Overview of the Project:

The KWS veterinary services department, since its inception in 1990, has been based at the organization's headquarters in Nairobi . Currently, these services are being divided into field stations, with three field stations already functional, namely: Tsavo, Mountain and Central Rift. In the KWS organizational structure, the veterinary services department is under the Division of Research, Biodiversity and Monitoring. It is divided into three core sections, namely: (1) field services and research, (2) diagnostics and laboratory services and (3) animal capture. The department is charged with the responsibility of maintaining viable, healthy and breeding wildlife populations in Kenya .

To achieve this, the department uses various technical strategies such as clinical intervention for sick or injured wild animals, regular disease monitoring, surveillance, prevention and control of disease in both free-range and captivity. Other strategies include veterinary research, animal translocations and relocations, animal rescue activities, and captive animal management. The department also offers quarantine to confiscated animals or animals on transit through Kenya .

The department is comprised of competent wildlife veterinarians, laboratory technologists, animal health technologists, animal capture staff, research scientist and other supportive staff. They can mobilize themselves quickly in response to reported cases from the field stations, National Parks, National Reserves and ranches that require veterinary intervention.

Ongoing Programs

ACTIVITIES OF KWS VETERINARY DEPARTMENT

The department responds to field case reports of sickness, deaths and injury of animals to provide appropriate veterinary intervention and also collect samples for laboratory-based diagnosis/analysis. The field veterinary staff members are able to handle all species such as elephants, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, antelopes, birds, reptiles and fish.

•  Carry out scheduled or emergency translocations of different species of wild animals for various reasons
•  Disease Surveillance, Monitoring and Control
•  Veterinary Research on Wildlife and Zoonotic Diseases
•  Captive animal management
•  Rescue of orphaned and sick/animals
•  Quarantine of wild animals
•  Development of Wildlife Veterinary Practice Policy Documents & Records
•  Tracking of animals
•  Research Activities
•  Working in an Animal Orphanage
•  The veterinary program
•  Conservation Education
•  Veterinary Clinical Intervention

Role of the Volunteers

Participants will always work as team members, alongside KWS staff members and researchers. There will always be someone to guide participants on what to do as well as provide assignments and compare notes. The work is usually spontaneous and often changes according to the demands and needs of the various departments within the parks. The work involved with the KWS is varied and fascinating. Participants will have ample opportunities to contribute to the conservation efforts of Kenya . The nature of the projects depends on what is available and greatly depends on the duration of time enrolled in the projects.

Participants with veterinary backgrounds (education and experience) will carry out the following duties:

•  Scheduled or emergency translocations of different species of wild animals for various reasons
•  Disease Surveillance, Monitoring and Control
•  Veterinary Research on Wildlife and Zoonotic Diseases
•  Rescue of orphaned and sick/animals
•  Quarantine of wild animals
•  Develop Wildlife Veterinary Practice Policy Documents & Records
•  Veterinary Clinical Intervention

Volunteers with NO veterinary background will carry out the following duties:

•  Captive animal management
•  Rescue of orphaned and sick/animals
•  Quarantine of wild animals
•  Tracking of animals .
•  Research Activities
•  Work in Animal Orphanage
•  Conservation Education

A typical day at the Nairobi National Park :

07:00 – 08:00 hrs: Breakfast and preparation time
08:00 – 09:00 hrs: Depart for work
09.00 – 12:30 hrs: Time for work/work at the rescues center
12.30 – 13.30 hrs: Lunchtime
13.30 – 18.00 hrs: Continue with day's work
18.00 hrs: Participants return to their accommodations

Remarks: This daily itinerary provides a generic picture of daily activities. Participantss can choose to work in the morning or in the afternoon.

Additional Information:

•  Volunteer must wear national park-approved clothing
•  Volunteer must have additional insurance from the Kenya Wildlife Society

Benefits to Volunteers

The Kenya Conservation Project is in great need of volunteer/intern assistance. By volunteering within this project, participants will have a fantastic experience of African wildlife, with the knowledge that they are giving back to the environment. This volunteer experience is very rewarding and is also a significantly popular project. In this project, participants will learn field study techniques, interact with local communities, and gain first-hand knowledge of wildlife.

Fees and Dates

Start Dates: Wildlife conservation projects in Kenya begin on the first and third Monday of each month.

Program fee covers airport receive/pick-up, insurance, entry fee, transfer to project, room (hostel or host family), meals (3 local meals a day), project donation, and field services.

Major FAQ's

Where is the Kenya Conservation Project located?

This project is located approximately 25 km from Nairobi within the Nairobi National Park .

When and where should I arrive?

Volunteers must arrive at Jomo Kenyattai international Airport in Nairobi . If possible, participants are suggested to arrive one day before the start date given for this project.

How far is the project from Nairobi and how do volunteers get there? Who will take them there?

The project is approximately 25 km from Nairobi . Participants are transported by either a project vehicle or public bus.

Do I receive orientation prior to the start of project?

Participants will work as a member of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), who will provide both assistance and orientation.

Living Accommodations/Meals

Global Crossroad, in cooperation with its In-Country Coordinator, local host families and/or the management team of the Nairobi National Park manages meals and accommodations for participants. Volunteers will stay either with local host families or within a hostel where they will receive three (3) meals a day. Participants will be trained (usually 1-2 days) and regularly supervised with 24/7 access to Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinators. As part of the program, Global Crossroad's local partnering institutes' staff members regularly work with participants.

Are there internet, telecommunication, and medical facilities in the project sight?

This project is located close to Nairobi – offering internet-access, various forms of telecommunications, and post office services.

How much extra money do I need?

The answer to this question greatly depends upon personal spending habits. The program fees basically cover the majority of costs arising from living accommodations, meals, and transportation. However, we suggest an amount of $50 a week to be more than sufficient, unless you wish to participate in extra optional tours or excursions (which may require additional funds).

Do I need any vaccinations and/or immunizations?

Volunteers may have rabies and anti-tetanus injections (should they wish). Many areas pose a risk of malaria, so it is best to take something for malaria. Yellow fever is a required immunization. We suggest you consult your primary care physician or a local travel doctor prior to leaving your home country.

Are there any other requirements?

•  Volunteer must wear national park-approved clothing
•  Volunteer must have additional insurance from the Kenya Wildlife Society

RECOMMENDED KIT CHECK LIST

Please be aware that your clothes are going to get dirty! Also: it can get very cold during in the evenings during the African winter, so please bring a warm jacket and long trousers. Along with a willingness to learn and help out, the following items are recommended:

•  A sleeping bag and pillow
•  Natural color clothing and hat
•  Comfortable walking shoes
•  Raincoat
•  Thick socks
•  Personal toiletries and towels
•  Sunscreen lotion
•  Insect repellent
•  Malaria tablets (Only if visiting a malaria risk area)
•  Powerful flashlight
•  Sunglasses
•  Passport, Visas and Medical & Travel Insurance documents