Caleb Poulsen

The Shimongwe Wildlife Veterinary Experience offered me loads of hands-on experience working with wildlife, and it was better than I could have ever imagined. 

Right from the start, I was straight into the action. Our first job was to help relocate six kudu antelopes from one farm to another. It was an early start, as we had to wake up at 3am to travel to the farm! When we arrived, we helped with drawing blood and administering vitamins before we assisted the vet in transporting them and releasing them into the new property. Over the next few days, I got to work with more antelope species, including waterbucks and my favourite, sable antelopes. 

At the end of my first week, I also got to help an injured rhino. First, I helped to draw some blood, and then we helped clean its wound. It was an awesome experience. 

Apart from riding in a helicopter, a highlight for me was working with six Buffalo, where I got to administer vitamins and tick spray. 

I was actually initially supposed to travel with African Conservation Experience (ACE) in 2024. However, two weeks before I was due to leave home, I broke my ankle playing rugby. We were a bit worried about whether it would be possible to change my trip at such short notice, but the ACE team were really supportive and managed to transfer my trip to the following year. I’m so glad that it worked out.  

I’ve done work experience in a clinic before, but I wanted a more hands-on experience, which is why I got in touch with ACE. I had such a great time working with the vets. The work could be stressful at times, as it’s fast-paced and you’re working with these amazing, big animals. But once the work was over, you just had this sense of gratitude wash over you. I’ve always known that I want to work with wildlife, and this experience definitely confirmed that for me.