we had a nice lunch on the
.
viewpoint of the lodge. Once we finished, we continued
our travels, 4 hours south west, passing Johannesburg,
where our next accommodation and new adventures
would be located
DAY 5
ACTIVITIES:
- 25 Cheetah Vaccinations.
Wild carnivore
management and
disease control in
breeding centres.
T
he
5th
day
veterinarian
of
- Caracal Vaccination.
-2
-2
course
was
the
owner´s priority is their animals health and
welfare. Each one of the big cats here, from
lions, tigers to hyenas are strictly cared for,
following all directions from their vet, Dr.
Peter Caldwell.
1
White
Spotted
hyena
anaesthesia
pregnancy diagnosis by ultrasound.
wildlife
where
and
Tiger
- 2 Leopard Vaccinations.
the
centre,
lions
dermatofitus treatment.
developed to work in a big cats
breeding
White
and
CONCEPTS:
- Vaccination protocols on big cats in Africa.
- Management of big cats in breeding centres.
- Differential diagnosis of dermal problems on big cats.
- Treatment for dermatophytosis on white lions and white tigers.
- Hyena anaesthesia.
- Spotted Hyena reproductive anatomy and ultrasound. Pregnancy diagnosis
.
DAY 6
Rhino capture, dehorning and aware about
poaching.
“
Dehorning is a practice that no one
ethical vet enjoys, but its a desperate
measure towards the desperate situation
rhinos are facing today”.
D
ays like this one, is when wildlife shows us what is
our responsibly and what is our role in conservation
is as veterinarians.
The previous evening Dr. Brendan shared with us
a presentation about his specialisation, black rhinos and rhino
capture and management. Brendan is one of the best and
more experienced vets on rhinos as well as a passionate and
determined protector of this specie. We had a tal on principles
on rhinos capture, anaesthesia, monitoring and risks. However
it was the next morning when Fabiola Quesada told us about
the vulnerable and actual situation that rhinos are facing in
conservation. She showed us not only the poaching threat itself,
but how this takes place in a economical-human and Africanworld conflict. Now with a better understand on rhino capture,
our responsibility and knowing the sensitivity of the situation,
we were ready to assist on 8 rhino de-horning. Dehorning is
a practice that no one ethical vet enjoys, but it’s a desperate
measure towards the desperate situation rhinos are facing
today.
ACTIVITIES:
Talk on white and black rhino capture procedures,
management and anaesthesia. Dy Dr. Brendan
Tindall
Talk on the rhinos actual situation and wildlife
threats in Africa. By Dr. Fabiola Quesada.
Capture,
anaesthesia,
management
and
dehorning 8 white rhinos. By Dr. Peter Caldwell.
CONCEPTS:
The non surgical dehorning of rhinos.
Rhino anaesthesia: drugs effects and monitoring.
Dehorning of rhinos: procedures and permits.
Wildlife distribution in Africa and South Africa.
Wildlife actual situation and threats.
Wildlife international trade.
Wildlife - human conflict.
Wildlife conservation and biodiversity.
.
Rhinos actual situation and war on poaching.
Veterinarian role in wildlife conservation.
Veterinarian actions on rhino conservation
DAY 7
Great white shark diving
and lion captures.
“
Once again the big human-wildlife
conflict proved that the most dangerous
animals on earth is not lions or sharks,
but humans”.
O
n day 7 the morning plane left from
have a reputation so bad and so unfair.
Johannesburg - George, in the afternoon
These experiences support the great white shark
diving with great white sharks and in
science research projects.
the evening the translocation of three
Lion capture and translocation. By Dr. Brendan
females lionesses.
Tindall: Right after a dive with the sharks a call made
us run to our next adventure. We were informed that
Flight: Johannesburg - George.
it was necessary for the capture and translocation
of 3 lionesses. This was a sad time and a hard lesson
George is a small town located on the south coast of
once again the big human-wildlife conflict proved
south Africa, it was here in the garden route that the
that the most dangerous animals on earth is not lions
rest of the course took place. This was a big contrast
or sharks, but humans.
of landscape, coming from the arid bush, to green
forest and long white beaches.
These three lionesses together with their parents
belong to Gondwana, one of the most beautiful and
Great White shark diving: South Africa cape coast
unique game reserves in South Africa. Two weeks
is world famous for being the home of the highest
before the hole family escaped from
population of great white sharks in the world, In the
hectare protected property
ocean as well as on land. The eco-tourism is one of
wildlife to hunt. They hunted a cow which the owner
best measures to conserve these species as well as
witnessed and shot them, 2 were killed and one
an exciting experience to do shark diving through a
injured, The male and three females fled back into
way of learning and respecting these animals who
Gondwana, but one of them was criticaly injured.
the 25000
due to the lack of
T
he capture was extended from sunset until late the
ACTIVITIES:
evening. Between hills of proteas and mountains,
Flight: Johannesburg -George.
one of the most spectacular red sunsets took place.
