Wildlife Vet & Conservation Expedition
Protect. Learn. Empower Wildlife.
Ever dreamt of making a difference for Wildlife?
Wild Spirit Vet Namibia
Join a historic wildlife vet & conservation mission in Namibia—gain invaluable professional skills while helping to safeguard Africa’s iconic species.
For over 12 years, Wild Spirit Vet has empowered veterinary professionals in South Africa, achieving tangible conservation impact. Now, we’re teaming up with renowned Namibian conservationists for our first expedition—offering 14 international vets a unique, hands-on opportunity to protect rhinos, cheetahs, and more.
01 Overview
2025 Date
June 05 -18 (last 5 days Etosha optional)
Duration
9 + 5 days
Program Fee
€4330 + €1400 Etosha optional
Location
Namibia
Delegates profile
Vets & Donors
Enrollment Deadline
20 March 2025
Limited places available!
14
Registration: Open
Program Leads:
Program Powered by:
02 Details
What You’ll Contribute To
Conservation Impact:
Help protect rhinos threatened by poaching and cheetahs impacted by human-wildlife conflict through essential veterinary care and data collection.
Professional Development:
Understanding Rhino & Cheetah Medicine, Research & Conservation:
Gain insights into cheetah and rhino (black & white) medicine, anesthesia, diseases, research, and innovative conservation efforts.
Key Actions
Rhino Dehorning & Collaring
Participate in rhino dehorning and collaring in high-risk poaching areas in Namibia and contribute to the ongoing antipoaching efforts.
Community Engagement
Collaborate with local experts, learning about wildlife coexistence and protection. Namibia leads the way in this field.
Training and Education
Join expert-led discussions on wildlife conservation, One Health, and veterinary care, addressing local needs with relevance to global biodiversity.
Monitoring & Research
Contribute to the ongoing monitoring of rhinos and genetic studies on cheetahs, providing crucial data to inform adaptive conservation strategies.
Between 2010 & 2024, rhino poaching claimed over 9,000 rhinos in South Africa alone.
Now, the threat has shifted to Namibia.
Cheetah numbers have declined by over 90%, with fewer than 7,000 remaining in the wild.
Namibia hosts the world’s largest cheetah & black rhino population.
In 2025, you can contribute to their survival through veterinary care and conservation research.
03 Delegate Profile
This expedition is open to a select group of 14 delegates, with the following profile:
12
Veterinarians or Veterinary Students/Nurses
Vets who are passionate about wildlife conservation and eager to gain hands-on experience in the field while learning from seasoned professionals.
2
Natural Science Professionals, True Wildlife Passionate Donors
Experts and donors with a true passion for wildlife preservation and eager to contribute their expertise toward the project’s success.
Rhino & Cheetah Conservation
Join the Fight to Protect Namibia’s Iconic Wildlife
Namibia plays a pivotal role in global conservation, hosting the world’s largest free-ranging cheetah population (2,500–3,000 individuals) and vital populations of black and white rhinos. These iconic species face escalating threats, including poaching, habitat encroachment, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal trade.
The black rhino population, critical to the species’ survival, stands at approximately 6,421 as of 2023. Despite a modest 3.4% increase in white rhino numbers, both species remain highly vulnerable to poaching and habitat loss. Namibia’s success in conservation is underpinned by its innovative Conservancy Model, which empowers communities and private reserves that lead efforts in anti-poaching patrols, habitat protection, and rhino dehorning.
Veterinary care and molecular health monitoring are the heart of conservation. They uncover critical data on health, genetics, and population dynamics. These insights inform evidence-based policies and impactful actions, safeguarding Namibia’s wildlife and reinforcing its role as a global leader in conservation.
Through the work you’ll do with us, from hands-on veterinary care to groundbreaking research, you’ll be an integral part of the change, directly protecting Namibia’s iconic species. Join us and apply now!
Antipoaching efforts, wildlife health monitoring, and research on cheetah populations are ongoing throughout the year. Although these initiatives take place locally, their impact carries global significance. Through Wild Spirit Foundation, we seek donations to support this critical conservation project, ensuring sustained protection for wildlife and fostering sustainable solutions for local communities.
04 Schedule
Day 1
Arrival & Meeting
Arrival at Windhoek International Airport, Namibia.
Meet at 13:00, then transfer to Mount Etjo Safari Lodge.
Day 2
Lectures
Morning and afternoon lectures in the conference room, led by Dr. Brendan Tindall and Dr. Fabiola Quesada. Enjoy your first game drive in the late afternoon.
Day 3-4
Wildlife Vet Work
Engage in hands-on rhino conservation efforts, including dehorning.
