The Wildlife Vet Who Saves Animals Others Deem ‘Unsaveable’

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a wildlife veterinarian? I’m here to tell you about one inspiring individual who leads the pack in this demanding field.

Meet Dr. Sarah Adams, a passionate advocate for the well-being of wild animals. She has dedicated her life to rescuing and rehabilitating creatures that others consider impossible to save. Whether it’s a critically injured bird or a distressed mammal, Dr. Adams is the go-to expert.

Dr. Adams possesses a unique blend of scientific knowledge, empathy, and determination. Her goal is not just to heal the animals physically but also to ensure their successful reintegration into their natural habitats. She understands the delicate balance of nature and recognizes the importance of preserving it.

Being a wildlife veterinarian is not without its challenges. It requires a deep understanding of various species, their behavior, and their specific needs. Dr. Adams continually educates herself and stays up-to-date with the latest research to provide the best care possible.

One of the critical factors in Dr. Adams’ success is her ability to problem-solve on the spot. Wildlife emergencies rarely come with instruction manuals, so she has honed her skills in quick thinking and resourcefulness. Her ability to adapt to unexpected situations is nothing short of admirable.

What truly sets Dr. Adams apart is her unwavering commitment to each individual animal. She approaches her work with a tremendous amount of compassion and treats every patient as if they were her own. This level of care not only helps the animals heal physically but also gives them the emotional support they need during a challenging time.

Dr. Adams’ work extends beyond individual cases. She is a driving force in advocating for wildlife conservation and raising awareness about the threats faced by various species. Through public speaking engagements and educational outreach programs, she encourages others to take action and join the cause.

In conclusion, if you’ve ever found yourself in awe of wildlife veterinarians, Dr. Sarah Adams is a shining example of their dedication and expertise. She walks into the unknown every day, ready to face any challenge that comes her way. She is a true leader of the pack, saving the so-called “unsaveable” and inspiring others to do the same.

I’ve dedicated my life to being a wildlife vet, constantly on the move, crisscrossing the African continent in an effort to save animals that seem beyond saving. Protecting these creatures is my mission, and it’s a duty I take very seriously.

Graeme Green from the New Big 5 recently had the chance to sit down with me and delve into my experiences, motivations, and the challenges I face in this noble line of work.

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‘I love a good challenge,’ I say with a smile. I’m Dr. Johan Marais, a wildlife vet and the founder of Saving The Survivors, a wildlife charity. My career has been filled with thrilling challenges. We focus on treating wild animals with severe injuries like facial wounds caused by poachers hacking off their horns, fractures, and gunshot wounds. No one had been doing this work before, so treating such massive and powerful animals was completely uncharted territory.

I became a veterinary surgeon in the early 1990s, and since then, I’ve traveled all over southern, eastern, and central Africa. My journey hasn’t just been about helping animals; it’s also been an opportunity to pursue my passion for wildlife photography.

My life’s ultimate goal is to ensure that these incredible animals are still thriving for future generations of wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

I have a personal connection to wildlife. Growing up in Namibia, my dad worked as a game ranger in Etosha National Park. I have vivid memories of riding on a little white rhino, nurturing orphaned lion cubs, and bottle-feeding them when their mother couldn’t. These experiences at our camp, Okaukuejo, ignited my passion for wildlife and veterinary science. My father’s job instilled in me the significance of safeguarding these precious creatures.

In 2012, I established Saving The Survivors. It was clear that action needed to be taken. Rhinos were being mercilessly killed, and the number of casualties was rapidly rising. Not enough was being done to help the animals that were left behind, wounded and disfigured from poaching, with hacked-off horns or debilitating injuries caused by gunshot wounds. I made the decision to intervene and provide much-needed treatment.

I never imagined doing this type of work before. When I first started, I didn’t simply walk into a situation and know exactly what to do to treat a fracture. It took me a long time, around eight to 12 months, to figure out the best way to approach these injuries. I had to experiment with different methods for treating wounds and find the right kind of plaster to use. It was also important to determine which painkillers and antibiotics would be most effective. I was surprised to discover that there wasn’t much information available to guide me in this process.

I’ve always been drawn to challenges, though, and I find a strange enjoyment in this work. It’s thrilling to try new things and see if I can find the best solution for helping these animals. It’s a constant quest to see what can be accomplished.

I work primarily in South Africa, but I also do consulting in Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. My focus is on wildlife, particularly rhinos, but I also help other animals like lions, buffalos, cheetahs, and wild dogs.

When it comes to rhinos, I commonly encounter facial wounds, gunshot wounds, and fractures. These injuries can be quite severe and require immediate attention. In other animals, I often treat wounds caused by snares or injuries inflicted by other animals.

