This country has so much to offer from its food, culture, and wildlife. The beauty of Zimbabwe is all the above. The people are some of the kindest most generous you will ever meet. Their passion for what they truly care and believe in is expressed in every way. A big lesson learned on this journey was that while we all dislike the term poaching, for some it is the only they can feed their families due to the poor economic conditions in Zimbabwe. This however means that techniques used by locals to “hunt” is what is called a snare trap and is truly a terrible way for any animal to die.

The experience at Antelope Park will never be forgotten. From caring for the lions, including cleaning their enclosure, deworming them, giving them a dip bath (topical treatment for tick prevention) watching the feeding frenzy. To the elephants and feeding and walking with them to their favorite spot to eat. We watched in awe the elephants had so much trust in their handlers. To horseback riding in park. Every single discussion from the staff members at Antelope Park had so much meaning from the about everything the park stands for and each one’s role in conservation efforts. The lecture from Dr. G. Campling and her dedication to protect all species and her recent journey to Ukraine to assist with the lions at the zoo who needed to be transported to a safer location. There is so much more to Veterinary medicine.

I appreciate the discussions by Paul and Teri at Iganyana Tented Camp. They went above and beyond to make our experience incredible. Teaching us various animal tracks along with going into detail about the type of conservation work that they strive for.
The tour of Zimbabwe Veterinary School. While Zimbabwe doesn’t have access to the newest and greatest equipment you can hear and see after speaking to the students who attend their goal is to care, treat and protect animals. They use what they have access to, to make veterinary medicine work.
I have met so many great people on this adventure from our team in Zimbabwe (Tapps, Yami, Teddy and Barry who welcomed us all to his home and cooked us an amazing barbecue) along with my fellow students and faculty I consider all of you family.
We will forever laugh about the toilet paper situation, my giant backpack, the monkey who ate snacks in the other cabin at Antelope Park and the Mopane worm eating at the Boma Dinner.
– Candace , SPC Zimbabwe Vet Tech Program, June 2022

While in Africa, one of the things I have been most struck by is the people that work in some of the places we have visited so far. At this point in our trip we have visited the University of Zimbabwe Veterinary School, the Makara cattle farm, Antelope Park, Free to Be Wild, and Iganyana tent camp along with Hwange National Park.

While the animals are astounding and seeing them has changed my life, the people who work with and for them have been incredible. Not only our guides like Sam and Iri, but the people who have been so kind to cook for us and take care of the parks. Everyone cares so deeply about what they are a part of in terms of conservation and is willing to share their passion with anyone. The guides who took their time to introduce us to their elephants, lions and cattle took great pride in them and that was very evident. When I say “their” these men spend so much time with them and know every intimate detail about them physically and behaviorally, these animals might as well be their children. They wanted to make sure they could provide us with all the knowledge they could to help us respect, understand and want to take care of these animals and their environment!

At Iganyana Tent Camp, Terry and his staff want so badly to take care of the wildlife and environment in Hwange. They want to improve their facility to invite all walks of life to the camp in order to spread the message that they are trying to deliver.

So much concentration on conservation it was very heartwarming!!
– Jennifer, SPC Zimbabwe Vet Tech Program, June 2022

I did not know what to expect when I applied to study abroad in Zimbabwe. I was hoping the trip would give me experience with different animals to help prepare me for my career as a Certified Veterinary Technician, but nothing could have prepared me for the life changing experience the study abroad trip became for me.
The trip began with a long flight from Tampa (Florida) to the capital of Zimbabwe. I was expecting a dangerous area, food I may not like, and to have an opportunity to view animals in the areas we were going to visit. My view changed drastically by the end of the trip!
I was greeted by the friendliest of people at every turn! At one location, we were greeted with people playing drums and dancing to welcome us. Not only that, but every meal was four courses and dessert was served at lunch and dinner! The food was not only edible, it was delicious! From chicken to steak, every meal went beyond my expectations.
Yet what truly blew me away was experiencing the wildlife in Africa. At a reservation called Antelope Park, we were given the unique opportunity to observe male lions run at full gallop and compete over their prey. It built a sense of fear and respect that is difficult to describe. As they roared and wrestled and leapt at the gate, it became clear to me that these animals deserve a great deal of respect. However, my involvement with the wildlife did not end there. We were also given opportunities to observe and interact with elephants. We saw crocodiles, water buffalo, giraffe, kudu, sable, impala, mongoose, monkeys, and baboons… just to name a few! We were able to assist in the sedation and relocation of a group of hyenas as well as to deworm a pride of lions. We listened to lectures that taught us about conservation tactics and efforts to stop poaching. We were even able to participate in a bush walk to search for snares, which poachers use to trap and kill protected wildlife. We found and removed one, saving an animal from a terrible fate.
The study abroad trip broadened my view of different cultures and values. I never could have predicted that trip would become a defining event in my life path. Not only was this trip an amazing experience, but it gave me experience to further my career in the veterinary industry as I now seek to work with exotic and endangered species to assist in conservation efforts across the world.
– Valerie, SPC Zimbabwe Vet Tech Program, June 2022