Animal magic for College students

Youngsters studying for their Extended Diploma in Animal Management spent two weeks exploring the nation’s east coast and coming face-to-face with dolphins, elephants, rhinos and more.

They also paid a visit to the infamous Muthi Market, where various witchdoctors pedal everything from snakeskins to crocodile teeth.

Animal care technician Eliz Thomas said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for the students to gain a greater insight into animal conservation issues.

“They experienced first-hand some of the positive projects being undertaken in South Africa, as well as the darker side with the illegal trades which are still a big problem.”

The trip began in the coastal city of Durban, where the students witnessed the sharks which circle the area as well as the underwater nets used to snare them.

After visiting the captive dolphins at the nearby uShaka Marine World, the youngsters moved on to the Ishona Langa wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of the African bush.

It was here that they met passionate conservationist Victor Hugo, who gave various talks and tours of the surrounding area.

Finally the students went on an unforgettable safari in the heart of the African bush, where they came face-to-face with an adult African elephant and a regal cheetah.

Eliz added: “They absolutely loved the experience. It’s one thing to learn about conservation issues from a textbook, but it’s quite another to experience them first-hand.

“Many of our students will go on to university to become the conservationists and charity workers of the future, and hopefully this trip will spur them on to do great things.”

The trip took place from 14-28 October.

Equivalent to three A-levels, the Extended Diploma in Animal Management covers a wide range of subject areas including animal welfare, rehabilitation, biology and more.

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