Great white shark diving.
First we anaesthetised both lionesses and later that
Capture of 3 lions.
night the third lioness was found.
The bullet had pierced his elbow joint and a high degree of
CONCEPTS:
fibrosis was present. The mobility of the animal was seriously
South African demography and landscape variety.
impaired. After a professional discussion where animal welfare
Great white shark pollution, habits, behaviour, research and conservation.
was introduced which became a priority where a dicision was
Lion tracking and methodology of “calling” in the wild.
made for the lion to be euthanized. This is the consequence
Lion capture and translocation. Chemical anaesthesia and management.
of human-wildlife conflict and the reality that wildlife faces.
Medical case on lioness.
measure towards the desperate situation rhinos are facing
Wildlife-human conflict, big cat threats in the wild.
today.
Lion anatomy and necropsy
.
DAY 8
Tuberculosis testing and breeding
program of buffaloes.
“
The wildlife breeding industry in South Africa includes species with high economical and
conservational value”.
ACTIVITIES:
Buffaloes:
Tuberculosis Testing on 14 buffaloes.
Anaesthesia and capture techniques in
breeding centres.
CONCEPTS:
Buffalo anaesthesia, drugs, dosis and
reversals.
Buffalo capture management.
Buffalo breeding programs and genetic
selection.
Buffalo
diseases:
Epidemiology
and
classification.
Tuberculosis testing and vaccinations.
In
the
afternoon
we
traveled
to
Plettenberg Bay, a beautiful and safe
.
town on the coast. Was wonderful to
be back in civilisation and enjoy local
gastronomy and local wines
DAY 9
Whales and South
Africa cultural diversity.
“
It was magical enjoy and feel the
biggest and most gentle beings on
planet earth”.
I
n the morning we joined the crew of Ocean
We went to the township, lead by Eassie, a
Blue, for a whale watching experience. In
lovely girl that works for Ocean Blue and the
South Africa, bays are places of breeding
Orca foundation. They made it possible to do
and mating for the Southern right and
a educational project in the local village. Not
humpback whales. This was a privileged
only was this a tour, but a lesson of the other
day, we had a up close view of more than a
side of the human reality and a very special
dozen whales, some of them mating, others
intercultural experience.
jumping and even a shy humpback whale made
The Orca foundation built there first nursery
an exception and swam next to us for a while.
school and later, the first primary school.
funded by donors and tours like ours. It was
It was magical to enjoy and feel the biggest
beautiful not only did it open our eyes to a
and most gentle beings on planet earth.
world that we usually avoid to look at, but
But what made us think despite their size,
feeling of compassion and their hands open
how gentle they are and how humans are
welcoming us. In the church, in the beginning,
destroying
the pastor and local women sang for us, but
such
magnificent
creatures.
quickly the students started to joined them in
The afternoon had shon upon us and our
dancing, and this took place in an exchange of
students had the chance to relax, do shopping
smiles where no colours or cultures exist but
and get some traditional african gifts and
mere equality.
enjoy a tasty lunch with fresh fish with an
amazing view of the ocean full of whales.
Dr. Fabiola, help us assimilate all we saw
and help us to better understand the history
“ At rhythm of african drums and
local voices, the students started to
join them, dancing, and took place
an exchange of smiles where no
colours or cultures existed”.
of South Africa from a very open mind that
knows the broad reality of South Africa and
the several cultures that live in it.
ACTIVITIES:
Whale Watching.
Cultural tour in local township.
CONCEPTS:
Whale watching:
- Whale species in South Africa.
- Whale population dynamics.
- Introduction to whale behaviour .
Visit to local village:
- Intercultural and musical exchange.
- History of South Africa.
- Cultures of South Africa.
.
- Round table: International opinion towards Africa. How it
changes once you’v met Africa.
- Actual socio - economical situation of South Africa
DAY 10
Elephant interaction,
behaviour, reproduction
and conservation.
“
It was an special day, not only for
the elephants it´s self but because the
relationship they have with their guides”.
