SCHOOL LEARNERS’ RANGER COURSE

For the past ten years, the Cycle of Life and learners from Bishops College in Cape Town have been coming together at Bayala Private Safari Lodges, located within the Zuka Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal.

This week-long stay in the wild aims to teach the learners, amongst other skill sets – spoor tracking and animal identification | survival skills | conservation & eco-tourism practices as wildlife management and an exposure to wildlife veterinary practices.

Throughout their stay, the boys spend their days in the field, learning the art of spoor tracking, identifying various animal species, and understanding their habitats.

One of the highlights of the program is witnessing a rhino dehorning operation, conducted by Dr. Mike Toft, a renowned wildlife veterinarian from the Zululand Wildlife Treatment Centre. The boys get a rare opportunity to observe and even participate in the procedure, assisting with tasks such as drawing blood and collecting skin samples from the rhino’s ear. This hands-on experience deepens their understanding of the urgent measures being taken to combat rhino poaching and the importance of anti-poaching efforts.

The adventure is not limited to daylight hours; the boys also spend a night or two sleeping under the stars in Big 5 country, adding an element of thrill and adventure to their learning experience. This unique blend of education and adventure ensures that the boys leave with a profound appreciation for wildlife conservation and the efforts required to protect these magnificent creatures.