Wildlife Elective Course
in Game Capture at Kruger National Park
Summer 2001
By Katie Kurkjian and Gaby Flacke
On July 9, 2001 we began our 3-week course in wild animal game capture. Little did we know that during our stay, we would be participating in the capture of over 60 African elephants and white rhinoceros.
We also worked at the Disease Free Buffalo Breeding Facility in Kruger National Park (KNP) and helped in the testing of lions and leopards for bovine tuberculosis.
Although the course’s main objective was to learn about the chemical immobilization of wild animals, we also learned about population ecology, conservation biology, and wildlife medicine at Kruger Park.
Purpose
The purpose of this externship was to learn about wildlife chemical immobilization in Kruger National Park. We had the opportunity to experience all the mechanics of game capture procedures, from darting an animal from a helicopter to loading the animal into a transport crate. During this course we also had the chance to understand the theory behind why these animals, particularly African elephants and white rhinoceros, are being captured and relocated.
Veterinary student Katie Kurkjian preparing to take a blood sample from a leopard.
A captured male lion is tested for tuberculosis
Gaby Flacke and Katie Kurkjian helping to position a bull elephant into lateral recumbency position.
