From Classroom to Savanna – Our Journey at CCF

We are Alexandra and Anthony, recently graduating in Animal Health Technicians from Vanier College in Montreal, Canada. In our third and final year of the program, we had the incredible opportunity to intern at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) center in Namibia. Our journey began on April 28^th 2024 when we flew out and stayed for five unforgettable weeks. This internship was not just an academic requirement but a profound learning experience that enriched our understanding of wildlife conservation and solidified our commitment to pursuing careers in this field.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

At CCF, our education went beyond textbooks and classrooms. We were exposed to the complexities of wildlife conservation. From the outset, we engaged in various hands-on activities that broadened our practical skills and deepened our understanding of animal health.

A major highlight of our time at CCF was working closely with the veterinary team. This involved assisting with medical procedures and learning about the intricacies of animal healthcare in a conservation setting. The professionals we worked with were so generous in sharing their knowledge with us and gave us opportunities to gain valuable hands-on experience.

One rewarding ordeal was caring for a mischievous canine patient named Miracle. Miracle is an Anatolian Shepherd well-known by the veterinary team for getting herself into all kinds of trouble. On this particular occasion, Miracle had decided to tango with some warthogs which resulted in a sizable lesion over her rib cage. She required a surgical intervention to stitch up the wound as well as to place a Penrose drain as to avoid the buildup of fluid during healing. Following this procedure, we carried out the monitoring and cleaning of the wound as well as the administration of oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. But here’s the kicker: Miracle was not a fan of sitting still. She would wriggle and squirm, making our job much more challenging than it needed to be. As it happens, Miracle required a few more rounds of sedation to adjust the sutures and drain while in our care due to her inability to simply rest and recover. But guess what? We did not give up! We showed up every day, working together to keep her as motionless as possible while we cleaned and disinfected her wound despite these setbacks. Eventually, she grew to be more comfortable around us and learned to be a little more still during her daily treatments. By the time our internship wrapped up, Miracle’s wound was all healed up, and she was ready to go home (hopefully with a newfound respect for warthogs).

We also participated in the health management of the resident cheetahs, as we were given the incredible opportunity to participate in the scheduled immunization of these fascinating big cats. Although we had both vaccinated several dogs and cats back home, and the technique is just the same, injecting a vaccine in a cheetah felt like a daunting new challenge. However, as soon as we became comfortable maneuvering our hands through the fence, (and controlling our nerves) we each were able to do this task. Of course, this was only possible due to the astounding groundwork of Lea, head of the Cheetah Team, who has trained most of the cheetahs at CCF Namibia to undergo these procedures through positive conditioning. We also had the chance to witness the immunization of two cheetahs that were set to be released back into the wild. It was remarkable to see the coordination between the veterinary team and the Cheetah Team to achieve this mission.

We also assisted with other procedures such as the sterilization of puppies and the treatment of various wounds incurred by other Anatolian Shepherds or individual sheep and goats from the CCF model farm. We also created an inventory list for the clinic which will hopefully be helpful for clinic management in the future.

The work we did with the veterinary team honed our technical skills and broadened our knowledge of species we once thought we could only dream about working with.

General Work

During our internship, we had a diverse range of responsibilities which contributed to a well-rounded experience. Every week, we had a general day wherein our tasks varied widely. We collaborated with the Cheetah team on several occasions, engaging in various husbandry tasks such as preparing their meals, feeding and providing fresh water, as well as assisting in setting up the cheetah run. Additionally, we frequently worked with the dog team, which included cleaning the dogs’ enclosures, providing food and water, and conducting daily health checks. We also supported other departments, such as tourism and the creamery (making cheeses, ice cream, and fudge). Providing a helping hand to these other departments gave us a chance to contribute to CCF’s mission in different ways and fostered close friendships.

The work we did at CCF was indeed gratifying, and it was nicely complemented by the unexpected moments after hours that we will not soon forget. One standout experience happened during a night game drive.

Our time at CCF was not just about wildlife encounters; it was also about the bonds we formed. The staff and fellow interns became like family, bonded by a shared love for animals. We spent countless evenings discussing our dreams, swapping stories, playing games, and even joining in volleyball matches. These moments added so much to our unforgettable journey at CCF.

How the Internship Shaped Our Career Paths

This internship was pivotal in shaping our career paths. Witnessing the dedication of the CCF team has inspired us to seek out opportunities to work in wildlife conservation in the future. We realized the immense impact we could have as Animal Health Technicians, not only in clinical settings but also in conservation initiatives at home and abroad.

And let’s talk about teamwork—watching veterinarians, geneticists, ecologists, animal caretakers and conservationists unite to save the day for endangered species was like witnessing the Avengers assemble. This collaborative spirit we witnessed is a testament to what can be achieved when many great minds come together for one shared mission. It is truly special to be even one small part of the effort to work towards such a worthy cause.

Our Experience

Our time at CCF was wonderful. Working alongside wildlife was remarkable. We built lifelong friendships with fellow interns, created enduring memories and shared many moments of cultural exchange.  This experience at CCF has impacted us both personally and professionally, and we are forever thankful for this incredible experience.