T
his was a special morning. We visited
an elephant park, where today lives a
family of 9 elephants. All the members
were originally orphans and grew up
here. Students joined the elephants in a
long walk to the field where they spent the rest of the
day. It was time to enjoy, look carefully, feel them and
admire the good relationship some elephants have
with their guides. This day with us was Resistantance,
a high qualified guide, his gentle attitude is noticed
by people and elephants. Later Dr. Quesada, gave us
a talk that educated us a bit more about elephants,
.
from anatomy, reproduction, to behaviour and social
structure, which made us realise even more what
amazing creatures elephants are
ACTIVITIES:
Elephant interaction and talk.
Elephant communication and
signs.
CONCEPTS:
Behaviour Social infrastructure,
Elephant husbandry.
rank and role of matriarc.
Relation between elephants and
Elephant population and threats
guides.
in Africa.
Introduction to elephant anatomy
Elephant distribution, popula-
Elephant reproduction. Male and
tion and biodiversity
female cycles.
.
DAY 11
Buffaloes pregnancy
test and disease control.
“
As any tuberculosis test after
inoculation, has to be read days later.
Those same 11 buffaloes that were
captured 2 days ago were ready for the
tuberculosis test, inoculation of vaccines
and pregnancy diagnosis”.
ACTIVITIES:
Bufalo capture, tuberculosis reading, vaccination,
general treatment, ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis.
CONCEPTS:
Buffalo capture techniques, chemical imobilization,
drugs for anaesthesia and reversal.
.
Buffaloes main deseases in South Africa and
Vaccination protocols for control measures
DAY 12
Golden Wildebeest Capture and
translocation. Animal identification.
It was a misty morning in the natural green landscape of Plettenberg bay
game reserve. This is a game reserve with several species of antelopes, as
well as rhinos, lions and cheetahs. Despite the visibly of 100m it was possible
to see herds of animals. But soon the mist disappeared and the visibility was
perfect to start the capture. The capture was performed from the vehicle, and
the golden wildebeest looked like they knew that we were only interested in
them. So the capture of two animals took approximately six hours. That´s a
good example of how patient a wildlife vet must be. But understanding that
we were in a game reserve was the best opportunity to enjoy a safari.
ACTIVITY:
Capture golden Wildebeest.
CONCEPTS:
African antelope identification.
.
Techniques of antelope capture by vehicle and horse back.
Wildebees anaesthesia, immobilisation and transport
DAY 13
Radio tracking, darting
practice and fairwell dinner.
It was a privilege for the group to stay at Gondwana and enjoy
their luxury accommodation. It was a fun day, where the students
had the chance to do darting practice competions and radio
tracking competition with two vehicles on the 12.000 hectares of
this stunning nature reserve. Dr. Tindall.
ACTIVITY:
Work shop on dart guns and darts.
Dart gun shooting competition.
Radio tracking competition.
Talk/ Presentation on wildlife population management and
contraception methods.
CONCEPTS:
Kind of dart guns, darts and uses.
Techniques of shooting and factors to consider.
Practice dart gun shooting.
.
Practice and techniques of radio tracking.
Wildlife population management and contraception methods on
wild animals
DAY 14
Trip back to original countries.
All that was left was thanks to all the students and wishing them
.
all the best in their careers and lives, hoping that through these
14 days they had learnt alot about wildlife medicine and that it has
made a positive impact in their perception of Africa
Acknowledgment
FA B I O L A Q U E S A DA
“
Thanks to you all. It is because of people like you that
there are hopes for wildlife in this world”.
|
CEO WILD SPIRIT
Thanks to the team of Ann Van Dic cheetah project and Marisa
and Colin for letting us learn in your facilities and your animals.
Thanks for welcoming our groups like a family and made us
feel at home.
As president of Wild Spirit I would like to thank each and every
person that made this course possible. To highlight some of
Thanks to Knysna Elephant Park, especially to Sias and
them:
Resistant for making us fall in love with elephants. You two are
an example of how kindness and good practices can build a
Thank you so much to Dr. Brendan Tindall and Dr. Peter
bond with elephants.
Caldwell, due to their high implication as professionals and as
professors. It is a priviledge to have veterinarians like them who
Thanks to Ocean Blue and Orca Foundation, for the great
bring the wildlife medicine to the highest standard and invest
labour you are doing to protect the ocean but as well the big
their lives improving wild animals welfare and conservation.
humanitarian work you are involve in.
Thanks a lot to Gondwana Game Reserve, and especially to
Thanks to Dr Gerhard Steenkamp, for sharing with us his high
Mark and Jone, for alowing us to stay at your extraordinary
specialisation and alowing us to attend to one of the most
accommodation, for welcoming us like special guests and
special root canal procedures ever.
letting us use the beautiful landscape for practicing tracking.
