Rhino Connect is a global veterinary program aiming to unite individuals from around the world with a shared passion to provide critical veterinary care to wildlife and help save rhinos from extinction. This unique program offers students with the rare opportunity to collaborate with one of the world’s leading researchers in rhino IVF—a cutting-edge initiative to enhance genetics and boost reproduction in this endangered species. With only two of these research groups globally, our close involvement provides unparalleled hands-on experience.
Participants gain exposure to a wide range of wildlife species, contributing to life-saving procedures such as lion surgeries and the rehabilitation of orphaned animals. Our program emphasizes the importance of working within diverse cultural contexts, offering real-world experience in community engagement, aiding human-animal conflicts and learning how to provide veterinary care to animals whilst still abiding to the surrounding culture.
Students in the Rhino Connect Veterinary Program are on the front lines of conservation. Supporting emergency veterinary responses, engaging in ongoing species management, and contributing directly to critical research that shapes the future of wildlife care worldwide.
Full time onsite rhino veterinary nurse and conservationist.
Multiple different veterinarians, veterinary nurses and conservationists.
Dr. Morne De La Rey and Dr. Hendrick Hansen have a large involvement in educating he students on their Rhino IVF research which is currently only performed by 2 groups in the world.
Students will be expected to participate in daily sanctuary duties as required such as feeding rescued rhinos and caring for orphans. They will then assist different veterinarians with wildlife work such as relocation of a variety of species. This would involved administering medications intramuscularly and intravenously. They will monitor anaesthetics in the wild using both monitoring equipment and manual monitoring. Students will be involved both medical and research procedures. Working closely with leading IVF research specialists.
Students will be expected to work 5 days a week for approximately 8 hours a day.
They will be supports by a veterinarian with everything they do.
Students live on the sanctuary.
Unisex dorms located within the veterinary clinic to assist with night shift orphan care if required and another dorm located across from the hospital.
Sanctuary has bathroom facilities and cooking amenities but is not pet freindly.
The cost of accommodation and amenities is including in the program price of $3,200 USD per student.
Buyskop 464 KR, Bela-Bela, 0480
Pretoria
0480
South Africa