A Closer Look at Our Veterinary Internships

Learning by Observation and Experience

For many interns, the journey begins not with hands-on procedures, but with observation. Veterinary medicine requires patience and precision, and our students quickly learn that sometimes the most important role is to watch closely, take notes, and absorb knowledge from the professionals.

During their time with us, interns have learned:

• How wild animals can be safely sedated without the need for darting.
• The key signs to monitor while an animal is sedated, including breathing checks and symptom observation.
• How to accurately record medications administered and transfer those records into ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System), the global zoo management system.
• How to study animal behaviour and complete ethograms, which track and record an animal’s activity over time. This skill helps interns recognise subtle changes in behaviour, often the first indication that something may not be quite right.

Real-Life Cases at the Ranch

Each veterinary procedure provides a unique window into the complexities of caring for wild animals. During their internship, they had the chance to observe several important cases:

Maalik the Serval - Maalik required sedation in order for the veterinary team to perform essential procedures safely. Interns observed how animals are carefully monitored throughout sedation, from breathing to reflexes, and learned about the importance of non-invasive sample collection, such as gathering urine for further testing. These procedures ensure that health information is recorded and tracked without causing unnecessary stress.

Aella the Red-Rumped Agouti - Our agouti experienced a neurological condition that caused abnormal sensations in her foot. Veterinarians made the difficult but compassionate decision to amputate the limb to provide her with the best possible quality of life. Interns observed the procedure, engaged in Q&A with the vet team, and learned how animal welfare is always the guiding factor in medical decisions.

Cheetah Scoping - Our cheetahs undergo routine annual health checks that sometimes include an internal scope. This allows veterinarians to inspect the throat and stomach area, monitor reflexes, take temperatures, and assess overall condition. Students were able to observe how close monitoring of these animals ensures that even subtle health concerns are detected early.

Nile Crocodile Care - One of our crocodiles sustained a mild foot injury. To treat it, the veterinary team administered antibiotics and followed up with Necrospray, a protective topical treatment. Interns saw first-hand how reptiles, often perceived as tough and resilient, still require attentive medical care to prevent small issues from escalating.

The Reality of Wildlife Medicine

One of the most important lessons interns take away is that veterinary work in wildlife conservation is unpredictable. Not every intern will witness a medical procedure during their stay. Healthy animals mean fewer interventions, and sometimes the experience is all about learning how to care for wildlife in ways that prevent illness in the first place.

More Than Medicine

Whether they are observing a serval under sedation, watching a cheetah’s internal scope, or inputting critical data into ZIMS, WAV interns leave with a new appreciation for the role of veterinary medicine in conservation. They see first-hand how each action, big or small, supports the health and wellbeing of all wildlife, from the most abundant species to those that are threatened or endangered.

Behavioural Monitoring Matters

Alongside medical procedures, monitoring physical behaviours remains one of the most important aspects of animal care. Through the use of ethograms, interns learn how to document daily activities and behaviours that may indicate changes in health or wellbeing. These subtle observations often provide the first clues that an animal might need closer veterinary attention, making behaviour tracking an essential tool in proactive wildlife care.

For those who dream of working with wildlife, the internship is more than an academic exercise. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to be part of a team where saving lives, safeguarding futures, and protecting biodiversity happen every single day.

Join our Internship Programme