And a special thanks for each one of our students, thank you
.
Thanks to Natalia, our lovely wildlife nurse, who is an example
for coming to Africa with an open mind and open heart. Thanks
of efficient hard work and a brilliant person.
for joining us on this veterinarian adventure and conservation
experience. With out you nothing of that will be possible
students comments
JANNA IZQUIERDO
“
|
S PA I N
cosas sobre medicina veterinaria de vida salvaje, si no también
He aprendido a pensar en un todo y no en un
individuo o elemento”.
a ser mejores personas, la importancia de trabajar en equipo, el
Ya ha pasado una semana desde que volví y sigo sin asimilarlo del
Ojalá hubiera mas gente con una mentalidad como la vuestra
todo... Este año cogí el avión hacia Sudáfrica pensando que nada
y con la capacidad que tenéis para transmitir vuestras ideas y
podría hacerme sentir como la primera vez que pise el país... Y
vuestra visión sobre las cosas.
como tantas otras veces, estaba equivocada.
He aprendido a pensar en un todo y no en un individuo o
Este año traigo conmigo una experiencia totalmente nueva, la
elemento.
cual he compartido con seres maravillosos, ya que tanto personas
Por segunda vez puedo decir que estoy eternamente agradecida
como animales la han hecho posible y única.
al equipo de Wild Spirit por dejarnos acompañaros en la
Después de una semana sigo sin encontrar las palabras para
grandísima labor que haceis, por enseñarnos, por cuidarnos
describir todos los sentimientos y emociones que han significado
tantisimo y por dejarnos formar parte de vosotros, nunca nunca
estas dos semanas, cada cosa que me viene a la cabeza se queda
nunca lo vamos a olvidar.
cortísima.
Y por ultimo GRACIAS a mis compañeros, esas pequeñas almas
compañerismo, el amor hacia la naturaleza y sobre todo el amor
a la vida de cada uno de los elementos que la componen.
.
salvajes, juntos podemos hacer grandes cosas. Sin vosotros nada
Nos han dado la enorme oportunidad no solo de aprender mil
hubiera sido lo mismo!! Os llevo a todos en el corazón
PETER
If you always dreamt about Africa and wildlife medicine,
The most exigent teacher that i ever had the chance to work
Brendan is the person who will fill your heart with wildlife
with. Peter calls the students ‘his colleagues’, which means
experiences and knowledge. Thanks to him, my heart is
really hard work from us to be able to get higher on his
BÁRBARA FERRERIRA
|
PORTUGAL
“
The course that will, without any doubt, change
your life in ways that you would never imagine be
possible”.
FABIOLA
It’s amazing how one person can do a big change in our lives.
Fabiola is not only the person that all the students can rely
on during the course. She is also the person that makes our
dreams come true.
In the beginning of the course, every student has some
expectations about the next 14 days, but thanks to Fabiola,
the course will not only fill that expectations, it will give us the
best experience of our lives. For the second time, my dream
came true and the best days of my life happen right there in
Africa.
Fabiola is the best link between the students and the African
culture. She will explain to the non-african students the main
differences between our countries and South Africa.
Brendan and Peter might be the ones that provide us the
experience of the veterinary work, but Fabiola is the one that
allow that experience with this course. She built an awesome
course for students learn more about conservation, wildlife
medicine and African culture. There are no words to explain
the meaning of that to those who never did the course.
Thank you for everything and please keep doing your amazing
work. You are an inspiration for all the students that dream
about working in Africa.
expectations.
more than ever in African soil, waiting for the next time that
He is one of the best vets not only in South Africa but in the
I will have the chance to work in there.
World, and he will teach his own treatments and researches
Brendan made me wanted to be the change I want to see in
in wildlife medicine. He will not only make every student
the world and thanks to him, now I know that as a student
a better vet, but he will also make that student a better
(or as a vet) all our dreams can be true. We only need the
person.
courage to pursue them and a heart full of hope and hard
work to transform those dreams in reality.
With Peter, students will learn to think the way that every
vet should think. Thanks to him, the students will realize that
WILD SPIRIT
our profession is an honorable job and we need to be the
The course that will, without any doubt, change your life in
best and do the best we can to provide the best diagnostics
ways that you would never imagine be possible.
and treatments to wildlife.
For those who have ever dreamt about Africa, this course
Thank you Peter for all the inspiration and dedication.
is the perfect opportunity to get into the world of wildlife
Thanks to you, we aspire to be great vets as you always
medicine in a country full of wild animals. It is an awesome
taught us.
experience for those who have wild spirits and dreams
about conservation and wildlife medicine.
