Wildlife/Game Veterinary Surgeon
OFO No: 225101
What is a Wildlife Veterinarian?
Are you passionate about wildlife? If you said YES, why not consider becoming a Wildlife Veterinarian.
A Wildlife Veterinarian treats wild animals including birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.
Wildlife Veterinarians can work:
- from a private office close to wildlife centres
- in the field
- at rehabilitation centres
- zoos or wildlife parks
- government and private game parks
- museums
- aquariums
- pharmaceutical companies
What does a Wildlife Veterinarian do?
- sedates wild animals for routine examinations
- administers vaccines
- monitors animal behaviour
- monitor eating patterns
- examines animals, take blood and other biological samples
- performs surgery where needed
- prescribes medicines
- takes x-rays
- assists with captive breeding programmes
- assist wildlife rehabilitators
- assists with wildlife relocations and introductions
- performs specialised procedures such as airlifting
- they may conduct lectures or speak to local communities and organisations
- develops treatments
- assists with the import and export of wild animals
- manages breeding projects
- conduct contractual research
- does disease investigation, control and research
Are you . . . ?
- passionate about wildlife?
- intellectual?
- empathic and caring?
- interested in conservation?
- practical?
- strong and healthy?
- willing to work in remote places?
- willing to work unusual hours?
- willing to drive long distances?
How do I become a Wildlife Veterinarian?
To study Veterinary Science in South Africa you have to attend the Onderstepoort campus of the UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
- SAVA: South African Veterinary Association
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Veterinary Surgeon … or … Animal Health Technician
Is becoming a Wildlife Veterinarian the right career choice for me?