Assist with cheetah-related veterinary tasks and participate in the capture and care of other species.
Day 5
Anti-Poaching and Ecology Day
Engage in anti-poaching activities and learn about ecology through tracking and animal behaviour studies.
Day 6
Darting Day
Start the day with lectures on darting techniques, followed by hands-on helicopter darting and ground darting practice.
Conclude with a game drive in the afternoon.
Day 7
Transfer and Lectures
Transfer back to the Rhino Reserve in the morning, followed by engaging lectures in the afternoon.
Day 8-9
More Rhino and Cheetah Work
Participate in hands-on rhino conservation efforts, including dehorning and working with orphans.
Potential opportunities to assist with cheetah-related veterinary and conservation tasks.
Day 10-14
Etosha National Park & Departure
Transfer to Etosha National Park. Enjoy two full days of safari in Etosha, exploring its incredible wildlife and landscapes. Transfer back to Windhoek.
Day 14 International departures from Hosea Kutako International Airport.
The Team
Dr Brendan Tindall
Dr. Brendan Tindall is a renowned wildlife veterinarian with a deep passion for conservation. In the early 2000s, he served as the Veterinarian at Etosha National Park, gaining invaluable experience in wildlife health and management. With decades of work across Africa, Dr. Tindall has inspired hundreds of students through Wild Spirit’s veterinary programs, shaping the next generation of conservationists and leaving a lasting impact on wildlife preservation.
Dr Fabiola Quesada
Dr. Fabiola Quesada is a veterinarian & conservationist, CEO of Wild Spirit Vet, and founder of the Wild Spirit Foundation. With over a decade of experience, she has successfully led Wild Spirit Vet, a renowned wildlife veterinary training program in South Africa, for more than 12 years. A pioneer in One Health Conservation, Dr. Quesada champions a holistic approach that links the health of wildlife, ecosystems, and communities. Through her leadership, she drives impactful field projects, fosters international collaborations, and develops innovative solutions to address global conservation challenges.
Alex Oelofe
Alex Oelofse, the only son of renowned conservationists Jan Harm and Annette Oelofse, grew up on a thriving wildlife farm, where he gained early expertise in handling wildlife, driving, flying, and problem-solving. A Mechanical Engineering graduate from Stellenbosch University, Alex applies his skills to innovate and enhance operations in conservation. He is a sought-after helicopter pilot, game capturer, and entrepreneur, successfully leading elephant translocations, developing a large solar plant, and transitioning a wildlife reserve to solar power. Passionate about sustainable conservation, Alex was named Wildlife Rancher of the Year in 2016 and received the HoRN award for his contributions to rhino conservation.
Carola Oelofe
Carola was born in Windhoek and met Alex at Stellenboch University, where she completed her Master’s degree in Human Genetics. She joined Alex on the reserve in 2012, assisting with administrative work, guest relations, human resources, marketing, and wildlife work. After the birth of their children, Jan and Keira, Carola started pursuing a PhD in Bioinformatics in 2021 remotely through Stellenbosch University in the hope of finding conservation-related, meaningful work to which she could apply her skillset and passion.
05 Accommodation
Mount Etjo Safari Lodge
Located in the heart of the Okonjati Game Reserve, one of Namibia’s first private reserves founded by renowned conservationist Jan Oelofse, Mount Etjo Safari Lodge is a historic destination. Home to over 8,000 animals and diverse birdlife, the reserve is a true conservation sanctuary, with “Etjo” meaning “place of refuge.”
Famous as the site of the 1989 Mount Etjo Declaration, which paved the way for Namibia’s independence, the lodge offers unforgettable wildlife activities, exquisite cuisine, and luxurious accommodations, making it a favorite for visitors worldwide.
Etosha National Park
Benefits of Joining
Hands-On Learning
Practical experience & knowledge in wildlife veterinary medicine.
Expert Insights
Networking
Personal Growth / Lifetime Experience
Deepen your connection with nature in Africa, creating soul-touching memories and gaining a lifetime experience in the wild, all while making a meaningful impact.
Capture the expience
Have your contributions to wildlife conservation captured through professional photography and video, creating lasting memories of your impactful experience.
Even if you cannot join us in person, you can still be part of this vital initiative by making a donation. Your support will help fund the collaring of these three elephants and their ongoing monitoring, which is essential for their survival.
Be a Wild Spirit
Be part of something bigger—make a difference today.
We are wating for you, contact us.
Wild Spirit Pty Ltd,
89 Rooibank Farm, PO Box 2682 Hammanskraal, 0400, Gauteng Province | South Africa
9 Recoletos St, 1A, 28001 , Madrid I Spain