Vets on the Wild Side

In Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, vet Dave Cooper treats a wounded rhino, a lion with a toothache, and vaccinates cubs—navigating Zululand’s misty terrain to safeguard endangered wildlife.

At Zimbabwe’s Imire Sanctuary, a young black rhino is darted in a bid to save the species. Elephants assist, while a calf reluctant to return to the wild tests vets’ dedication.

In Kruger, vets use dart guns and helicopters to sedate rhinos, zebras, and crocs. The Game Capture Course trains global vets in the latest wildlife rescue and sedation techniques.

Vets test gentler sedatives on nyalas to reduce stress. Dave Cooper and Douw Grobler evaluate the drug’s potential, tackle buffalo and enjoy a lighthearted ‘gnus flash’ moment.

Dave Cooper leads buffalo testing for TB in Natal, using helicopters to herd and dart the dangerous beasts. In Kruger, a lion is sedated and checked for disease and fertility.