When arriving in the Windhoek airport most of us had no idea what we would be doing during our time in Namibia. On our first morning we participated in an orientation meeting for all new incoming volunteers. One of the highlights of this orientation is learning about all the different projects volunteers can participate in. The other projects they offer are Harnas Wildlife sanctuary, Neuras, Kanaan, TimBila, and their newest coastal conservation project. I think it is amazing how many different opportunities there are to get involved in conservation. One of the other many experiences we had while there was an afternoon lecture from their resident veterinarian. We also heard about their veterinary program they offer and I would be very
interested in going back and participating. Another part of the lecture was learning about the story of their largest and oldest elephant Apollo. We also had the opportunity to watch a short documentary on how they safely got one of the world’s largest mammals from the coastline 8 hours away onto Naankuse preserve.
During our stay we had the chance to track their elephants in the reserve and record where they are, what they are doing, and record their body condition score to make sure they are staying in good health. Having the opportunity to see these three elephants interact and play with each other in their natural habitat was a dream come true.
During our time at N/a’anKusê there were several different activities we rotated throughout the week. Some of these activities were small animal feed and food preparation, baboon walk, baboon feed, carnivore feeding, and enclosure cleaning. On our first full day after arriving I have the privilege of participating in the cheetah walk. These three brothers were found orphaned during their first week of life and were hand raised. It was an absolute honor to be able to share an enclosure with majestic carnivores. I love that everyday these cheetahs have the opportunity to get out on a walk and get some mental stimulation which is so important for the well being of every animal. One of the other activities we participated in was the baboon walk. I actually go to participate in this several throughout our stay. It was so fun to watch them run and play in their favorite tree. During my last baboon walk there was a terrible rain storm and two of the baby baboons took cover by hiding in my volunteer shirt. I also had the privilege of being groomed by many of the baboons. They were all particularly fond of my many freckles.
My favorite activity we participated in was the overnight rhino ranger lite. During our overnight we get to spend the night camping in the reserve with the anti poaching unit. We practiced in a several hour patrol looking for any sign of poaching, any sign of a fresh kill from a carnivore, and just seeing some of the amazing animals that live in the reserve. After our several hour patrol we got to camp and were able to cook dinner on fire and set up our tents. After dinner we proceed with a two hour night patrol. The following morning we were taught how to check the electrical fence around the entire perimeter of the reserve. While with the anti poaching unit were able to see my all time favorite animal, the white rhino. It was such a privilege to watch these amazing animals in their natural habitat. This was my first time practicing in a study abroad program. Going to foreign country with people can be nerve racking but I could not imagine doing this program with a better group of people.
Erika, Namibia 2023 Study Abroad Program Student