About Us
Welcome to Wildlifevets.com
Wildlifevets.com is dedicated to providing both our local and international clients with the highest standard of service excellence. Having many decades of experience in game capture and wildlife veterinary practices, we are confident that our expertise can satisfy any client’s needs. Our team and equipment enable us to take on any wildlife related projects, and we are involved in ongoing conservation programs that have stretched over several years.
Our aim is to be leaders in the wildlife industry, while implementing practices and methods we envisage becoming the standard in the future.
The practice is situated outside Mbombela, in the eastern part of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. It is in proximity to Kruger National Park, Swaziland and Mozambique. Situated on a small game farm, but part of a much greater Conservancy. It creates a wonderful environment for training students in wildlife medicine. We also have a lab and a postmortem facility on site. Students travel with us wherever we work in South Africa and even nearby countries. We have our own relocation vehicles, ambulatory vehicles and specialized equipment. Through our Technology Transfer Section, we offer various activities; courses, internships, masters' and PhD programs
OUR SERVICES
Game Capture & Relocation, clinical Veterinary Services, consulting services, Courses, Research and community projects
Having actively developed our skill set over the last 23 years, we have a solid foundation to draw from. Here is a brief breakdown of what we offer:
Clinical Veterinary Services
Most of our clinical cases involve the treatment and protection of wildlife from human-inflicted causes. Dehorning rhinos, removing snares, treating poisoned animals and assisting organizations with the rehabilitation of wildlife, forms part of our day-to-day job. We are also fully equipped to do various surgery and diagnostic procedures on any wildlife species. Other work includes postmortems and disease surveillance, to assist reserves and game farms to maintain optimal herd health.
Game Capture and Relocation
With a fleet including a link and 12 meter trailers, as well as a 4×4 crane truck, we can move a great deal of game efficiently. We have moved and exported large numbers of various wildlife species to various destinations across the country, and to other international destinations. Should a specific project require temporarily holding wildlife for quarantine and permitting reasons, we can accommodate most species in our world-class boma facilities, located at our practice in Mpumalanga.
Wildlife Consulting Services
We have consulted both locally and internationally, implementing management strategies in national parks, zoos and for private clients. We have been involved in many conservation projects and breeding project management for many years, and have a great deal of knowledge to share. Should a client require assistance in setting up a project, actively managing a project, or upgrading an existing project, we can provide expert management services.
Research – Clinical Trials, Equipment
Working closely with Wildlife Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd, our research department helps test new drugs and management systems for the wildlife veterinary industry. This is done through a combination of field tests and controlled boma tests. In conjunction with various PhD programs, the data is worked, and conclusive reports are compiled. Our research programs can be run year round, with every aspect being handled in-house.
Meet the team
Dr Cobus Raath – cobus@wildlifevets.com
Dr Chris Smith – vet2@wildlifevets.com
+27 73 294 4279
Dr Hayden Cuthill – vet1@wildlifevets.com
+27 82 413 3096
Louis van Wyk– capture@wildlifevets.com
+27 71 462 4775
Our vision is to enhance veterinary participation in global sustainable conservation through local implementation of conservation medicine principles.
Courses
“It's time to leave your footprints in Africa.”
This is your opportunity to be part of the planning, preparing, executing, cleaning up, interpreting, discussing and researching the everyday life in a wildlife veterinary practice.
Introduction to Conservation Medicine
The Introduction to Conservation Medicine Program
This is a two-week course that is specifically tailored to veterinary students. There are a maximum of 12 students per course. You will accompany the veterinary and game capture teams on call-outs, and we try to give you the maximum practical opportunities and to participate in all procedures.
The course covers both theoretical and practical components. The veterinary team will try and cover as much of the theory through a series of structured lectures, but it may not always be possible as the program will focus on practical field experience. There will be some fixed sessions which include pathology lectures and a dedicated day to the veterinary care of reptiles.
There will be at least one visit during your stay to offer primary veterinary health care to the communities on the border of the Kruger National Park. You will have the opportunity to work with cattle, goats, and dogs in the human-wildlife conflict areas and learn how important disease control is.
You will also have the chance to have a game drive in the magnificent Kruger National Park, as well as explore some of the best views that the Mpumalanga Province has to offer!
Amenities
You will stay on our farm, in the “Africa House.” There are 2 large rooms with 5 beds in each and 2 smaller rooms with 2 beds in each. This will be your base for the duration of the course. We may have to spend a night out from time to time depending on the work schedule. If we do have to travel for work, we will organize the necessary accommodation at no extra fee.
Qualifications to Apply
Cost of Course
The cost will be US$ 4000 per student for the course. (Unfortunately, we do not offer discounts for a shorter stay.)
Once your application is approved, you will need to pay a US$ 1500 deposit to secure your spot.
(Banking Details will be on your invoice. Deposits are non-refundable.)
Your application turn around period is 3 days. If you have not heard from us, you are welcome to follow up via mail: sourcetreecourses@wildlifevets.net
The final outstanding balance of the course fees are to be paid 60 days before the start date of your course.
Should you cancel your trip 30 days or less before arrival the final payment is not refundable.
