Best Practices for Wildlife Veterinary Procedures

What is a Wildlife Veterinary Procedure?

A wildlife veterinary procedure refers to any medical or scientific intervention performed on wild animals to ensure their health, safety, or well-being. These procedures may include treatments for injuries or illnesses, vaccinations, sedation for research or relocation, collaring for tracking and monitoring, or physical examinations for population health studies. Unlike routine veterinary care for domestic animals, wildlife veterinary procedures often require specialized techniques and ethical considerations due to the unique challenges of working with undomesticated species in their natural habitats or controlled environments.

 

The primary goal of these procedures is to support conservation efforts while minimizing stress and harm to the animal.

Ethical Guidelines and Best Practices for Wildlife Veterinary Procedures

Wildlife capture and veterinary procedures are highly technical operations that involve a coordinated effort between various teams such as rangers, biologists, ecologists, and veterinarians. These operations are vital for research, conservation, and relocation efforts. However, they can be stressful for the animal and dangerous for humans if not executed properly. In this blog, we will share the best ethical and professional practices to adhere to for your safety, the safety of the animal, and ultimately the best outcome for the all involved.

The safety and well-being of the animal must always be the top priority during wildlife capture operations.

 

Below are some critical ethical guidelines to follow:

 

● Animal Placement: The animal should always be placed in a safe, “comfortable,” or what is deemed safest for that species, area that protects it from environmental dangers. Sunlight, rain, heat, and uneven terrain can all pose significant risks, especially during the reversal phase.

 

● Avoid the Animal’s Head and Legs: Never position yourself in front of the animal’s head or between its legs while it is sedated. Even under anesthesia, animals can twitch or react unexpectedly, potentially causing injury to anyone in close proximity.

 

● No Petting: Wild animals are not accustomed to human contact, and touching them can significantly increase their stress levels. This added stress can complicate the reversal process and may even trigger dangerous reactions during the procedure. Petting an animal is a human need driven by the desire to “comfort” it—an action the animal cannot comprehend. To put this into perspective: the animal has just been captured by creatures it perceives as predators, lost control of its body, and is now surrounded in a manner that mimics a predator’s behavior. Adding to its confusion, it is being touched and spoken to in sounds or a language entirely foreign to it.

 

● Maintain Quiet: Loud noises and talking can startle the animal, even under sedation. Always remain quiet unless instructed otherwise, as the animal’s stress response can complicate the procedure and cause harm.

 

Photo and Video Guidelines

 

Documenting wildlife procedures can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and promoting conservation efforts. However, it must be done carefully to ensure that it does not interfere with the operation or compromise the safety and security of the species involved.

 

Below are guidelines to follow when taking photos or videos during wildlife capture and veterinary procedures:

 

Request Assistance for Best Positioning and Timing

To capture effective images or footage, it’s always best to ask the team for help with positioning and timing. The team will know the best angles and moments to document, ensuring you get high-quality shots without obstructing the work or causing delays. The key is to remain unobtrusive while still getting valuable footage or photos.

 

Do Not Impact the Procedure’s Goals

It is essential to remember that the primary focus of the team is the safety and well-being of the animal. Capturing photos or videos should never take precedence over this. Ensure that your actions do not interfere with the tasks at hand, and always prioritize the needs of the procedure over your desire to capture content.

 

Security and Political Sensitivity

Certain wildlife procedures are sensitive in nature due to political, security, or conservation concerns. In such cases, specific details may be restricted from being filmed, photographed, or shared. Always confirm with the team when and where it is appropriate to start filming. If there are sensitive elements, the team will inform you of the aspects that should not be captured or disseminated.

 

Location Details: Public vs. Private

Depending on the species involved and the conservation context, it may or may not be advisable to share location information in public posts. Some teams may prefer that the exact location of a procedure remains undisclosed to protect the animal and its habitat from poachers or other threats. Before posting any content publicly, confirm with the team leader whether location details should be included or omitted. If needed, you may also be provided with a pre-approved discussion topic or caption to accompany your public post.

 

GPS and Location Services on Digital Devices

For species at high risk of poaching or exploitation, the team may request that GPS and location services be turned off on all digital devices during the procedure. This measure is put in place to ensure the safety and protection of the species. If this request is made, ensure that all devices are set to airplane mode or have location services disabled before you begin capturing content.

Preparing for the procedure

To properly prepare for the procedure, consider how long the day may become if unexpected challenges arise. Ensure you have adequate supplies, including water, snacks, charged batteries, and the correct attire and equipment, to handle the procedure—whether it is planned to take 30 minutes or extends to 14 hours.

 

Keep in mind that all procedures are planned with best-case scenarios in mind. However, unforeseen circumstances can occur, such as injuries to team members, involvement of other animals requiring veterinary attention, or logistical issues like flat tires or vehicle breakdowns. These challenges can significantly alter the course of the day.

