Running with Rhino’s : My Journey in Conservation

 

Mads says, “Follow me,” and so I do. I find myself running through the heart of a Big Five game reserve, moving from one immobilised rhino to another. Armed with just my Leatherman and a sample cup for DNA collection, I plunge through thorny underbrush, stumble over rocks, and avoid hidden holes. We don’t know where the other group is, so we call out, hoping for a response. Then, a whistle—they are close, and we just have to follow the sounds. We arrive to two immobilised rhinos. There is no time to hesitate or catch my breath; I immediately begin collecting samples, knowing that the rhinos now need to be reversed from the anaesthesia. I think—This is crazy, and I love it!  

My Journey to Selati

My journey to Africa began in 2012. Over the years, I have travelled extensively across Eastern and Southern Africa, spending time volunteering in Zimbabwe and Namibia. In 2020, I completed my FGASA Field Guide training, eager to turn my passion into a profession. Then, COVID hit, and my plans were put on hold. It wasn’t until October 2023 that I finally returned to South Africa, volunteering with Selati Research. That experience reignited my desire to make a big move.

I came back for three months at the start of 2024 as a volunteer intern. Determined to stay longer, I applied for a permanent intern position, which was accepted. I travelled back to Australia to apply for my visa and, by September, I was back in South Africa, ready to dive in.

My Work at Selati

As an intern, my role is diverse. I guide volunteers through their program, assist the research coordinator, and manage the hyaena identification kits while tracking the population. Since Selati operates as a closed system with key predators, it is crucial to monitor our hyaena population to ensure ecological balance.

I also play a key role in the Marula Project for the Selati Wilderness Foundation. I spend time in the seedling and sapling nurseries, ensuring their health and growth. Additionally, I enjoy taking on projects related to camp upgrades and continuous improvements—so watch this space!

In January, I was made the volunteer coordinator, a role I have embraced. I love ensuring that every volunteer has an incredible experience, learning about conservation while making a meaningful contribution.

A Day in the Life

No two days are the same, but our program typically includes two drives a day, one in the morning and another in the afternoon.

Mornings start before sunrise with vehicle checks and coffee (and sunscreen—a must!). A morning drive can last 3-4 hours, involving research activities like monitoring key species, conducting elephant impact surveys, changing out camera traps, or even road clearing. By 9 AM, we return for a group breakfast before heading to the office to review camera trap images, identifying hyaenas, elephants, and all the other species we have on the reserve.

Lunch is at 1:30 PM, followed by a bit more office work or camp tasks. In the afternoon, if I’m not on a drive, I might work out, swim, or dedicate time to my online studies.

My Favorite Parts

What I love most is the diversity of my day—no two drives are ever the same. Some of my most memorable experiences include:

• Releasing a rehabilitated pangolin into the reserve.
• Participating in a giraffe necropsy to determine its cause of death.
• Watching a herd of elephant’s swim and play in a dam.
• Participating in all our wildlife operations, from Rhino dehorning to Lion collaring.

 

Looking Ahead

Every day at Selati reinforces my passion for conservation. I am excited to continue this journey, embracing new challenges and unforgettable moments. I look forward to sharing more updates as I navigate this incredible adventure—stay tuned!