I never imagined I’d be flying halfway around the world less than a year after graduating high school and definitely not to rewild cheetahs. This program and experience was truly unreal at “Running Wild Cheetah Conservation” near Magaliesburg, South Africa. I lived in the middle of a mountain range working with South African wildlife animals like lions, servals, meerkats, caracals and mostly cheetahs. Our instructors ensured we had plenty of hands-on experience working with the animals and encouraged us to take every opportunity they threw at us.

This program grew my passion for veterinary medicine and made me feel secure in a career path working with animals. We were able to necropsy multiple zebras and chickens (using the meat to feed the animals) and were allowed to aid in the process if we chose to. This allowed me to know I could handle the smells and sights that come with animal necropsy and encouraged me and my goal of medicine.

Our instructors were so sweet and encouraged us outside our comfort zones. They were kind enough to teach us some Afrikaans words and phrases which we were able to use on the domesticated animals. They taught us so much more than just the cheetahs and kept us busy with activities, games, and chores throughout the program.

This program taught me all about wildlife conservation and its importance in South Africa. Without places like RWCC, cheetahs would be in strong danger of becoming extinct. I never realized the impact that cheetahs can have in the wild and the need for them. We were able to go on hikes in the conservation where we would see all sorts of wildlife like giraffes, kudu, wildebeest, antelope, and zebras. We were also able to take a few of the cheetahs for a “bush walk” to give them enrichment and teach them which animals are safe to hunt, and which should be avoided–like lions. One of my favorite parts of the experience was when we had a veterinarian come in and we were able to aid in darting and tranquilizing a wild zebra in order to clean a laceration on its leg. It was amazing to see the teamwork involved and be able to work with a wild zebra.

In conclusion, this program opened my eyes into veterinary medicine, working with wildlife, and the power in conservation! It was such a great experience and one I will never forget. My group was heartbroken when it came time to leave but inspired me to look into further study abroad opportunities. Having this scholarship allowed me to go on this program without having to stress about the cost and I’ll forever feel so blessed to have had this opportunity.

Name: Alayna Nolte
Status: Junior
Majors: Animal Science
Hometown: St. Joseph, Michigan
Program: Cheetah Conservation Internship in South Africa