Students experience Wildlife Conservation first-hand in South Africa

HND and BSc Animal Care students from EKC Canterbury College have had the chance to explore wildlife up close, in a unique safari trip to South Africa.  

For the students, who are studying on the Animal Science and Animal Biology and Wildlife Conservation programmes, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was a chance for them to have direct exposure to conservation practices in the wild. 

By working alongside dedicated conservationists and experiencing the diverse ecosystems and iconic landscapes of South Africa, students were able to find out about the intricacies of wildlife management. 

The trip began at Ezemvelo Game Reserve, where students participated in a game count and used telemetry to track wildlife, bringing them up close to numerous animals, including many endangered antelope species. 

The group then traversed the Drakensberg Mountains to reach Moholoholo, a renowned conservation destination, where they visited a responsible elephant sanctuary dedicated to rehabilitation and education. They also explored the Cheetah Breeding Centre, which focuses on increasing the population of endangered big cats, and the world-famous Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, which provides essential care to injured wildlife. 

The itinerary at Moholoholo was packed with enriching activities, including bush walks where they learned essential survival skills, participated in anti-poaching dog training, and practiced rifle shooting for wildlife protection scenarios. 

Kruger National Park was the location of the final leg of the trip. Game drives in the park gave students sightings of rhinos, wild dogs, lions, leopards, and elephants, as well as an array of birdlife. 

The trip has given students a wide range of first-hand experiences in the animal care industry, as well as the opportunity to learn more about careers that can await them after they complete their courses. 

If you’re interested in taking part in unique and exciting experiences like these, our University Level programmes in Animal Care are now accepting applications for the upcoming academic year.  

Learn more about the HND and BSc Top-Up degrees on offer, and apply online today.