Zambia Chimp Project: Unique Opportunity for Vets & Students in Primate Medicine
How would you like to spend two weeks in Africa working with some of the world’s foremost experts in great ape medicine? If there is any way you can clear your schedule from October 4 – 20, 2013, you really should consider this unique opportunity.
Twelve volunteer veterinarians or vet students will be selected to join Worldwide Veterinary Service, the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, and the International Primate Heart Project (IPHP) to carry out full and comprehensive health checks on over 120 chimpanzees. You will learn about the practical aspects of primate medicine and field techniques, including darting, anesthesia, health evaluation, sample collection, ultrasonography, and contraceptive surgery.
No previous experience is required but you must be a registered veterinarian or veterinary student and final selection will be based on resume, letter of intention and booking form. Language will be mainly English but there will be Spanish and French speakers, so all nationalities are welcome at Chimfunshi.
The cost to participate is $2650 / 2000 Euro / £1,800 and that includes accommodation, meals, and local transportation.
I’m honestly considering if I might be able to participate in this myself. I know what a rare opportunity it is to be able to work in this type of setting and with this level of expertise.
You can download the full information packet (PDF) with a lot more details and contact information for the course organizers here:
Zambia Chimps Volunteer Info Pack 2013
Anyone interested in joining??
Comments
Hi Elliott, let me know if you still need vets. I can absolutely make room in my schedule for this. Sounds like a great opportunity. I’ve recently found your blog – very interesting!
Hey Christie – I think they are still seeking participants so you should shoot an e-mail to info@wvs.org.uk to express your interest!
Well-written blog! Thanks, we want more! Added to my list of favs as well.
Hi! Sorry to bother you! Currently I am exploring wildlife medicine externships and I was wondering if you had a favorite to explore? As a student coming from an island vet school I was at a bit of a disadvantage in applying to externships. I wasn’t aware a lot of them you had to apply so far in advance, and since I did not get my clinical school placement until so recently I wasn’t certain about requirements and dates by the school to be able to apply till now. I love travel and research and am looking for experiences that will validate my current aspirations for a career within conservation medicine and education and it seems you have gotten a lot of experience within that realm!
Thank you!
Kind regards,
Gwyneth Montemuro