Biology

Since 2003, WKU has offered a study abroad course in South Africa—African Wildlife Conservation and Management.  In this class, we teach you, HANDS-ON, how to capture, immobilize and translocate wild animals.  YOU are working with wildlife professionals and veterinarians and setting up capture facilities and physically handling the animals. In the past, we’ve worked with giraffe, African buffalo, zebra, eland, impala, greater kudu, blue wildebeest, hartebeest, lion, leopard, hippo, spotted hyena, African porcupine, and of course (because they’re my research animals), local mice and rats!  This year, we’re trying to arrange your participation in a veterinary clinic in a local village as well. COVID halted this course for three years.  However, I was back in South Africa in May, and we’re set and ready to go for May 25, 2023! 

The course may be taken for upper-level credit in Biology (Biol485 or Biol485Honors) or Animal Science, or for graduate credit (Biol485G). You must have already completed an animal-based course such as Biol224 or ANSC140, have good grades, and positive recommendations from people who know your work ethic and personality, such as a boss. You must also be in good health. The students for whom the course is most relevant are pre-veterinary students or those interested in careers working with wildlife or in zoos. The course is best suited for the summer between your 2nd and 3rd or 3rd and 4th years, but recent graduates can take the course as well, with some extra paperwork.