BRENDAN
The best role-model in wildlife that any student will ever
You will meet incredible people and experience unbelievable
met.
adventures in 2 amazing weeks. In the end of these 14 days,
Brendan makes conservation and wildlife medicine flow
you will change your mind and your vision about Africa. The
though us in a way that no one can explain. Only the ones
chance of doing this course will made you a better vet but,
who lived this incredible experience can understand how
above all, a better person.
impressive is the privilege of working with him during 14
From my own experience, I did the course twice and I would
days is.
do it again, and again. By the end you will leave in Africa a
piece of your heart and your return to reality will make you
Brendan is the vet who made me want to be the best wildlife
realize how much you learn and change, how strong are the
vet possible, to study hard, to learn more and to ask more
friendships that you built in there and how much you want
and more questions about wildlife job as I can to become
to do the course again.
bigger than my own aspirations.
There are no words to explain to the world these 14 days
He is an expert in all kinds of wildlife but with rhinos he is
that the students live in Africa and how they feel after the
the true ‘rhino whisper’ that will make all the future students
experience. They will become real wild spirits and wild
love and protect these amazing creatures.
voices in their countries
.
CÉCILE JASSOGNE
“
During the trip, you managed to
bring out the best of us”.
We left our home sweet homes with a dream, an
ideal and very concrete ideas about Africa and
its wildlife. But once there, not only our dream of
working with wildlife animals came true, but we had
the chance to discover the reality of South Africa
and its animal conservation. Thanks to you, we
now understand the South Africans’ perspective
and we can explain it in our own countries. During
the trip, you managed to bring out the best of us.
You’re really good teachers and understand our
language and practical difficulties... You taught us
how to work as a team, to share our knowledge, to
work quickly but carefully... You all are passionate
|
LIEGE, BELGIUM
people who want to share everything they know!
Thank you Fabiola, Brendan, Peter, Natanya ; thank
you my great student team! Together, in South
Africa, we shared an amazing time and we felt like
a little family... Beyond all that, you taught us a lot,
you gave us a lot from a human point of view, you
give us so much humanity Fabiola, I even think
you made us better person. I would never have
thought about enjoying it so much before coming
and meeting you... I don’t know what to say except
thank you, just thank you all for having made those
two weeks the best of our lives. A great team,
THANK YOU !! Cécile
.
Again, thank you for allowing me to have been
able to touch my dream ... Thanks a million for all
Fabiola
We started the trip with 24 hours of flights, something
country, and always with a smile on their face.
that our bodies could handle knowing our final destiny,
Being in South Africa let us observe in one hand the reality
once there we met our mates and future friends, including
of the animal living in its natural condition: we met different
Fabiola and Thabo, our best driver and road/goat path
problems, its origins and endings, we have interfered in
partner; we travelled a little more in our van and we really
them and we have provided and listened several ideas
started our journey.
and remarks to make a change from now on; we also met
We have been working during the day and the night with
the reality of the human being, we met how people barely
Sable Antilopes, Cape Buffalos, many kinds of big felines
without a home smiled and shared with us their best
like Cheetahs, Tigers, Lions, Leopards, Caracals, Servals,
gospel singing, we have seen how much we overrun from
also with the incredible Rhinos, Elephants, Hyenas and the
the other side of the sea and how much we could provide
Golden and Blue Wildebeests; furthermore we saw many
with a tiny effort all together. On the other hand we have
more animals like the Giraffes, the strange Warthogs,
seen that it is possible, that thanks to the people who do
Hipos, Wild Dogs, Zebras, Eland Antilopes, Kudus, Nyalas,
not look away and get minimally or completely involved
Gemsbok, Springbok, Waterbuck, Bontebok, Blesbok,
step by step it is possible to make nowadays disgraces and
The days keep passing and I cannot find a moment in which
Impalas, Sealions and its depredator the White Shark,
differences disappear in the future.
I stop thinking about the experience that we lived during
Bryde’s Whales, Southern Right Whales and between one
Without a doubt all this joined together, minute by minute,
two weeks, I could not believe what was going to happen
and another I could always find a raptor in the sky, gliding
becomes an incredible and unrepeatable experience, there
until I dropped off from the airplane and placed a foot on
in circles looking for a pray. I am feeling really privileged as
are not enough words to describe the complete set. We
Johannesburg. Thanks especially to Janna (as she cheered
it is difficult to see so many things in such a short period
have laughed, we have cried, we have hallucinated, we
me up to assist the presentation) I met Fabiola and what she
of time.
have even been angry with the world and much more.
was offering: a trip I could not reject.
