The Kraal is Where I Want to Be

Earlier this year I stumbled across a post from my college’s study abroad office detailing their three week study abroad program in Namibia. On a whim decided to apply. I had no idea this would lead to a six week internship in conservation and life altering growth experience. The first stop on our mini tour of Namibia was none other than the Cheetah Conservation Fund, and I instantly fell in love. I admired the drive and dedication of the staff and Dr. Marker and wished that I could be a part of something like this as well. Towards the end of my school’s visit I was told they offer student internships in all of their departments. Did I decide to stay in Namibia for another six weeks with just a backpack? Yep. And after thoroughly stressing out the incredible volunteer coordinator with such a time sensitive request — my application was accepted and I was back at CCF.

I came into the program as a general intern and was able to try out all of the departments. Quickly I realized that the kraal is where I wanted to be. Waking up to the sunrise and heading over to feed the dogs was my ideal CCF morning. I was lucky to be able to work with three litters of puppies — feeding, weighing, and deworming. I also was able to participate in the puppy snake aversion training as well as in depth learn the nature of puppy care. Another of my favorite parts of the kraal was bottle feeding the baby goats every morning and evening. Throughout the day as kraal interns we would brush the dogs, rake the pens, clean the bowls, take the dogs on walks, and occasionally supervise the goat milking. Fighting off nerves I was even able to give the dog talk to a group of guests.

During my general week I was able to spend time with the cheetah team and participated in the cheetah run, center feeding, administering fluids, feeding the wild cheetahs, the cheetah talk, and the behind the scenes tour.

Another of my favorite departments was ecology. I was able to spend one day a week in ecology and got to participate in various fieldwork activities like game counts, camera trap retrieval, vegetation sampling, and the annual waterhole count.

I enjoyed spending time in the creamery learning how to make cheese, yoghurt, and ice cream.

I am an undergraduate currently double majoring in Biology with a concentration in ecology and conservation, and English with a concentration in technical and professional writing, so this experience was incredibly valuable to the progression of my education and professional development.

Overall I had a wonderful experience interning at CCF and hope to return to learn even more about cheetah conservation. I met the most incredible people on this trip and made meaningful friendships in every department.Thank you CCF for being so welcoming to both myself and my school group — I’ll see you again soon!