Giraffe Conservation Internship in South Africa

Are you an aspiring wildlife conservationist with a passion for large mammals? Our research centre is thrilled to offer an exceptional internship opportunity focused on giraffe conservation and parasitology in a stunning 27,000-hectare game reserve, home to 17 different species of antelope.

Project Overview

Location: A sprawling game reserve home to diverse wildlife, including numerous giraffes.

Research Focus: 

• Contribute to vital giraffe conservation efforts by studying internal parasite loads. Investigate the differences in parasite counts between adult females and their calves. Opportunities for studying giraffe diets and looking into giraffes internal parasite count in our onsite lab.

• Giraffe Identification Kits: Assist in building and expanding ID kits to accurately determine the number of giraffes on the reserve. This includes identifying individual giraffes, cataloging their sex, and assessing the current male-to-female ratio.

Hands-On Experience: 

• Collaborate with experienced researchers in the field, gain expertise in wildlife health monitoring, and enhance your research skills.

• You'll gain valuable experience in setting up, managing, and determining the best positions for camera traps. This hands-on experience is crucial for monitoring wildlife behaviour and gathering essential conservation data.

Conservation Context

In South Africa, giraffes face significant threats, including habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, potential low genetic diversity, and the hybridisation of subspecies, which endangers their genetic purity. Consequently, conservation efforts must focus on accurately determining their population numbers, distribution, and taxonomic distinctions.

Why This Internship?

• Extraordinary Setting: Work in an awe-inspiring environment, surrounded by the beauty and majesty of giraffes and other wildlife.

• Skill Development: Acquire practical knowledge in wildlife parasitology, conservation strategies, and field research methodologies.

• Professional Growth: Network with leading conservation biologists and expand your career horizons.

Seize this rare opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to giraffe conservation while gaining invaluable field experience. Apply today to join our dedicated team working to protect these iconic creatures and better understand their health dynamics.

Duration of Stay

You have the flexibility to choose the length of your stay. We recommend a commitment of 2 to 4 months to fully immerse yourself in the experience and make the most of the opportunities available. This duration allows for deeper engagement with the conservation work and a richer overall experience.

Conservation Fees & Logistics

A monthly conservation fee is required, covering:

• Support for ongoing conservation efforts in the reserve

• Shared accommodation within the reserve

• Transport services: Pick-up from and drop-off at the Polokwane airport | Bi-weekly town trips for supplies

This fee ensures that your experience contributes to both your well-being and the vital work of preserving the reserve.