WHO WE ARE

The Wildlife Veterinary Experience is part of the Amathole Wildlife Practice in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, offering hands-on veterinary experience in Game Health Management and Chemical Immobilization (game darting and capture).

OUR AIM

Our aim is to offer veterinary students, qualified veterinarians as well as students wanting to broaden their knowledge in the wildlife industry, a comprehensive Hands-On Wildlife Experience in South Africa while experiencing our hospitality.

THE COURSE PRESENTERS

Our experienced wildlife veterinarian, Dr Luis Amaral, obtained his veterinary degree (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine – BCM) at the Universidade de Liboa in 1978 and registered with the South African Veterinary Council in 1989. He enrolled in various courses in Wildlife Drug Immobilization, Lion Management, Practical Wildlife Medicine and Surgery and completed an advanced course in Wildlife Chemical Immobilization and Field Practice.

Dr Amaral started his 38 year career in the wildlife industry in 1980 that included the capture of over 2000 various game species from different parts of South Africa and Namibia and trans-locating them to game reserves. From 1993 to date, Dr Amaral has been involved in the chemical immobilization of antelope, carnivores, rhino, hypo, advisory and assistance to the Amathole game parks, buffalo capture and testing, game culling and compliance for export purposes. During this time, Dr Amaral has also been involved in the training of undergraduates and qualified Veterinarians on game management and immobilization.

Dr Coen de Bruin obtained a BSc degree in Agriculture with majors in Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Stellenbosch in 1980. He further his studies at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Faculty of the University of Pretoria and obtained his veterinary degree in 1986.
Dr De Bruin started his career as a private practitioner up to 1988 and then joined the SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) as the Manager of the SABS Veterinary Test Unit. The test unit was the first to achieve accreditation for the development work of various Veterinary Products and insect breeding programs on behalf of the Veterinary Industry in South Africa. Dr De Bruin filled this position up to 2002 when he started his Equine Veterinary Practice and at the same time joined a Companion Animal Practice as a partner. Dr De Bruin is also still assisting the Veterinary Industry with the development of Veterinary Products for the control of endo- and ectoparasites of large animals and game under natural field conditions.

Our Course Guide, Matthew de Bruin, completed a life skills course with IALA (International Academy for Leadership through Adventure) in 2014. The course included Guide training, Video Editing, SETA First Aid Level 3, Hunting and Tracking Experience, Leadership Development, Public Speaking, Master Chef Camp and a Life Skills Programme. Matthew enrolled in a Hospitality and Catering course at the Boland College in Stellenbosch and completed the course in 2016. He furthered his experience assisting Dr Amaral and Dr Coen de Bruin with Wildlife immobilization and veterinary experience.