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.

This internship is ideal for those looking to gain broad, real-world experience of sanctuary-based vet work. It is important to note that the rescue center is a Wildlife Rescue Center is a sanctuary, rather than solely a vet clinic, so veterinary / clinical work is unlikely to take place every day. On the days when there are no procedures, externs will take part in animal care, orphan care, integrations, observations, and enrichment activities.

Veterinary interns will take part in a mix of clinical work and wider welfare activities, including enrichment, integrations, observations and animal husbandry. The veterinary component of the internship runs in the mornings, Tuesday to Friday (besides any emergencies that might arise). During these times, externs will work under a veterinarian on a mix of activities, including diagnostics, preventative health checks under sedation, parasite management and other treatment plans. The specific work will depend on the different animals we have in care.

In the afternoons, externs learn vital skills in the rehabilitation and care of wildlife. This is important for wildlife vets to ensure that they can identify baseline health parameters for a range of species, identify behavioral change and pick up on sick and injured animals quickly. Tasks undertaken in the afternoons include basic husbandry, enrichment and integrations.

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 (if emergencies arise)
• Orphan care
• Animal husbandry

A typical day: Working hours vary depending on the needs of the animals at the time.

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 17 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 veterinary student
• Proof of enrolment in relevant veterinary school / university.
• 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 put you in touch with local tour operators who can arrange a weekend safari in South Luangwa in Zambia, one of the best places to see game in all of Africa. Other optional activities in your free time include game drives or boat trips in Liwonde National Park, snorkelling or diving in the famous Lake Malawi, and cycling in Kuti Wildlife Reserve.