Experience Wildlife Conservation From the Front Lines
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Program Length: 7 Days, 6 Nights
Dates: May 16–22, 2027
Location: Eastern Cape, South Africa
Accommodation: Leeuwenbosch Country House, Amakhala Game Reserve
Cost: $3,950 USD per person (Shared Accommodation – Two Participants Per Room)
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Formerly: Wildlife Game Capture & Relocation Program
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COURSE REGISTRATION: https://givebutter.com/Wildlife-Conservation-In-Action
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There are few experiences in conservation that compare to standing alongside a wildlife veterinarian as a helicopter circles overhead, a conservation team coordinates on the ground, and every decision is made with one goal in mind, protecting wildlife.
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Global Conservation Force’s Wildlife Conservation in Action: Hands-On Wildlife Darting, Veterinary & Applied Conservation Course provides participants with an extraordinary opportunity to experience wildlife conservation as it truly happens. This is not a simulated classroom exercise or a staged demonstration. You’ll become part of real conservation operations led by professional wildlife veterinarians and experienced conservation practitioners working to safeguard Africa’s iconic wildlife.
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Throughout this immersive seven-day program, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of how wildlife conservation decisions are made, how veterinary interventions are planned, and how animals are safely managed for legitimate conservation and medical purposes.
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Whether relocating threatened wildlife, conducting veterinary examinations, fitting tracking collars, responding to injuries, or supporting species management programs, every operation you observe and assist with serves an authentic conservation objective.
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Learn From World-Class Conservation Professionals
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Participants train directly alongside internationally respected wildlife veterinarian Dr. William Fowlds, Global Conservation Force Founder Mike Veale, and experienced wildlife veterinary teams and conservation specialists.
Together, they guide participants through every phase of modern wildlife management, including:
Wildlife immobilization and darting principles
Conservation medicine and veterinary intervention
Wildlife capture and relocation operations
Helicopter-assisted wildlife management
Wildlife monitoring and health assessments
Species conservation planning
Animal welfare and ethical decision-making
Reserve management and habitat conservation
Applied conservation problem solving
Career pathways in wildlife conservation
Rather than simply watching from a distance, participants gain an inside look at how conservation professionals coordinate complex wildlife operations while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and veterinary care.
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Conservation First. Always.
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Every wildlife intervention conducted during this course exists because it serves a genuine conservation need.
Wildlife darting is never performed for demonstration purposes.
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Each procedure is undertaken exclusively for legitimate conservation management, veterinary medical treatment, species monitoring, relocation, research, or wildlife rescue under the direction of licensed wildlife veterinarians and reserve management teams.
Participants leave with a greater appreciation for the science, ethics, logistics, and responsibility behind every conservation decision.
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A Front Row Seat to African Conservation
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Every day brings new opportunities.
Depending on active conservation priorities during your visit, participants may assist with or observe:
Wildlife capture and relocation
Veterinary medical procedures
GPS collar deployments
Wildlife health assessments
Species monitoring
Population management operations
Conservation helicopter missions
Anti-poaching discussions
Reserve management strategies
Daily Big Five game drives
No two weeks are ever identical because conservation is constantly adapting to the needs of wildlife.
That unpredictability is part of what makes this experience so authentic.
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Your Home in the African Bush
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Participants stay at the beautiful Leeuwenbosch Country House, located within the renowned Amakhala Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
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After each day in the field, you’ll return to comfortable accommodations where you can relax, enjoy exceptional hospitality, and reflect on the day’s conservation experiences with fellow participants and instructors.
Your stay includes:
Comfortable shared accommodations (two participants per room)
Daily housekeeping
Outstanding meals throughout your stay
Non-alcoholic beverages
Peaceful bush surroundings
Opportunities to observe wildlife directly from the lodge
The combination of meaningful conservation work and comfortable accommodations creates an unforgettable experience unlike traditional tourism.
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What’s Included
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✔ Seven days and six nights of immersive conservation experiences
✔ Hands-on instruction with Dr. William Fowlds, Mike Veale, and experienced wildlife veterinary teams
✔ All lodge accommodations at Leeuwenbosch Country House
✔ Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and non-alcoholic beverages
✔ Airport pickup and return transportation
✔ All in-country transportation
✔ Entry into participating Big Five reserves
✔ Daily wildlife drives and conservation activities
✔ Field equipment and safety gear
✔ Multiple wildlife veterinary and conservation operations (subject to operational schedules)
✔ Certificate of Completion from Global Conservation Force
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Why We Keep Groups Small
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To ensure the highest standards of animal welfare, participant safety, and educational quality, enrollment is intentionally limited. Smaller groups allow every participant meaningful access to instructors, veterinary teams, wildlife operations, and field discussions while minimizing disturbance to wildlife and supporting responsible conservation practices.
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Who Should Attend?
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This program is ideal for:
Wildlife and veterinary students
Conservation professionals
Wildlife biologists
Veterinary professionals
Wildlife photographers seeking deeper understanding
Ecotourism enthusiasts
Aspiring conservationists
Anyone passionate about African wildlife and science-based conservation
No previous wildlife experience is required—only curiosity, respect for wildlife, and a willingness to learn.
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Join Us in South Africa
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If you’ve ever wanted to understand what truly happens behind the scenes of wildlife conservation, this is your opportunity.
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Spend seven unforgettable days alongside professionals dedicated to protecting wildlife through science, veterinary medicine, and practical conservation. You’ll leave with new knowledge, lifelong memories, and a deeper appreciation for the people working every day to conserve some of the world’s most remarkable species.
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Spaces are extremely limited to maintain exceptional educational quality and uphold the highest standards of animal welfare.