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Loop Abroad: South Africa Zoo Medicine (Directory Program)

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  • Locations: Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Program Terms: Summer
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: Loop Abroad 
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English Click here for a definition of this term Class Status: 1-first year, 2-sophomore, 3-junior, 4-senior
Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study: Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Zoology Program Type: Study Abroad
Program Description:

The two-week South Africa Zoo Medicine program is based at Lory Park Animal and Owl Sanctuary in South Africa. Lory Park is one of only six zoos in Africa accredited by the Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria, with a focus on education and conservation.
Your program will focus on understanding the anatomy, handling, and medical needs in captivity, behavior, and conservation of four main groups of animals at the park: birds of prey, reptiles, cats (big and small), primates. Your work with and coursework about these animals will be supplemented by veterinary labs such as necropsies and lectures from veterinarians and expert guests.

In addition, we will spend a weekend on safari in the Kruger National Park, one of the largest in South Africa and home to elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, lions, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of other species.

The program course, “Zoo Husbandry and Care”, is a 3-credit course that includes observing and learning about the animals at the zoo and learning from your veterinary trip leader and zoo staff in the classroom, in the lab, and throughout the zoo.

sa zoo
Who It’s For
This South Africa Zoo Medicine program is designed for university-aged students who are interested in becoming veterinarians or working professionally with animals. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Most are 18 to 25, but we also accept full-time undergraduates over 25.

There are no pre-requisites for this program. You do not need to be in school currently to apply. Individuals of any nationality may apply.

Each group has 8-12 students. Your group will have its own veterinarian and you may learn from other Loop veterinarians, zoo staff, zoo veterinarians, and local experts as well. There may be up to three groups on the project at a time.

Highlights for South Africa Zoo Medicine
  • Two-day safari in Kruger reserve to spot elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and more!
  • Study big and small cats such as white and tawny lions, Siberian tigers, pumas, cheetahs, servals, caracals, and leopards
  • Assist the zoo vet team in providing care such as vaccinations and deworming
  • Shadow and work with the keepers as they go through their daily care rounds
  • Observe local veterinarians provide medical care to anesthetized animals in need of procedures
  • Support enrichment and training for primates, including gibbons and lemurs
  • Learn about research on black-footed cats