Lynda Amoa and Luis Rosales

Lynda: 

I heard about African Conservation Experience (ACE) from a friend who had travelled with them before. She had an amazing experience, and after hearing all of her stories about the trip, I had to experience it myself!

I am currently studying animal science and plan to pursue a career as a wildlife veterinarian, so I knew I wanted to gain hands-on veterinary experience in the field. ACE’s Shimongwe Veterinary Experience was the perfect fit! I also chose to visit the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre because I have a passion for animal welfare and conservation, and I wanted to get involved in the rehabilitation side of things as well.

At the veterinary project, some of my most memorable experiences came from being out in the field. I got to assist with everything from cheetah relocation to rhino horn trimming, and even helped administer medication to buffalo and antelope.

My time at Moholoholo was also great. One of the funniest memories I have from this project was when I was helping to care for one of the resident raptors. Every time we cleaned out his enclosure, he would come right up to me and squawk! 

I learned so much from travelling with ACE - not just about the South African wildlife, but also about myself. I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone; whether it was moving through the bush to help track a rhino or taking part in medical procedures, I never imagined I’d be doing this. I came home more confident, independent, and inspired than ever to pursue a career in wildlife medicine.

Luis: 

Lynda and I have been together for almost seven years, and when she mentioned to me that she was going to travel to South Africa, I immediately wanted to tag along! Although I don’t plan on becoming a wildlife vet (I’m studying finance), I still have a huge love for animals, so I joined her for the Moholoholo portion of her trip.

Every detail was clearly laid out. I always knew where I needed to be and when, which made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Having an ACE representative meet me at the airport was honestly a huge weight off my shoulders - I felt cared for right from the moment I landed, which helped me relax and truly enjoy what was ahead.

I loved just how involved we were at Moholoholo. We helped out with the daily care of a variety of species at the centre, from the small things like cleaning cages to the bigger responsibilities like feeding honey badgers. And it was all so enjoyable! I never expected to connect so deeply with the work we were doing. 

During our time there, there were several vultures recovering from poisoning, and it completely shifted my perspective on their importance - especially in African ecosystems and culture. I gained a whole new respect for these birds and the role they play.

I learned so much from my time there. The biggest takeaway for me was the level of discipline the experience demanded. Waking up early, washing everything thoroughly to prevent cross-contamination, and sticking to strict routines all of it taught me how important structure and consistency are in animal care.

Aside from the work, Lynda and I both met amazing people, made lifelong memories, and got to share moments that were totally new for both of us. No matter your interests, a trip like this can bring you closer and open your eyes to a completely different world! 

Our relationship definitely grew during this experience. From navigating international airports to working together during our time at Moholoholo, we had to rely on each other in new ways!

We already want to plan our next trip back. Being able to explore and volunteer in a place like South Africa not only strengthened our bond but also sparked a new sense of adventure that we want to keep chasing!