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South Africa Pre-Vet Big Cats
by: Loop Abroad
The Veterinary Service: South Africa program places students in small groups led by an expert to learn about veterinary medicine. The course, "The ABCs of African Big Cats: Anatomy, Conservation, and Behavior", is held each day to give background information on everything you need to know about cheetahs. The program takes place at a cheetah and wildlife center outside of Johannesburg. Each day, students help care for, observe, and learn about the animals on and around the property—from cheetahs to African wild dogs to bat-eared foxes. Observe wild animals living in the area, such as zebras and giraffes. Learn about enrichment, animal behavior, anatomy, conservation, upkeep, and care for animals in a sanctuary or zoo setting. On weekends, during the program, we go to Kruger National Park for a two-day safari to see animals such as lions and rhinos. Enjoy beautiful South Africa in this program, from the magnificent night sky to the famous sunsets to the majestic wildlife. College credit and financial aid are available.
The Veterinary Service: South Africa program places students in small groups led by an expert to learn about veterinary medicine. The course, "The ABCs of African Big Cats: Anatomy, Conservation, and Behavior", is held each day to give background information on everything you need to know about cheetahs. The program takes place at a cheetah and wildlife center outside of Johannesburg. Each day, students help care for, observe, and learn about the animals on and around the property—from cheetahs to African wild dogs to bat-eared foxes. Observe wild animals living in the area, such as zebras and giraffes. Learn about enrichment, animal behavior, anatomy, conservation, upkeep, and care for animals in a sanctuary or zoo setting. On weekends, during the program, we go to Kruger National Park for a two-day safari to see animals such as lions and rhinos. Enjoy beautiful South Africa in this program, from the magnificent night sky to the famous sunsets to the majestic wildlife. College credit and financial aid are available.
Program Highlights
Live and volunteer with cheetahs and other African animals.
Learn hands-on in small groups from your team of veterinarians.
Enjoy a safari trip to the famous Kruger National Park to observe African wildlife.
Learn about all aspects of care and management of captive wildlife
Observe zebras, giraffes, antelopes, wildebeests, and other majestic animals in the wild from your program location.
Quick Details
- Rural Areas, South Africa
- Summer
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine & Science
- All Nationalities
Awards








Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
I recommend 10/10
August 10, 2025by: Macauley NguyenI loved this program so much! Everything from the housing to the food to the curriculum was perfect. It was an experience to remember and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning about wild animals
Wonderful
August 10, 2025by: Aleesha BatesThis is a wonderful program and is perfect for anyone looking to get wildlife experience or who just loves big cats! Here you'll get once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will make a real impact! And the staff were all amazing
Once in a lifetime
August 10, 2025by: Lauren SanchezI really loved coming on this trip and it was a once in a lifetime experience! I learned so much and made so many life connections. Our Support Staff was the best! Cheetah interactions were my favorite! I wouldn't change a thing.
Great staff!
August 10, 2025by: Alexandra O'SullivanEverything was great! I realy liked going to town, Buffelsdrift, and petting the cheetahs. It was all really fun. Our staff were so patient, kind, and helpful. Support Staff were such a rock for me during this program as well as both the vets!
What an experience
August 10, 2025by: Alexis PrattCango is an experience of its own. Not only do we get once in a lifetime exposure to big cats, but also we learn so much of the cultural impact on animals and life. I loved it so much and feel like I made lifelong connections that I will treasure!
Can't wait to go again
August 10, 2025by: Ashleigh PhillipsIt's always been a dream of mine to work with cheetahs. Going on this trip allowed me to achieve that goal and even contribute to an incredible cause. I loved the staff at Cango Wildlife and I hope to return in the future to continue supporting them!
Learned so much
August 10, 2025by: Maggie ShannonI would absolutely do this trip again 100%. I've learned so much, got to do so many new things, and met some amazing people I will remember for life and hope to see again! My favorite activities have been the encounters. I have absolutely loved being able to work with these cheetahs.