We managed to visit many different types of reserves, all
Nothing of this could become possible without our bravest
In South Africa, even I thought I knew part of the situation it
of them worked perfectly due to the open-handed and
mate and friend and CEO of WildSpirit, Fabiola Quesada,
was being developed, I have learnt a lot, things that are not
involved people whose first objective is the animal welfare
without our teachers and best inspirations Peter, Natanya
written in books or in the internet, and that was thanks to
and conservation for all the species in their world, without
and Brendan (and his family, who nicely welcomed us
the generous, kind and friendly people who gave everything
them we could not have enjoyed it so much, we could not
inside their home), without all of the Reserve’s owners and
in their hands without waiting something back apart from
be better welcomed.
workers, without our wonderful friends (Edgar, Laia, Silvia,
knowing that we were learning something new. During these
Definitely we received our best lessons by the best
Janna, Fréderic, Bárbara, Cécile and Laura) with whom,
two weeks I met what most motivated me on my career,
professionals and vets in wildlife: Brendan, Peter and
even though being from different countries and languages,
without any doubt this is something I want to spend my life
Natanya; three big persons, very qualified, incredibly
I lived and shared all this like if we knew each other since
on. Helping wild life animals, understanding the process in
friendly and with an enormous heart inside. To be capable
young; and of course without my parents, who supported
different situations and species and achieving our goals day
of that routine we needed always a full-stomach, and we
and even pushed me into this experience.
by day was really fascinating; no doubt jumping out of the
made it thanks to the small woman but big cooker from De
Tons and tons of thanks to all and each one of you, you
bed at 6 on the morning was worth it, without complaining
Wildt, to our skilful hands to make some sandwiches and,
made this possible. I promise making a mountain out of
at all, and starting the day (after a complete breakfast) with
of course to the Tindall family who, in an uninterested and
a big smile drawn figuring up and discussing what we were
this molehill
voluntary way prepared the most succulent plates of the
PAC O A R A Ñ Ó
|
S PA I N
“
Definitely we received our best lessons
by the best professionals and vets in wildlife:
Brendan, Peter and Natanya; three big persons,
very qualified, incredibly friendly and with an
enormous heart inside”.
going to do minutes later.
.
LAURA DOMÍNGUEZ
|
MÉXICO
“
You are my inspiration to keep going, and
to not give in to those that say this world can
not improve”.
you are following the same target. I found the beauty
hacen posible que desde los lugares más remotos del
on animals that I never imagine could see in the wild, I
mundo podamos poner nuestro granito de arena a la
lived with people totally dedicated to conservation and
conservación de la vida silvestre.
to wildlife. Is something to admire the passion that this
Realmente hicieron la diferencia en nosotros, marcaron
people work trying to get a better world. Each person
nuestras vidas. Millones y millones de gracias por
on this trip have left a mark on me. And as I said before,
la fuerza y energía que ponen todos los días los
I can not describe my feeling when I remember what I lived
you are my inspiration to keep going, and to not give in
doctores Brendan, Peter y Fabiola para que, gente
in South Africa, now from Mexico all looks far and unreal,
to those that say this world can not improve.
como nosotros, se nutra de la belleza de trabajar con
but now I know that somewhere in the world there amazing
Thanks so much, you always will live on my heart.
animales asombrosos y conocer a una cultura tan rica
people and qualified professionals that are ready to give
their live for nature, conservation and wildlife.
I feel grateful for has been accepted to join this incredible
experience, unique and magic.
Thank you to all the people from Wild Spirit, you make
“
Son mi inspiración para seguir adelante,
para no dejarme vencer por los que dicen que
este mundo no puede mejorar”.
possible that people from the most remote places in the
como la Sudafricana.
En este curso no solo aprendí sobre Medicina
Veterinaria, también conocí la importancia del trabajo
en equipo, aprendí que el lenguaje nunca será una
limitante si tus colegas y tú persiguen un mismo fin,
la belleza de animales que jamás en mi vida creí poder
world could put their grain of sand for wildlife conservation.
ver en vida libre, conviví con personas absolutamente
You really made a change in our lifes, you marked our lives.
