Author Archives: Meagan de Lange

Celebrating Women in Wildlife Conservation

A conversation with Kate Church, founder and managing director of African Wildlife Vets, and Dr Jennifer Lawrence, wildlife veterinarian. Blogpost written by Mia Hordyk Where it all Started Seven years ago, 24-year-old Kate Church had a conversation with her mum that changed everything. After learning about Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s (EKZNW) budget constraints and the increasing- continue reading –

This is going to hurt

This article is written by Dr Jen Lawrence in response to the 8 rhino orphans that were located and rescued during Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Parks dehorning operation. Thanks to extensive helicopter coverage and aerial searches during the operation, the conservation teams were able to locate the rhino orphans. One of the most heartbreaking consequences of the poaching- continue reading –

Rhino Dehorning with African Wildlife Vets: A Desperate Measure Against Poaching

Author: Mia Hordyk Rhino dehorning is one of many conservation efforts aimed at protecting endangered species, and is often performed as a last resort, when all other measures of protection against poaching have been exhausted. With rhino poaching on the rise in South Africa, wildlife vets and conservationists have had to turn to dehorning to- continue reading –

Wild Dog’s Remarkable Recovery: Snare Removal and Healing Journey with Dr. Jen Lawrence

A couple of weeks ago, Dr Jen Lawrence assisted with removing a snare off a wild dog. The snare had tightened around the wild dog’s neck and front leg leaving an awful open wound. The ecologist of the reserve, who has been intensely monitoring her recovery sent us an update this week, noting that she- continue reading –

Dr. Max Krings’ Successful Wildebeest Collaring Operation

Dr Max Krings assisted Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the French Academic Research Agency collar a wildebeest recently. The wildebeest cow was recumbent within 4 minutes after darting. As soon as she went down, Max rushed to her to position her into sternal recumbency. This is important to aid in breathing and subsequently oxygenation of the- continue reading –

Challenges and Successes in Predator Collaring: Insights from the Field with Dr. Jen Lawrence

Operational procedures for collaring predators vary based on species. Lions and hyenas are attracted using specific animal calls during night call-ups, employing distress calls of buffalo, wildebeest, or warthog for lions and a range of hyena calls for hyenas. Despite efforts, call-ups do not guarantee success, and veterinarians and conservation teams often spend hours waiting- continue reading –

Hyena Saved from Double Snare Peril in Sabi Sands: A Testament to Rapid Wildlife Rescue Efforts

A hyena was recently found in the northern Sabi Sands after crossing from Manyeleti, entangled with two snares. It had a double-looped copper snare around its neck and a cable snare around its hind leg. The snare rescue group (@africanwildlifevets, @wildwonderful_world, @down2the_wire and @blueskysociety) responded quickly to offer support and Dr Joel Alves ,@the_conservation_vet, successfully- continue reading –

Daring Rescue Amidst Adversity: Team Frees Leopard from Snare in Challenging Operation

Earlier this week @the_conservation_vet rescued a male leopard from a snare despite facing challenging conditions. The rain, mud, and persistent presence of spotted hyenas made the operation quite a circus. The leopard was perched high up in a tree, and the team had to navigate a tricky darting process. After being tranquilized, the leopard slipped- continue reading –