Wildlife Doctors: Unam students work in the field
“We are here to reflect on how much we depend on veterinarians,” said John Pellett, vice chairperson of NEWS (Namibia Environment & Wildlife Society), at the start of Tuesday night's presentation hosted at the Namibia Scientific Society.Good training for wildlife doctors is important and contributes to Namibia's positive balance sheet in nature conservation.
In a colourful presentation, UNAM lecturer Dr Mark Jago showed how he trains future wildlife doctors as part of the UNAM degree in veterinary medicine. In addition to the theoretical training with courses on pathology, diseases, conflicts between humans and animals, husbandry and monitoring, a number of practical assignments for the students are also planned.
In the fourth year, the prospective veterinarians go on a week-long field trip to learn how to physically record, transport and care for wild animals.
A video of the operation shows students catching blue wildebeest on a farm.
"The actual work is done on-site in the field," one of the participating students narrates in the video.
These practical exercises are vital. "It was a difficult week with many challenges and you realize that everything can change in a minute," another student summed up.
In their fifth year, students practice immobilizing wild animals. To do this, they go to the Africat Foundation at Okonjima for a few days. Here they practice stunning the animals with chemical darts and then treating them. Various bandaging skills are also taught.
In the final year, those wishing to specialize in wildlife medicine have the opportunity to take part in a four-week program at Etosha Heights, where they learn how to radio-collar wild animals such as giraffes and springbok.
Jago explained that even young veterinarians from all over Africa come to Namibia to take part in practical courses.
He concluded: “Conservation should be a global responsibility. Everyone can contribute.”