The aim of the 10 day Sukulu’s Wildlife Capture Experience is to expose students to the behind scenes of wildlife veterinary work and wildlife conservation, teach about the chemical immobilization (darting) and other capture techniques in a variety of wildlife species and to give the participants the opportunity to work alongside wildlife vets and conservationists during the immobilization of the endangered white rhino.

The participants will gain technical skills and theoretical knowledge through hands-on field work and lectures on a daily basis. The lectures will cover different important topics related to wildlife immobilization and capture, to name a few: applied pharmacology of the different immobilizing drugs, species specific immobilization and vital monitoring during an aesthetic, principles of darting and safety procedures, stress-&capture related mortality and how to prevent this. In total there will be around 12 hours of lecturing and clinical cases and around 35 hours of practicals.

The theoretical lectures will take place during midday, when the temperatures are too high to work in the field (risk of overheating). These sessions will be complemented by powerpoint presentations, educational videos and clinical cases, enhancing the learning experience. Each day, a structured educational program comprising approximately 1 up to 2 hours of lectures, followed by the practical application of the acquired knowledge in the field. This approach aims to reinforce theoretical concepts through hands-on experience. Each participant will get the opportunity to practice and improve veterinary skills, like monitoring vitals during anaesthesia, applying treatments, administering injections, drawing blood, etc.

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