Myerscough student vet nurses enjoy South Africa adventures

The group of 17 degree students, supervised by lecturers Chloe Dodd and Sophie Millard, flew out for a trip of a lifetime to the Waterberg Wildlife and Veterinary Course Entabeni in the Limpopo province.

Here’s just a taste of what they got up to:

The visit began with a trip to the Society for Animals in Distress and the group got to assist with neutering of about 30 dogs. They helped catheterise, intubate, clip and recover the patients and then had a tour around their farm and equine areas.

They then came back to their lodges and went on a game drive around their small resort, where the students were able to get out of the vehicle and snap some amazing shots!

The group visited Johannesburg Wildlife Hospital where they got to meet lots of amazing animals like warthogs, gennets and a baby serval, and watch a rescued python be tube fed.

They then went back to their accommodation where we were visited by Pit-Track K9 anti-poaching unit, who demonstrated their amazing ability at apprehending poaching suspects and sniffing out contraband.

The group visited the Dogs Trust ZA and helped with the husbandry of their rescued animals, cleaning kennels, walking, feeding and de-worming the dogs, with first year degree level students administering sub-cut injections for the first time.

The next few days were spent staying in Entabeni wildlife reserve, but due to the very rainy weather, most of the animals were hiding, but the group enjoyed ourselves nonetheless. They went out on safari every day and managed to see giraffes, lions, cheetahs and zebra to name a few.

The students ‘darted’ a lioness with Dr Pierre to do an ultrasound to check for pregnancy. The students listened to the heart and discussed what medications were given and watched her recover at a safe distance.

Overall, the 12 day trip was a unique blend of conservation, veterinary interventions, and educational experiences. The students leave with lifelong memories, invaluable connections to support their future careers, and friendships that will endure well beyond this adventure.

Click here to find out more about the full range of veterinary nursing study programmes available for 2026 entry at Myerscough College and University Centre.

Sophie Millard, Lecturer in Veterinary Nursing, said: ‘’I had the absolute pleasure in taking a group of our veterinary nursing students to South Africa for the second year in a row.

‘’I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to have represented Myerscough in such a beautiful country, and be part of the conversation of these magnificent creatures.’’