INCLUDED :
-(there is a R1500-00 surcharge fee for students with specific dietary requirements)
Excluded :
If you are interested in the Introduction to Conservation Medicine Course, we would like to hear from you.
Please send an email to sourcetreecourses@wildlifevets.net
WILDLIFEVETS.COM INTRODUCTION TO CONSERVATION MEDICINE COURSES 2024 and 2025
There are several courses in a year and in each of these courses we take a maximum of twelve candidates.
2024
COURSE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
ARRIVE
7 - APR
21 - APR
26 - MAY
16 - JUN
30 - JUN
14 - JUL
18 - AUG
1 - SEP
DEPART
20- APR
4- MAY
8 - JUN
29 - JUN
13 - JUL
27 - JUL
31 - AUG
14 - SEP
STATUS
FULLY BOOKED
FULLY BOOKED
FULLY BOOKED
FULLY BOOKED
FULLY BOOKED
FULLY BOOKED
FULLY BOOKED
FULLY BOOKED
COURSE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2025
ARRIVE
20 - APR
4 - MAY
25 - MAY
8 - JUN
29 - JUN
13 - JUL
17 - AUG
7 - SEP
DEPART
3 - MAY
17 - MAY
7 - JUN
21 - JUN
12 - JUL
26 - JUL
30 - AUG
20 - SEP
STATUS
FULLY BOOKED
FULLY BOOKED
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
FULLY BOOKED
OPEN
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Internship Program
The internship program is a 27-day course that runs throughout the year except for January and February. You will accompany the veterinary and capture teams on every call-out (day or night!). As an intern, you will be incorporated into the team at every level, from the practical side, to the general running of a wildlife veterinary practice in South Africa. The internships run concurrently with the Introduction to Conservation Medicine Courses, and you will also form part of the “Instructors Team” and help facilitate the student programs.
You will receive two theoretical assignments, each on a relevant topic to the practice. At the end of your stay, you will present your topics to the veterinarians and students. As we do not go out every single day, (highly unpredictable) the off times are used for completing the theoretical projects, conducting procedure reviews and assisting in preparation and planning for upcoming activities.
We suggest that you rent your own vehicle during your stay. This will allow you to be more flexible, so that if there is some quiet time, you can do some of your own exploring in the area (such as a game drive in the Kruger National Park).
As we are involved in many countries in Africa, you may have to travel with us, so come prepared for anything.
Amenities
The candidates stay in a separate facility on our farm, each in their own room with a small kitchenette and their own fire and barbeque area. The Intern Program is self-catering, and each candidate will be required to prepare their own food. “Town Runs” will be done occasionally for shopping.
Qualifications to Apply
·You must be a qualified veterinarian or veterinary nurse.
·Candidates must have a particular interest in wildlife medicine and conservation.
·Candidates must be comfortable with remote living and limited amenities.
·Candidates must have a reasonable level of fitness and mobility.
·Candidates must be proficient in English.
COST OF INTERNSHIP
The cost for the internship is US$ 4 050.00 per slot. (Unfortunately, we do not offer discounts for a shorter stay.)
A non-refundable US$ 1500 will be required to book a slot.
(Banking Details will be on your invoice. Deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE.)
Your application turn around period is 3 days. If you have not heard from us, you are welcome to follow up via email to vet2@wildlifevets.com or vet1@wildlifevets.com
The final outstanding balance of the course fees is to be paid 60 days before the start date of your course.
Should you cancel your trip 30 days or less before arrival, the final payment is not refundable.
Included :
·Collection and Drop-Off at KMIA Airport or bus station
·Daily cleaning of the room
·Weekly change of linen and towels
·WIFI
·Desk space in the vet’s offices
·Wildlifevets.com scrub top to wear during field work
Excluded :
·Travel Costs to and from South Africa
·Food and beverages
·Laundry (This is done off-site due to water constraints, but can be done in “Town Runs”)
·Any private excursions
If you are interested, we would like to hear from you.
Please send an email to vet2@wildlifevets.com or vet1@wildlifevets.com with:
·Your CV
·A short explanation of your interest in wildlife
·Your preferred slots (3) in order of preference
WILDLIFEVETS.COM INTERNSHIP ROSTER
FOR 2024 and 2025
There are ten identified Slots in a year and In each of these slots we take a maximum of two candidates.
2024
SLOT NR
Slot 1
Slot 2
Slot 3
Slot 4
Slot 5
Slot 6
Slot 7
Slot 8
Slot 9
Slot 10
ARRIVE
02-MAR
30-MAR
27-APR
25-MAY
22-JUN
20-JUL
17-AUG
14-SEP
14-OCT
10-NOV
DEPART
29-MAR
26-APR
24-MAY
21-JUN
19-JUL
16-AUG
13-SEP
13-OCT
09-NOV
07-DEC
AVAILABLE SLOTS
FULLY BOOKED
FULLY BOOKED
FULLY BOOKED
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2025
SLOT NR
Slot 1
Slot 2
Slot 3
Slot 4
Slot 5
Slot 6
Slot 7
Slot 8
Slot 9
Slot 10
ARRIVE
02-MAR
30-MAR
27-APR
25-MAY
22-JUN
20-JUL
17-AUG
14-SEP
14-OCT
10-NOV
DEPART
29-MAR
26-APR
24-MAY
21-JUN
19-JUL
16-AUG
13-SEP
13-OCT
09-NOV
07-DEC
AVAILABLE SLOTS
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Community Student Program
GOINING THE EXTRA MILE
Community Program
During the summer months when the wildlife work is limited to emergency work due to the heat and rain, the practice tends to focus more on community projects and activities including:
You will have a lot of practical experience working with cattle and dogs, offering primary animal health care to those less fortunate. You will also assist the team if there are any wildlife emergencies during this time.
