Malawi – Wildlife Rescue Center Veterinary Internship

Landlocked between the East African countries of Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique lies the home of Africa’s warmest people; Malawi. Malawi is a country filled with national parks and game reserves, lush highlands and tropical forests split by the Great Rift Valley and the clear waters of its chief attraction—Lake Malawi.

Lilongwe is the largest and capital city of Malawi. Named after the Lilongwe River, the city is an essential economic and transport hub to the rest of the country. Despite its urban surroundings, the project site is on a reserve that feels a world away from the chaos of city life.

Veterinary interns will take part in various tasks, even those outside of veterinary care. Interns will take part in clinical support, of course, but also in rescue and rehabilitation tasks, as well as orphan care. Interns may assist with incoming exams and routine diagnostics to emergency operations. No matter the task, interns will gain useful, hands-on experience, clocking clinical hours and discovering the magnificent wildlife of Malawi. The Wildlife Rescue Center aims to release as many animals as possible back into the wild, so veterinarian interns play an important role in accomplishing this goal by helping to speed and ensure the rehabilitation process that precedes release.

Some of your tasks may include:

• Assisting with incoming veterinary examinations
• Assisting with general health checks
• Assisting with emergency operations
• Orphan care
• Animal husbandry
• Clinical research

A typical day: Working hours vary depending on the needs of the animals at the time; however, if notice is given well in advance, the center will strive to accommodate a minimal number of clinical hours if required by the intern’s academic institution.

Internet: Wi-Fi is available at the volunteer house.

Laundry: A laundry service is available, but all delicate items must be washed by hand. Laundry soap is provided.

Accommodations: You will stay in a volunteer house in the heart of the sanctuary surrounded by animals. It can host up to 18 people at a time in six bedrooms. It also includes a lounge, kitchen, inside and outside dining spaces, two bathrooms, laundry space, an outdoor deck and garden.

Food: Three vegetarian meals are included and are served by the local chef, who provides international meals and some Malawian dishes. He takes a day off on Sundays so you can alternate with the other volunteers to cook up a feast. Drinking water is also provided. If you prefer to eat out, there are many wonderful restaurants just a short taxi ride away and if you can’t live without luxuries like chocolate, the shops aren’t far either!

• Must be a vet, vet nurse or veterinary student
• Proof of relevant veterinary qualifications
• Good command of English
• Immunizations (please consult your local travel clinic):
• All the standard vaccinations for Malawi plus rabies vaccination and proof that you are not a carrier of TB.

The rescue center can arrange for volunteers to venture on a weekend safari in South Luangwa in Zambia, one of the best places to see game in all of Africa, for a special price. Other optional activities in free time include game drives or boat trips in Liwonde National Park, snorkelling or diving in the famous Lake Malawi, horse riding in Kande and cycling in Kuti Wildlife Reserve.