African Wildlife Medicine
Advanced Capture and Immobilization Techniques
This immersive program brings U.S. veterinarians and wildlife biologists to South Africa to train alongside leading African wildlife veterinarians in the chemical immobilization of big game species. Through hands-on field experience with diverse plains game, participants develop advanced, immediately applicable skills in wildlife capture, anesthesia, and emergency response in real-world settings.
Register Now!About the Course
Credits and Cost
This course is eligible for 40 hours of RACE-approved continuing education (CE).
The price of this course ($8,500 USD) includes all lodging, meals, and transportation while in South Africa.
Overview
Description
This is a highly focused CE course, offered by Wildlife Academics, LLC, in partnership with Seringa Ranch in South Africa, provides U.S. based veterinarians and wildlife managers with immersive, field-based training in the chemical immobilization of African plains game species. Through a combination of focused lectures and hands-on practical sessions, participants will develop skills in chemical and physical restraint, darting techniques, drug selection, anesthetic monitoring, and emergency response.
Attendees will gain direct experience working with a range of plains game species—including buffalo, eland, sable antelope, wildebeest and zebra —as well as exposure to advanced procedures including postmortem evaluation. The course also emphasizes human safety, decision-making under field conditions, and the responsible use of immobilization drugs.
Designed for immediate application, this program equips veterinarians with the knowledge and confidence to expand into wildlife and exotic animal practice in the United States.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the principles of chemical and physical restraint in African plains game species, including pharmacologic mechanisms, indications, and safety considerations. (Understand)
- Select appropriate immobilization drugs, dosages, and delivery systems based on species, physiologic status, environmental conditions, and procedural goals. (Apply)
- Demonstrate proper darting techniques and field-based immobilization procedures across a range of plains game species. (Apply)
- Assess anesthetic depth and physiologic parameters during immobilization and implement appropriate interventions to manage complications in field settings. (Analyze / Apply)
- Evaluate field scenarios to make informed decisions regarding animal capture, handling, transport, and emergency response while ensuring human and animal safety. (Evaluate)
- Evaluate regulatory, ethical, and safety considerations associated with wildlife immobilization, including controlled drug use, legal compliance, and zoonotic risk mitigation. (Evaluate)
- Perform basic postmortem evaluations and interpret findings to inform clinical decision-making and improve future immobilization outcomes. (Apply / Analyze)
Travel Schedule
- Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
Depart the United States - Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) - Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026
Travel by bus to Seringa Ranch* - Monday–Friday, Sept. 21–25, 2026
Course activities at Seringa Ranch - Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
Return to JNB Airport and depart for the United States - Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
Arrive in the United States
*The course registration fee includes all lodging and meals at the luxurious Seringa Ranch.
Course Instructors
Dr. James Derr | Wildlife Academics, LLC
Dr. Jim Myers | Seringa Ranch, South Africa
South African Veterinarians
Dr. Shaun Roper (BVSc) | Wildlife Medicine
Dr. Zoe Glyphis (BVSc) | Wildlife Medicine
Dr. Leon Prozesky (BVSc) | Pathology
Course Agenda
Days |
Agenda |
| Sat., Sept. 19 | -Arrival in Johannesburg (JNB) OR Tambo International Airport -Check-in at the City Lodge Hotel located inside the airport |
| Sun., Sept. 20 | -Midmorning departure by bus to Seringa Ranch (approximately 3-hour drive) -Arrival and check-in at the ranch -Welcome session, course overview, and participant introductions |
| Mon., Sept. 21 | Morning Session – Lectures -Introduction to Chemical and Physical Restraint of Wild Animals -Basic and Applied Pharmacology of Capture Drugs Used in South Africa Afternoon Session – Practical -Darting techniques (safety, drug handling, dart loading and selection) -Immobilization of plains game species (buffalo, eland, impala, nyala, sable, wildebeest, zebra, etc.) |
| Tue., Sept. 22 | Morning Session – Lectures -Human drug exposure risks, first aid, and trauma management (led by a paramedic, physician, or advanced first aid specialist) Afternoon Session – Practical -Immobilization of plains game species on Seringa Ranch |
| Wed., Sept. 23 | Morning Session – Lectures -Drug selection for African wildlife species -Immobilization strategies for specific outcomes: -Semen collection -Standing and walking sedation -Short- and long-term transport -Emerging protocols (e.g., high-dose medetomidine with low-dose opioids) Afternoon Session – Practical -Immobilization of plains game species |
| Thu., Sept. 24 | Morning Session – Lectures -Anesthetic monitoring and associated complications: -Stress and shock -Capture myopathy -Hyperthermia -Bloat and regurgitation -Eye protection Afternoon Session – Practical -Postmortem evaluation session (led by a veterinary pathologist) -Additional darting and immobilization exercises Note: The schedule may be adjusted to allow for extended field capture activities. |
| Fri., Sept. 25 | Morning Session – Field Experience -Travel to a Big Five reserve (e.g., Marakele National Park) -Participation in a rhinoceros capture event Afternoon Session -Guided game drive and wildlife viewing -Return to Seringa Ranch Evening -Final dinner at Seringa Ranch -Course Q&A and informal team-based review session |
| Sat., Sept. 26 | -Departure from Seringa Ranch to Johannesburg (JNB) via bus |
Dont’ Delay!
40 hours of RACE-approved CE available; $8,500 USD.
This course is limited to 11 participants. Register now to secure your spot!