A group of our Animal Management students recently gained hands‑on conservation experience in South Africa through a Turing Scheme funded trip.
The second-year students explored key conservation challenges, including threats to wildlife, ecological surveying, invasive species management, and freshwater monitoring.
Their trip also included game drives and bush walks, giving them first‑hand insight into African ecosystems. Throughout the trip, they learnt how these environments differ from those in the UK and investigated the complex issues that conservation organisations face, such as poaching, hunting, and the impacts of climate change.
Anne Williams, Programme Lead for Land-Based courses at Kirklees College, said: “The conservation of wild animals was the main focus of this once-in-a-lifetime trip. The students also got a sense of the different cultures, food and wildlife that inhabit this diverse part of the world.”
“The students went on various game drives, bush walks and took part in ecological surveying to gain a true sense of how important it is to preserve biodiversity. Students took home with them lasting memories of making new friends, future career choices, and knowledge that allowed them to want to further explore topics in ecology, animal behaviour and conservation.”
Where did they visit on the trip?
To start with, they explored the Ezemvelo Game Reserve. This is situated on the Bakenveld, which is the transition ecotone between the grassland and savannah biomes.
They then visited the Pongola game reserve in Northern KwaZulu Natal, with the stunning Lebombo mountains providing a stunning scenic backdrop for staff and students.
The final part of the trip was to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, home to one of the largest populations of southern white rhinoceros in the world.
Do you want to have amazing experiences that set you on the path to an interesting and rewarding career?
The range of Animal Care and Land-Based courses at Kirklees College is available across from Entry Level, right up to Higher Education qualifications. Teaching is delivered at Taylor Hill Animal Centre, which has state-of-the-art facilities, including an aquarium, pet grooming studio and farm, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in your field of study.
