Day 3: Starting veterinary work

​Today we didn’t have to leave until 8:00 am, and our first cases were in the neighboring farm. After a safety briefing last night, we met Rita Piso, the veterinarian we work with. We were assisting with moving several nyala bulls from one area to another, and collecting blood, administering dewormer, and placing microchips and ear tags. The first bull took a bit of time, but by the second one, the team had jelled and the work was efficient and smooth. Everybody gave injections, hit veins, monitored breathing and helped lift and carry.



Drawing up medication. Austin, Elsa and Rita


students gathered around a sedated nyala

Students tending to a tranquilized nyala in preparation to load it into the truck bed for transport. Students ride with the animal, supporting its head so it does not regurgitate and aspirate fluid into its lungs, and monitor its breathing in transit.



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