African Conservation Experience

UP Faculty of Veterinary Science @ OP has successfully performed a life-saving surgery on Binti, a 125kg, five-month-old orphaned white rhino calf from The Rhino Orphanage in Limpopo. Diagnosed with a critical colon impaction, Binti underwent an exploratory laparotomy at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH). This remarkable case underscores the vital role veterinary science plays in wildlife conservation. Binti’s survival represents hope for the critically endangered white rhino species and a chance to contribute to future breeding efforts. A big thank you to the team at UP and The Rhino Orphanage for their unwavering commitment to protecting our wildlife. Every life saved is a step toward ensuring the survival of these majestic creatures. Read more: https://ow.ly/RR5z50Uhfc3 #WildlifeConservation #VeterinaryMedicine #RhinoConservation #UniversityOfPretoria #SavingSpecies

We're #hiring a new Emerging Talent Scheme: Consultant in City Of Bristol, England. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Emerging Talent Scheme! 🎉 Do you have an interest in wildlife conservation? Do you have a degree (or equivalent)? We’re looking for people who are as passionate about funding wildlife conservation through meaningful travel as we are. If this sounds like you, take a look at our new Emerging Talent Scheme: Consultant 👇 https://lnkd.in/esw7vjfk The closing date for applications is Tuesday 1 October 2024 #conservationACE #hiring #emergingtalent

I spent a month volunteering for wildlife conservation projects in South Africa this summer, and the only question I have asked myself since then is why I hadn’t thought of such a trip before. Before I left, my friends were telling me that Africa is a place that leaves no one indifferent. You either fall in love or decide never to return. Well, I guess you know the answer in my case. South Africa is my happy place now. While nothing compares with the sunsets I saw and the animals I took care of, it set a completely different benchmark for me on what living with purpose can look like. A long time ago, I started dividing people into those who love animals and those who don’t. This kind of passion is such a profound core trait that it is impossible to fake, and it defines many other human qualities that attract me. The people I worked with in South Africa were unique in their profound and sincere love for nature and wildlife. They simply can’t imagine living any other life despite all the difficulties they face on a daily basis in the never-ending fight against poaching and the extinction of species. Spending a month with these experts gave me a pretty good idea of how I want my life to look going forward. Kindness and love were the driving force for people around me, and it resets completely the internal compass going forward. You can't really go back from that. If you ever want to explore Africa, I strongly recommend considering doing it through volunteering. Not all projects are equal, and what I find exciting might not be the best fit for you, so I am happy to share my perspective. I worked at the Rhino Orphanage, where I took care of baby rhinos, fed them milk, cleaned bomas, loaded a tractor with bags full of rhino dung, and learned about the rhino poaching crisis. I also monitored wildlife at the Nhoveni Wildlife Reserve, where we observed animal behavior, tracked the water levels, cleared bushes, and logged data for reserve management. I have great respect for the team at African Conservation Experience for the work they do in setting up the logistics and supporting the volunteers along the way. In my opinion, they are the best in this space, and I wouldn’t travel with anyone else.

Here are some incredible photos from the Phinda Camera Trap Survey of 2024 📸 Every two years, the team at Phinda investigate if there have been any changes with the species on the reserve, and our ACE volunteers have been busy assisting them. Not only that, the survey supports external organisations and research; the project is done in collaboration with Dr. Laura Gigliotti from the USA and Dr. Gonçalo Curveira-Santos from Portugal.  Learn about the importance of the survey here 👇 https://lnkd.in/epKzrbP7 #ACESpotlight #conservationACE #wildlifeconservation #wildliferesearch

Have you ever wondered which animals are the fastest? 🤔 Find out with this month's #ACESpotlight 🌟 Did you know:  🐾 On land, cheetahs lead the pack, requiring short bursts of speed to ambush their prey. They can reach a staggering 104.2 km/h (64.8 mph)! 🦅 In the sky, the peregrine falcon reigns supreme, diving at speeds up to 386 km/h (240 mph). This incredible bird lives and breeds on every continent except Antarctica!  🐟 Beneath the waves, the sailfish claims the title of fastest sea creature, thanks to its streamlined body and elongated bill, reaching speeds up to 109 km/h (68 mph)! Want to learn more or test your knowledge? Have a look at our blog and quiz👇 https://lnkd.in/efd3a25C #ConservationACE #FastestAnimal #Cheetah #Falcon #Sailfish #Wildlife #Animals

Drew has recently returned from her volunteer experience visiting the Phinda Wildlife Research Project and the Vikela Kruger Conservation Experience. We are thrilled to hear about the diverse conservation work she was involved in, and the incredible impact this experience has had on her!

A few months ago, I headed out into the Okavango Delta to collaborate with African Conservation Experience on capturing volunteer testimonials. It was a pleasure to interview Felipe and learn about his motivations for joining the project. Here's his testimonial! (Cinematography by me, editing by the ACE team)

I recently got back from an unforgettable volunteer experience in South Africa through African Conservation Experience. I spent three weeks at Phinda Private Game Reserve and had the opportunity to assist with three rhino dehornings, track pangolins and an elephant herd with telemetry, as well as identify individual animals throughout the reserve. I learned so much about wildlife and I hope to do similar conservation work here in the US!

#ACESpotlight: Illuminating Conservation Excellence This month, we are highlighting one of our exceptional rehabilitation projects: Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. They are doing an incredible job rescuing and rehabilitating various species, such as lions, cheetahs, antelope and raptors. Volunteering here offers a hands-on experience, where you can directly contribute to the daily care and well-being of many species. The opportunity to interact with different animals provides a unique learning experience, allowing volunteers to understand their stories, behaviours, and the critical conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding them.  What sets Moholoholo apart is its vibrant social environment. Working collaboratively as a team, volunteers have the chance to engage with a diverse community of international peers. Moreover, Moholoholo embraces diversity and inclusivity across ages. Volunteers span from teenagers to more mature individuals, all united by a shared commitment to making a positive impact on the wildlife in South Africa. Find out how you can get involved here: https://lnkd.in/ej8ax--G  #conservationACE #Moholoholo #wildliferehab