South Africa adventures for Myerscough student vet nurses
- Published
- Tuesday 25 March
A group of University Centre Myerscough veterinary nursing students have undertaken an unforgettable experience in South Africa.
The group of a dozen degree students, supervised by Curriculum Area Manager Louise Sutherland and tutor Sophie Millard, flew out for a trip of a lifetime to the Entabeni Game Reserve in the Limpopo Province.
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Here’s what they got up to:
Day One:
Students participated in some orientation activities and learnt about some of conservation happening on the Entabeni Reserve. Students discussed disease and disease mitigation techniques and how they monitor the wildlife across the reserve.
They then went on a game drive with some fabulous sightings of wildebeest, impala, giraffe, waterbuck and warthogs to name a few!
The students then spent the afternoon learning how to place camera traps and how rangers use these for monitoring and tracking purposes. Four cameras were placed to review the images later in the trip.
Days Two & Three:
Students spent time with Dr Zoe Glyphis, a wildlife veterinarian out in South Africa.
Dr Zoe delivered lectures to the students on general conservation, wildlife poaching problems and solutions, wildlife disease and disease mitigation and capture and restraint methods of wildlife species.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and came away with useful facts and information, especially those wishing to travel upon qualifying and gain experience with a range of different species.
The students also had the opportunity to participate in darting training for wildlife chemical restraint along with the associated health and safety considerations.
The day finished with a necropsy, where students had the opportunity to identify anatomy and physiology, crucial in the build up to their end point assessments and were able to use their dissection skills taught back at college to assist in the identification of cause of death.
Days Four & Five
Students sent time using telemetry to track carnivore species. The students understood why it is used and the purpose for this within a reserve.
They then spent time using the equipment to track carnivore species on the reserve, with a few surprise finds along the way!
Days Six & Seven
Day six was a rest day for the students, but they could choose additional activities should they wish, and some students made use of the leisure facilities whilst others went on a boat trip to find hippos or horseback safaris. The students very much benefitted from some down time to recharge their batteries.
Day seven saw the students participate in a bush walk where they were introduced to basic animal tracking and behaviours.
They then had the opportunity to monitor some of the reserve leopard tortoises, here the students were taught how the reserve staff health check and record growth of the tortoises before soft release back into the wild.
The students were involved in the measuring and weighing of the species whilst learning more about their diet and natural habitats.
Days Eight & Nine
Students had the invaluable opportunity to work alongside a seasoned wildlife and small animal vet, gaining firsthand experience in the field. They explored the key differences between veterinary practice in South Africa and the UK, engaging in insightful discussions while actively participating in the monitoring of different species.
Many students were particularly inspired to explore future opportunities for volunteering or furthering their experience within South African veterinary practices.
This trip is designed not only to enhance our student veterinary nurses' knowledge and practical skills but also to help them establish meaningful connections — paving the way for those who may wish to pursue international veterinary experiences after qualification.
Day Ten
The students had the opportunity to work alongside a conservation specialist whilst tracking some of the ‘Big 5’. They learnt about natural behaviours and research projects currently underway on the Entabeni reserve.
They also took advantage of a situation and challenged the students to an anatomy and physiology game, which they excelled given the species is not one they would routinely be taught!
The students also participated in a night time drive to experience some of the nocturnal species found on the reserve.
Final Day
The final day on the reserve was nothing short of extraordinary. The students eagerly reviewed the footage from the camera traps they had set on day one, capturing incredible images of a serval, porcupine, bush pigs, and even a brown hyena.
They then embarked on one last game drive, taking in the breathtaking landscapes before toasting to an unforgettable experience with a sundowner overlooking the stunning Entabeni Reserve. The day concluded with a traditional South African Braai, where they gathered around the fire to reflect on their journey.
The students also visited a rhino sanctuary on the trip and helped with fitting a prosthetic foot for an orphaned rhino with Dr Pierre Bester. This little rhino was injured by a predator before he was found and taken to the orphanage.
This was a great way for the students to use their skills learnt at Myerscough and in their placement practice.
This trip was a unique blend of conservation, veterinary interventions, and educational experiences. The students leave with lifelong memories, invaluable connections to support their future careers, and friendships that will endure well beyond this adventure.
Thanks to Louise and the team at GAP Africa Projects for their support in helping to facilitate the trip.