The course will be limited to 4 students at a time to maximize the practical opportunities. All in all, it is an exciting learning experience. This is a real opportunity to make a difference in peoples, and their domestic animals’ lives.
Amenities
The candidates stay in a separate facility on our farm, each in their own room with a small kitchenette and their own fire and barbeque area. The Community Student Program is self-catering, and each candidate will be required to prepare their own food. “Town Runs” will be done occasionally for shopping.
Qualifications to Apply
Cost of THE COMMUNITY PROGRAM
The cost will be US$ 1500 per slot. (Unfortunately, we do not offer discounts for a shorter stay).
A non-refundable deposit of US$ 750 will be required to book your slot.
(Banking Details will be on your invoice. Deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE)
Your application turn around period is 3 days. If you have not heard from us, you are welcome to follow up via email to vet2@wildlifevets.com or vet1@wildlifevets.com
The final outstanding balance of the course fees are to be paid 60 days before the start date of your course.
Should you cancel your trip 30 days or less before arrival the final payment is not refundable.
Included :
·Collection and Drop-Off at KMIA Airport or bus station
·Daily cleaning of the room
·Weekly change of linen and towels
·WIFI
·Wildlifevets.com scrub top to wear during field work
Excluded :
·Travel costs to and from South Africa
·Food and beverages
·Laundry (This is done off-site due to water constraints, but can be done in “Town Runs”)
·Any private excursions
If you are interested, we would like to hear from you.
Please send an email to vet2@wildlifevets.com or vet1@wildlifevets.com with:
·Add:
WILDLIFEVETS.COM COMMUNITY PROGRAM ROSTER
There are only 3 slots in a year and in each of these slots we take a maximum of four candidates.
2025
ARRIVE
12 - JAN
26 - JAN
09 - FEB
DEPART
25 - JAN
08 - FEB
22 - FEB
AVAILABLE SLOTS:
4
4
4
Zoo, exotics and wildlife anaesthesia course
(Qualified vets only)
More information coming soon
2024
COURSE
1
ARRIVE
4- AUG
DEPART
17 - AUG
STATUS
FULLY BOOKED
COURSE
1
ARRIVE
3 - AUG
2025
DEPART
16 - AUG
STATUS
OPEN
GENRAL INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO South AFRICA
It can be daunting traveling to a new country or even continent. Here are some guidelines to help you be better prepared in planning your trip and knowing what to expect. PLEASE NOTE: You will be attending the course in South Africa, a country in Africa, and NOT Southern Africa which refers to a region of the African continent. South Africa is a well-developed country, with a very good infrastructure. This also means that we are not affected by most of the issues you might encounter on the media regarding Africa. If you are unsure of anything, you are welcome to check with us directly.
General information:
Flights and travel:
·Flights are not included in the course fees.
·Fly from your country of origin to OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa.
·Should you need to stay over in Johannesburg, please stay close to the airport and use a Shuttle service provided by the Hotel. There is a City Lodge Hotel based at OR International Airport.
(Be aware of whom you use for transport in order to travel efficiently and safely.)
·Then you have 2 options:
OPTION 1:
Take a connecting flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA – quickest option after a long flight).
OPTION 2:
Take the Lime Time or City Bug bus shuttle to Nelspruit. Lime Time & City Bug Bookings
Whichever option you choose to suit you best, give us your arrival times and we will fetch you from either KMIA or the respective bus stop in Nelspruit. Remember to send us your itinerary to sourctreecourses@wildlifevets.net
General course information
Your Stay
Our History
Dr Cobus Raath took his first step in his career when he joined the team of Kruger National Park in 1983 as the Veterinarian for the National Parks Board in South Africa. After over a decade of working for the National Parks, where he helped to develop various research and management plans which are still in place to this day, he decided to move into the private sector in the late 1990's.
Comprehending the need to advance conservation medicine globally, Dr Raath joined forces with Dr William Lance of Wildlife Pharmaceuticals (USA), and added even more expertise to Southern Africa. Not long after in 1997, Dr Raath registered Wildlife Pharmaceuticals South Africa. This exceptional move demonstrated not only his love and passion for what he was doing, but his vision for the future of conservation in South Africa.
Wildlifevets.com was established in 2001. It was, and has been based since, just outside Mbombela in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Starting as a veterinary practice with Dr Raath’s skill and passion, it has grown into a force in the wildlife industry, educating, developing, and working throughout the world.
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