No puedo describir mis sentimientos cuando recuerdo
dedicadas a la conservación y vida silvestre, la pasión
Thanks a million for the energies and forces that put the
lo vivido en Sudáfrica, desde México todo parece tan
con la que trabajan en pro de conseguir un mundo
doctors Brendan, Peter and Fabiola, so people like us, we
lejano e irreal, pero sé que en algún lugar del mundo se
mejor., todas y cada una de las personas que conocí en
can feed from the beauty of working with this amazing
encuentra gente tan maravillosa, calificada y dispuesta
este viaje, dejaron una huella enorme en mí. Y como se
animals and but as well meet such a rich culture like its
a dar su vida por la naturaleza, la conservación y
los mencioné, son mi inspiración para seguir adelante,
South African culture.
la fauna.Me siento muy afortunada por haber sido
para no dejarme vencer por los que dicen que este
On this course I not only learnt about veterinary medicine but
aceptada para participar en tan increíble experiencia,
mundo no puede mejorar.
as well I have met how important is team work, I learnt that
única y mágica.
Muchísimas muchísimas gracias, siempre vivirán en mi
the language will never be a barrier if your colleagues and
Gracias a Todas las personas en Wild Spirit que
corazón
.
LAIA CASADES
“
|
S PA I N
que decirte gracias por guiar nuestro corazón salvaje hacia este
Sois nuestra inspiración”.
Han pasado ya dos semanas desde que pisé España después de
cumplir mi sueño…Y aunque parezca increíble, sobre todo para mí,
parece que aún no soy capaz de aceptar que estoy aquí. Han sido
tantos, tan buenos e indescriptibles los momentos vividos, que
no soy capaz de borrarlos de mi cabeza. Cada cosa que veo, que
escucho, que saboreo, que huelo, que vivo, me recuerda a Sudáfrica,
a la gente que veía por la calle, a los comentarios que reíamos en
todo momento. Ya que la base de todo lo que allí compartimos no
fue solo la vida salvaje , también la felicidad y las constantes risas
que compartimos. Todas las personas que realizamos este curso,
compartimos lo mismo, el amor por la fauna salvaje y lo que la
compone, y eso, es lo que ha hecho posible que formáramos esa gran
familia que gozaba de constante alegría y ganas de trabajar. Está
claro, que todo esto no habría sido posible sin la persona encargada
de que pudiéramos cumplir, lo que para casi todos nosotros no es
solo un sueño, sino que es el futuro que queremos en nuestras vidas.
Por ello, creo que nos sería imposible poder expresar con palabras lo
muy agradecidos que estamos a las personas que hacéis posible todo
esto, y nos dais la oportunidad de vivir todo lo que hemos vivido, tal
y como lo veis vosotros cada día. Ha sido una experiencia increíble.
Dejando de lado la expresión experiencia, tengo que, no solo
agradecer que nos deis la oportunidad de estar ahí, sino infinitas
cosas más, con las cuales me quedaría sin hojas para escribir, pero no
puedo extenderme demasiado, por ello os expondré algunas de ellas.
Gracias Fabiola, de todo corazón, mil millones de gracias por estar
con nosotros. Desde que teníamos nuestros pies en España, tengo
maravilloso e increíble viaje, en el que has estado en todo, y en el que
pese a circunstancias inesperadas, siempre has sabido qué hacer y
por donde guiarnos y llevarnos. Sabemos lo difícil que es organizar
este tipo de cursos y todo lo que ello conlleva, por eso me gustaría
resaltar tu grandísimo papel. No solo como nuestro punto de unión
entre España ( y el resto de países) y Sudáfrica, por organizar las
actividades y llevarnos a increíbles alojamientos a los que nos has
llevado (como Gondwana), y por ser transmisora de los muchísimos
conocimientos adquiridos por tus experiencias vividas. Sino también
por tu gran labor con todos nosotros, tanto por transportarnos
allí, como por ayudarnos y estar en todo lo que necesitamos.
Personalmente me gustaría agradecerte que me tradujeras siempre
todo lo que no entendía, y que siempre estuvieras pendiente de que
entendiéramos todo lo que nos explicaban, ya que el no pertenecer
al mismo país, y realizar un curso completo en un idioma que no es el
nuestro, es complicado, y gracias a ti, no hemos dejado escapar nada
de lo que nos explicaban.
Hace aproximadamente cuatro meses, cuando por fin recibí la noticia
de que podía realizar el curso, tengo que reconocer que tenía miedo.
Llevo muchísimos años con la vida salvaje en la cabeza, pero tenía
mis dudas, como es normal en todo lo “desconocido” en nuestras
vidas, pensaba que al irme allí vería lo que es, el día a día, y querría
quedarme allí, que tendría claro que es el tipo de vida que quiero.