10/10
August 10, 2025by: Erica CastanedaI rate this program 10/10 across the board. The best part was the cheetah enrichment projects - building them and then finding out how the cheetas would interact with them! Only complaint is that it's an expensive trip but EVERYONE WAS AMAZING! I'd list all their names here - Loop Abroad staff and Cango staff - but there are too many to write down!
Safaris are the best!
August 10, 2025by: Jay MejiaI had so much fun with all the activities throughout the trip but the safaris had to be my favorite overall. I loved being able to see these animals in their natural habitat instead of an enclosure! Our vets made learning fun especialy during our little group lectrues during work hours. Support Staff was also great - she made it easy to talk and joke around.
So much thanks
August 10, 2025by: Marissa WilliamsI would love to thank the people who were so selfless to us. I loved seeing the joy from the curators and vets! I hope people don't change a bit! I loved the cheetah encounters, being a part of Suri's vet day, the time on safari, the day off at the pool. I came for big cat learning and go to see and learn so much more. The cheetah and tiger trainers in particular were so joyful and I hope they know the impact they had on me.
Amazing time
July 27, 2025by: Rose LopezThe vet med experience was my favorite part of this trip. And keeping track of my passport - that I was pretty nervous about! The local staff are amazing and so knowledgeable. I had such an amazing time!
Opened my eyes
July 27, 2025by: Millicent MonroeMy trip to South Africa opened my eyes to a whole new part of veterinary medicine! I had no previous knowledge about zoo medicine and this trip has sparked my interest to possibly pursue a career as a wildlife vet!
Better than I expected
July 27, 2025by: Lexie OlsonThis trip exceeded my expectations from Day 1. The staff and faciltiies here are so amazing you feel at home without even trying. I fully immersed myself into this program and it gives back 100%. I learned so much about what it takes to work as a zoo/wildlife vet
Life changing
July 27, 2025by: Niamh BenjaminOverall there is no word to fully describe this trip. "Life changing" is just a fraction of what an amazing experience this was. I met some lifelong friends and every day became more inspired to work with wildlife. I would recommend this trip to anyone and I swear you will not regret it!
You should go
July 13, 2025by: Erika TurnerThis place has so much care and passion - anyone should want to come here! The people are so welcoming and I pray the people here get nothing but the best based on everything they do for the animals and people
Amazing
July 13, 2025by: Frankie McdonaldI LOVE CANGO! All the staff were amazing - just everyone I encountered. The highlights were the cheetah runs, Buffelsdrift, pool tournaments, game nights. Only thing I'd change is less ripe bananas for the suture lab - tiny detail. 10/10 across the board
Can't wait to come back
July 13, 2025by: Meghan BryantThis trip was so memorable - the staff, the people, everything - was amazing. The whole trip came together and I'll never forget the funny moments, the pool games, and the entire ranch. I will come back in the future and I'm so grateful for this opportunity.
Monumental
July 13, 2025by: Harmony ZunigaMy time at Cango was life-altering - it made my life aspirations feel tangible, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. This program has done monumental things in my life and it serves as a significant step in my career. Everyone here was so amazing and holds this place together with pure passion!
Such a great time
July 13, 2025by: Callie DelgadoThe staff here was amazing, the food was great, and the animals were wonderful. This trip changed my life for the better, and I have learned a lot, both about myself and the animals and culture here. All staff was amazing and super friendly - our vets were amazing leaders and had a great time with all the Cango staff too.
So many big cats!
June 15, 2025by: Darcey StewartFor any cat lover, this trip is for you! You work alongside many big cats. There are also so many big cat encounters. Being able to see big cats up close was by far the highlight of this trip. All our vets were very nice and helped me get out of my comfort zone.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Rural Areas, South Africa
Types and Subjects
- Subjects & Courses
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine & Science
Availability
Years Offered: 2026
- Summer
Age Requirement
18-30
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Solo, Group
Starts At
- 2 weeks: $4,695
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- Group Meals
- Welcome Dinner
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
- In-Country Transportation To & From Project
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- Certificate of Completion
- Alumni / Networking Membership
- Tuition & Fees
Refund Policy
Partial Refund
Accommodation Options
- Group living
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Online Application
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