Vet Intern at the Cheetah Conservation Fund: A Life-Changing Experience

As a final year student in Animal Health Technology at Vanier College in Montréal, Canada, I was fortunate to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime internship at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in Namibia. This experience gave me the opportunity to apply my academic knowledge in a completely new and challenging environment, and it significantly deepened both my technical skills and global perspective on animal care.

One of the primary projects I worked on during my time at CCF involved developing informational pamphlets for local farmers, in collaboration with another intern. We focused on creating accessible resources about four common livestock diseases in the region: Coccidiosis, Haemonchosis, lumpy skin disease, and foot rot. This project allowed me to strengthen my research skills while contributing to educational outreach in rural communities.

In addition to this project, I gained extensive hands-on experience in small ruminant care, working with sheep and goats in a clinical setting quite different from what I’m used to in Canada. I learned to adapt quickly, work efficiently with a multicultural team, and apply my schooling in a real-world conservation environment.

Perhaps most memorably, I also had the rare opportunity to perform cheetah blood draws and vaccinations. Being involved in procedures with these incredible animals was both thrilling and educational, reinforcing my commitment to working in animal health and conservation.

A major highlight of the internship was a trip to Etosha National Park, one of Namibia’s most famous wildlife reserves. Accompanied by 2 other interns, I witnessed unforgettable scenes of African wildlife, including a herd of 16 elephants gathering at a watering hole, and sightings of giraffes, lions, zebras, rhinos and more. The experience was awe-inspiring and offered valuable insight into the broader ecosystem that CCF works to protect.

My internship at the Cheetah Conservation Fund was more than just a professional experience—it was a personal journey of growth, learning, and discovery. I developed a deeper understanding of international veterinary practices, strengthened my clinical skills, and formed meaningful friendships with people from around the world. Most importantly, I stepped outside of my comfort zone and gained confidence in my ability to adapt, learn, and contribute in unfamiliar environments.

Working with wild animals, participating in conservation efforts, and learning directly from professionals in the field made this internship an unforgettable chapter in my academic journey. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity and would highly recommend a similar experience to any student looking to broaden their horizons in animal health and wildlife conservation.