 

It is crucial to be prepared for a variety of contingencies, including medical emergencies, vehicle or trailer issues (particularly for animal relocations), wildlife interactions, and environmental obstacles. The team should remain ready to address, adapt, and resolve these challenges, prioritizing the care and comfort of the animals throughout the process. Proactively reviewing protocols, maintaining communication among team members, and ensuring emergency kits are fully stocked can further enhance preparedness and efficiency during the procedure.

Pre Procedure Meeting

During the pre-procedure meeting, confirm the roles of each team member, establish the desired goal for the procedure, and clarify any details about your responsibilities and application. This is the best time to ask about species-specific considerations or other critical aspects that may affect the procedure.

 

Additionally, discuss and understand the photo and video policies at this stage, as these can vary significantly between locations. For example, some locations may permit drone flights, while others strictly prohibit them. Similarly, certain locations allow for capturing staff faces, logos, or identifiable landscapes in photos and videos, while others require anonymity, prohibiting any distinguishable details, including logos or specific scenery, to protect the privacy of individuals and the security of the site.

 

Ensure you confirm your transportation arrangements, gear requirements, and any expectations during the meeting. It is not uncommon for important items or even individuals to be inadvertently left behind due to miscommunication. Taking this opportunity to clarify all logistical and operational details helps to ensure a smooth and efficient procedure.

First Response and Hands-On Engagement

Once the animal is fully sedated, the team moves in to secure the location and position the animal properly. At this stage, handling must be done with great care to prevent injury or discomfort. A blindfold and earplugs are typically applied to minimize the animal’s sensory input and keep it calm throughout the procedure.

 

For certain species, proper positioning is essential. For example, ungulates (such as antelopes) should have their heads positioned above their abdomen to prevent regurgitation. Larger animals like rhinos and elephants must be checked to ensure they are not lying on limbs, which could cause permanent damage if left unattended for the duration of the procedure. The primary goal of this stage is to ensure the animal is safe and secure, minimizing any additional stress or risk of injury.

The Procedure

With the animal safely sedated and properly positioned, the veterinarian takes control of the procedure operations. Whether the operation involves administering medical care, attaching transponder or GPS units, or taking biological measurements, the veterinarian is in charge, and the team must follow their instructions carefully. This is the most crucial part of the operation, and everyone must remain focused. Only essential personnel should be involved, and any questions should be directed to the lead vet to avoid confusion or delays. The veterinarian is responsible not only for the animal’s well-being but also for the safety of everyone involved, so their directives must be respected.

Be an extra eye for Safety

During an animal procedure, always assume that the animal could regain consciousness, move unexpectedly, or react in a way that could harm itself or the team.

 

Adopting this prepared mindset helps you identify safer positions to stand, better places to stage vehicles and gear, and optimal setups for capturing photos or videos without compromising safety.

 

Understanding the Red Zone

 

The “red zone” refers to areas where the risk of injury from the animal is highest. This includes:

 

● Above the animal

● In front of or between its legs

● Within reach of the full radius of its legs

 

Avoid these zones at all times to minimize the risk of harm.

 

Observing Behavioral Cues

 

Being vigilant for signs that the animal may be stimulated or reactive to its surroundings is critical, especially as drugs begin to wear off or if the animal is too “light” under anesthesia. Pay close attention to the following:

 

1. Ears

Occasional ear twitches are normal, but if the ears begin to actively pivot and angle toward sounds with precision, it’s a warning sign that the animal is becoming more alert. This is often an indication that additional anesthetics may be needed.

 

2. Tongue

 Tongue movement is expected, but if you observe a full swallowing motion or the tongue moving in and out again, it’s a strong signal that the animal is regaining control and may react suddenly.

 

3. Breathing

Watch for any drastic changes in breathing patterns. An “agonal breath,” a deep and irregular exhalation, often occurs shortly before the animal regains physical control. This is a critical clue that the animal is leaving the stable anesthesia plane and metabolizing the drugs.

Leading the way versus following the crowd

In the field of wildlife procedures, it is crucial to lead by example rather than simply following others. Many individuals may not be aware of best practices due to lack of training or explanation, or the natural human inclination to get too close to or even touch the animals. These behaviors, while often stemming from good intentions, can jeopardize the safety of the animals, the team, and the overall success of the procedure.

 

As professionals, we strive to uphold a standard of excellence that sets the benchmark for others to follow. By adhering to and promoting these guidelines, we elevate the level of care and professionalism in our industry, particularly in areas where the history or depth of experience in wildlife game capture may be limited.

 

Leading the way means consistently prioritizing the welfare and comfort of the animals, demonstrating respect for the protocols, and maintaining composure even when others around us may break or disregard these standards. It requires commitment to raising awareness and educating others about the importance of adhering to professional guidelines, even in challenging or high-pressure situations. Through our actions, we aim to inspire change, establish trust, and foster a culture where professional excellence becomes the norm. By doing so, we not only protect the integrity of the procedure