The trip put students into active conservation projects from day one. They took part in predator monitoring, learned how anti-poaching teams operate on the ground and helped with fish tagging and bird ringing. This is the kind of practical, hands-on work that most don’t encounter until well into their careers, if at all.
One student, Logan Sanderson, who has always had a particular interest in scorpions, was asked to give a specialist talk on the subject to the rest of the group.
Logan said: “I have always had an interest in creepy crawlies, so when I was invited to speak about them during our time at Zingela, I jumped at the opportunity. I found myself learning new information while handling species native to the area. This opportunity was made possible because of South Devon College and the resources I can access through it. The trip as a whole was once in a lifetime and something I will remember moving forward towards potential careers.”
Out in the field, students came face to face with elephants, lions, and even watched a cheetah hunt unfold right in front of them in the wild.
The trip also went beyond wildlife work. Students visited a local high school to talk about conservation and were welcomed with traditional Zulu songs and dance. They worked alongside local farmers and vets to vaccinate more than 200 goats and sheep; it was hard physical work that showed students how closely animal welfare, conservation and community support fit together.
Stu Collier, a lecturer in Animal Studies at South Devon College, said that it was “a proud moment to watch our students step outside of their comfort zones, embrace different cultures and throw themselves into these experiences. The confidence, resilience and professionalism they demonstrated throughout the trip was outstanding and we could not be any prouder of them.”
Kally Bowden-Smith, an animal instructor at the College, added to this saying: “Watching our students grow in confidence and embrace every opportunity was incredibly rewarding. Seeing them apply the skills they have learned within the classroom to real conservation challenges was fantastic. They showed resilience, compassion and curiosity throughout the entire trip.
“The students had such a positive impact on conservation projects, the local community and each other; they should be incredibly proud of everything they have achieved.”
For students hoping to work in conservation or wildlife management, opportunities like this make all the difference. They leave South Africa not just with stories to tell, but with the kind of practical experience and confidence that puts them ahead before they’ve even finished their course.
South Devon College offers animal-related courses from Entry Level through to a BSc (Hons) in Applied Animal Science. Applications are now open for September, for anyone ready to give their own career in animal care, conservation and research a head start.
Find out more here: Animal Studies – South Devon College
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