WELCOME TO
VETX GAME CAPTURE AND CARE
Experience hands-on wildlife conservation in South Africa, working alongside expert veterinarians in real-world field scenarios. This immersive wildlife veterinarian course combines 30% theory with 70% practical application, covering darting techniques, pharmacology, and helicopter safety while actively assisting in wildlife capture and care.
Designed for aspiring and experienced veterinarians, conservationists, and wildlife enthusiasts, VetX offers a rare opportunity to develop clinical skills while contributing to vital conservation efforts.
Participants also engage in wildlife monitoring and research, gaining a well-rounded understanding of conservation challenges. Tailored group programs are available for educational institutions and professional teams.
Step into Africa’s wilderness, where every moment is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on wildlife preservation.
Why Book This Wildlife Vet Experience Through Lost Adventures
With over 15 years of experience in African travel and conservation - including as co-founder of the Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana - Lost Adventures offers expert guidance, trusted support, and extended liability cover. There are no added fees, and if anything doesn’t go as planned, we’ve got your back.
Up to 9 students
3-week course
5 - 6 start dates per year
Minimum age: 18
Arrive/depart at George Airport (GRJ), South Africa
30-minute road transfer from George Airport to the project (return) is included
Weekends free for exploration. After arrival, the team will tailor weekend excursions
Highlights AT the VETx Game Capture and Care
Conservation Meets Clinical Skills
Dive into adrenaline-pumping scenarios, from racing to aid net-gunned wildebeest to ensuring the well-being of a tranquilized rhino. This program isn't just about observation; it's about hands-on action, ensuring you sharpen your clinical skills in real-time.
Learn From The Best
Stand shoulder to shoulder with seasoned veterinarians, absorbing their expertise and insights. These professionals have dedicated their lives to conservation, and now you have the chance to join them on this mission.
Comprehensive Curriculum
With a balanced mix of 30% theoretical knowledge and 70% practical application, the course guarantees a deep dive into everything from basic pharmacology and applied pharmacology to practical darting from a helicopter.
Tailored Experiences
Whether you're a budding vet, a seasoned professional, or someone driven by a profound love for wildlife, this program has something for everyone. Moreover, for groups of seven or more, bespoke programs are crafted to align with specific educational curricula.
A Broader Impact
Beyond the immediate activities, the program emphasizes a holistic understanding of conservation. Engage in a plethora of activities, including wildlife monitoring and pivotal research initiatives.
This course instills confidence and practical skills for planning and executing capture/chemical immobilization operations. With 30% theory and 70% practical learning, students master basic and applied pharmacology, safety in the field, and wildlife restraint. The curriculum covers helicopter use, species requirements, darting systems, and ancillary treatments. The training includes practical dart gun and helicopter darting on moving targets. Although specific work and capture numbers vary by season, the program provides exciting wildlife engagement, contributing to conservation through monitoring and research.
Students in the 2022 program engaged in diverse wildlife experiences, mastering practical skills in capture and care. Activities included net-gun captures of bontebok for DNA testing and deworming, darting buffaloes for TB testing, and relocating zebras. Notable tasks encompassed relocating wildebeest, treating buffalo for pneumonia, and postmortem examinations of various species. The curriculum covered giraffe capture techniques, extensive roping, and helicopter safety. Students also participated in mass capture operations and administered tranquilizers under veterinary supervision. Course variations may occur between summer and winter sessions.
On weekends, you're free to explore the surrounding area or simply relax at the farmhouse. If you're interested in other activities, Hein or Josephine can assist you with booking or inquiries, which will be at your own expense. After you arrive, the team will discuss your interests to help tailor weekend excursions and suggested activities. We recommend budgeting around R10,000 to R15,000 for the entire duration of your stay.
Activity Overview
dive into the details
Why we love VETX GAME CAPTURE & CARE
VETx Game Capture and Care program
Dive deep into the heart of wildlife conservation with the VETx Game Capture and Care program, where you'll gain hands-on experience in the thrilling and vital work of relocating and treating wild animals alongside experienced veterinarians in South Africa's breathtaking landscapes.
learning the critical aspects of veterinary care in the wild,
From mastering the intricacies of darting animals from helicopters to learning the critical aspects of veterinary care in the wild, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity to improve clinical skills and contribute to meaningful conservation efforts.
wildlife professionals
Work closely with a dedicated team of wildlife professionals, including renowned veterinarians Hein and Josephine, who bring years of expertise and a passion for teaching, ensuring you leave with a profound understanding of wildlife capture and care.
embrace the chance to engage with a variety of wildlife species
Beyond the adrenaline-fueled captures and treatments, embrace the chance to engage with a variety of wildlife species, from net-gunning bontebok to dehorning rhinos for conservation, offering a comprehensive insight into the challenges and rewards of veterinary medicine in the field.
Make an enquiry for
VETx Game Capture & Care
Once we receive your enquiry, we will swiftly check for availability and aim to get back to you within 2 business days. Please note that sending this enquiry does not create any obligations for you.
