WildeCheetah, SOMALILAND

Step into the extraordinary world of wildlife veterinary care with a hands-on program dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of over 120 cheetahs saved from the illegal wildlife trade. 

This immersive experience offers real-world opportunities to work closely with cheetahs and other species like caracals, gaining essential skills in husbandry, nutrition, and medical care. 

Participants may engage in veterinary procedures such as medical checks, blood draws, body condition scoring, frontline treatments, vaccinations, diagnostics, and more, as part of routine and preventative care. 

In-clinic responsibilities may include sample handling, data entry into cloud-based systems, and supporting veterinary operations. 

Daily husbandry duties involve meal preparation, feeding, fecal collection, enclosure cleaning, and occasionally caring for cubs, all crucial for maintaining animal health and wellbeing. 

Participants should be comfortable with carcass handling and meat preparation in the butchery. 

As part of the daily care team, you’ll also support cheetah-specific training, including voluntary procedures, enrichment, and cub socialization. 

Beyond animal care, enjoy a vibrant cultural day connecting with local communities and deepening your understanding of conservation’s broader impact.

1. Staffing and Supervision

• Veterinarian: A qualified wildlife veterinarian oversees all clinical procedures, veterinary care, and student training.
• Veterinary Nurse: Provides essential clinical support and assists with medical procedures, animal handling, and student supervision.
• Interns: Where applicable, veterinary and wildlife interns may be present, contributing to daily operations and student mentorship.
• Centre Manager: Responsible for overall management of the rescue centre’s operations, welfare standards, and coordination of care programs.
• Program Manager: Oversees the elective program’s logistics, educational activities, and student support.
• Caretaker Staff: A team of caretakers manages daily husbandry tasks, enclosure maintenance, feeding, and general animal welfare support.

2. Facilities and Equipment

• Veterinary clinic equipped for routine examinations, diagnostics, and minor procedures.
• Laboratory facilities for sample processing and basic diagnostic testing.
• Enclosures designed for cheetah and other species’ rehabilitation, including specialized holding and socialization areas.
• On-site butchery and food preparation areas to support dietary needs.
• Equipment for veterinary procedures, including blood sampling kits, medical instruments, and treatment supplies.
• Data management systems utilizing cloud-based veterinary record keeping.
• Tools and materials for behavioral enrichment and training programs.

3. Educational Resources

• Structured supervision and training provided by the veterinary and management team.
• Access to practical workshops and demonstrations covering husbandry, nutrition, veterinary procedures, and enrichment techniques.
• Educational materials and reference documents to support learning objectives.
• Opportunities for reflective learning through case discussions and daily debriefs.

WildeCheetah is a 14 day course that includes working with the wildlife vet and animal care taking team each day. You will be a part of the cheetah's animal health check ups, admission of new intake patients, medical care of resident animals and cub socialising (if present).

Geed Deeblee
Geed Deeblee, AD
Somalia