Y… ¿Sabes qué? Así ha sido. Pero ahora, sin ningún tipo de miedo,
gracias a vosotros y a todo lo que me habéis transmitido, he vuelto
a España con una mentalidad completamente nueva, y con una
perspectiva diferente a la que yo tenía sobre África. Con ganas de
acabar la carrera y luchar por lo que realmente quiero, Wildlife.
Por ello, no sabría tampoco cómo agradecer a Peter y Brendan todo
que realizan con estos animales, y no solo con ellos, también con
lo que nos han aportado, lo que han compartido con nosotros, lo que
animales domésticos. Cierto es, que son personas, dignas de admirar,
nos han enseñado. Gracias a ellos sé cómo y qué quiero ser cuando
y puedo asegurar, que son nuestra motivación. Personas de las que
acabe mis estudios. Gracias a todos vosotros, ahora sé realmente por
hemos estado encantadísimos de aprender y por las que gracias ellos,
qué es por lo que quiero luchar, qué es lo que quiero ser en mi futuro.
a día de hoy sabemos (cómo he dicho antes) por lo que queremos
Gracias a todos vosotros, somos capaces de conocer el mundo al
luchar, lo que buscamos para nuestro futuro. A pesar de que cada
que tanto deseamos pertenecer, ya que nadie más nos brinda esta
uno debemos crear nuestro camino, Peter, Brendan, y las personas
impresionante oportunidad. Somos estudiantes de veterinaria porque
que los rodean, son un ejemplo claro, y nuestros pasos a seguir.
nos gustan los animales, la medicina, nos importa su bienestar, etc. Y
Muchísimas gracias, ahora sé qué tipo de veterinaria quiero ser. Y
nos enseñan sobre los animales de compañía y de producción, pero
lucharé por ello lo que sea necesario. Gracias de nuevo, y no solo
nadie más que vosotros, ha sido quién nos ha dejado vivir lo que
por ser unos grandísimos veterinarios, también por enseñarnos la
realmente nos gusta, con lo que soñamos y lo que realmente nos
importancia de la amistad y del trabajo en equipo. En dos semanas, no
hace sentirnos llenos con nuestro futuro trabajo, por lo que luchamos
solo he aprendido muchísimo inglés, y sobre los animales que hemos
por aprobar y que podamos progresar.0 Nuestra inspiración. Por
visto, de anestesia, vacunaciones, farmacología, comportamiento…
esto, es por lo que no existen palabras de agradecimiento suficientes
Además de eso, he aprendido y crecido como persona. Y todo esto
a lo que hacéis, y el papel que desempeñáis cada uno de vosotros en
gracias todos los que habéis hecho posible el curso.
cada uno de nosotros.
“
Todavía (y sé que durante mucho tiempo más, así seguirá siendo), me
entristezco al recordar todo lo que he pasado, no porque sea algo malo,
ni muchísimo menos. Por todo lo contrario, ha sido tan insuperable,
que sé que nada me llenará cómo el haber vivido lo que quiero ser,
sólo podré superarlo el día que llegue allí para luchar por la vida de
los animales que tanto necesitan a personas como nosotros. Además
no solo por la experiencia, también por mis compañeros, el tipo de
vida... Recuerdo el tener que preocuparme de buscar información
por las noches, o a primera hora del día para poder responder las
preguntas de Peter, porque esa es la manera en la que me gusta
de aprender. Y lo echo muchísimo de menos. Me gusta tener que
preocuparme de saber sobre lo que quiero ser en mi futuro, y sobre
todo poder contentar a las personas que se preocupan y comparten
parte de su tiempo, trabajo, conocimiento y experiencia con nosotros.
Recuerdo las explicaciones y el duro trabajo que realizaban cada día,
lo muchísimo que he aprendido tanto con Brendan como con Peter
en las dos semanas, lo sorprendida que me quedaba al descubrir
todas las cosas a las que se dedicaban en la vida, la grandísima labor
Ha sido decisivo en mi vida. Quiero tener que
preocuparme todos los días por estos animales, por ello
estoy segura de que me esforzaré al máximo estando
aquí, para poder volver a veros allí. Estos animales nos
necesitan”.
Os vuelvo a dar las gracias por última vez, por dejarnos emprender
este viaje y compartir todo con nosotros. Por dejarnos formar parte de
vuestras vidas durante nuestra estancia allí. Me es imposible expresar
por completo lo que siento. Sabéis que todos y cada uno de vosotros
.
tenéis casas en España cuando queráis. No sabéis lo afortunada que
me siento de haber podido aprender de esta manera con vosotros/
as. Espero poder volver. Ya estoy ahorrando para el próximo año.
Un abrazo muy fuerte! Os deseo lo mejor
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