Some people may not understand the importance of my work, but it is crucial. We cannot afford to let rhino numbers decline even further. Let me tell you about a rhino named Tundi. We treated her and saved her life. Since then, she has given birth to four calves. By saving Tundi, we indirectly saved a total of five animals. This highlights the incredible impact we can have.

Seeing animals suffer is a truly emotional experience. We often overlook the depth of that emotion and fail to address it adequately. The toll it takes is not limited to those directly involved, like veterinarians, helicopter pilots, game rangers, anti-poaching personnel, and owners. I personally know two veterinarians who regularly treat rhinos, and both of them struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result. This is a common issue among veterinarians in this field, and it deserves more attention.

I don’t think rhinos are going extinct. I believe that private game reserves and individuals who own rhinos will take care of them and ensure their survival. But why should we let a species go from 23,000 to 12,000 animals? We have already cut the number of white rhinos in half worldwide. People in Kruger National Park used to see rhinos every day ten years ago, but now they are lucky if they see one in a week. That’s a terrible situation. Don’t we want our children and future generations to be able to see leopards, rhinos, elephants, and antelopes? Shouldn’t we be able to visit the wide-open African plains and spot rhinos in their natural habitat, instead of only seeing them in enclosed areas?

Hey there! Let me tell you about my favorite hobby – photography. I absolutely love capturing stunning images of magnificent elephants weighing 100 pounds. Usually, I capture them while sitting in a vehicle, but I had a life-changing experience recently when I got the chance to be on foot with these incredible creatures, thanks to my friend Tim from Kenya. Spending time with these bulls is truly awe-inspiring, and I could honestly do it for weeks on end, just clicking away.

But you know what breaks my heart? The fact that we have so much potential to conserve wildlife, but instead, we choose to spend our resources on things like going to Mars. Just think about it – if we put that same money towards nature conservation or helping people who are hungry, don’t have water, or don’t have homes, imagine the positive impact we could make. It’s mind-boggling how we spend money destroying our own home while dreaming of exploring other planets. It just doesn’t make sense to me.
If you want to learn more about conservation efforts, I recommend checking out savingthesurvivors.org.

Now, let me share my top 5 national parks and reserves to visit in Africa:

1. Tsavo National Park in Kenya: I have to say, Tsavo National Park in Kenya is like no other place I’ve ever been. It’s my absolute favorite national park, and let me tell you why. The first thing that sets it apart is the 100-pounder elephant bulls, also known as the big tuskers. These majestic creatures roam the park, and let me tell you, it’s a sight you won’t soon forget. In fact, Tsavo National Park has one of the highest concentrations of these incredible elephants in the entire world.

2. The Dzanga-Sangha National Park in the Central African Republic is an incredibly unique destination. Nestled within the rainforest, it occupies a small V-shaped area bordered by Cameroon and the Congo. If you have a desire to witness forest elephants and western lowland gorillas in their natural habitat, this is the perfect place for you!

3. Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is like no other park. Imagine a breathtaking destination that combines vastness with wildlife diversity. Here, you’ll encounter magnificent elephants, majestic rhinos, and mighty lions roaming freely. It’s truly awe-inspiring to witness the harmony of nature as you stand in the midst of 20,000 to 30,000 wild creatures, with no boundaries to constrain their beauty.

4. Lewa Downs in the heart of Kenya is a truly extraordinary location. It has a similar ambiance to Amboseli, boasting the majestic presence of Mount Kenya and its sprawling marshes. However, what sets Lewa Downs apart is the incredible sight of white and black rhinos coexisting side by side in this vast, open savannah – a rare spectacle that is seldom witnessed elsewhere.

5. Amboseli National Park is a special place that I want to tell you about. When I visited this park, I was amazed by its beauty. It has wide-open plains, wetlands, and thick vegetation, which create a typical African landscape. And guess what? In the distance, you can see the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s such a spectacular sight that takes your breath away!

Photography: Supplied, Unsplash.com

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Photography has the power to transport us to a different time and place. Whether it’s a beautiful landscape, a portrait of a loved one, or a candid street scene, each photograph tells a unique story. It allows us to revisit precious memories and discover new perspectives.

But it’s not just about preserving memories. Photography is a form of art that allows us to express ourselves and capture the beauty of the world around us. We can use it to convey our thoughts, emotions, and ideas without saying a word. It’s a universal language that transcends barriers and connects people from different cultures and backgrounds.

When I take a photograph, I feel a sense of accomplishment. It’s a way for me to share my perspective with the world and express my creativity. Through photography, I can capture the intricate details, vibrant colors, and fleeting moments that make life so fascinating.

Photography also has the power to educate and raise awareness. It can be a tool for social change, shining a light on important issues and igniting conversations. By capturing compelling images, photographers can inspire empathy and drive action.

So, the next time you look at a photograph, take a moment to appreciate its power. Whether it’s a snapshot on your phone or a masterpiece hanging in a museum, remember that photography has the ability to captivate, inspire, and transform.