From Argentina to Africa: My Wildlife Conservation Adventure

I’m Sofia, originally from Argentina and I’ve always had a passion for wildlife conservation and exploring new cultures. This year, I decided to take a leap and join three incredible projects with Worldwide Vets in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Each project gave me hands-on experience, unforgettable memories, and the chance to connect with inspiring people from around the world. So let me tell you a bit about my journey.

SOS Wildlife Project:

This project was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I learned about mass capture operations, how to prepare a dart, and even had the opportunity to shoot a dart gun from a helicopter. I even had the opportunity to witnessed a rhino dehorning, a sad but necessary reality when it comes to rhino conservation. We partook in telemetry tracking, and many other conservation activities. A big part of what made the SOS Wildlife project so special was the team on the ground. The staff were highly skilled and so welcoming that they made me feel at home from the very first day.

Kruger Wildlife Project:

I experienced what the daily routine of caring for wildlife is really like. My days were filled with practical tasks such as feeding the animals, maintaining and cleaning waterholes, tracking collared wildlife, and even helping with relocations. Each activity, no matter how big or small, carried meaning and gave me a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into protecting these animals. One of the major highlights was the chance to go on safari in Kruger National Park. Seeing wildlife in such an iconic setting while also learning about conservation made it an experience I’ll never forget. Beyond the hands-on work and incredible wildlife encounters, I also formed close friendships with other volunteers. Sharing these experiences with like-minded people turned the project into something even more memorable, leaving me with stories, skills, and connections that I will carry with me long after the trip.

Vet Vision Project:

The Vet Vision project is perfect for anyone interested in studying or working in any veterinary field. I had the chance to visit sanctuaries, learn about their work, track pangolins, care for animals that were not ready to return to the wild, and even vaccinate cattle and donkeys alongside local farmers. Another unforgettable part of this project was connecting with the Zimbabwean community. Although we stayed in different accommodations throughout the project, each place made us feel completely at home, turning the project into not just a veterinary learning opportunity, but also a rich cultural exchange.

Final Thoughts:

I would wholeheartedly recommend these projects to anyone who is passionate about animals, conservation, or simply looking for an experience that blends meaningful learning with adventure. Each project challenged me in different ways, taught me new skills, and gave me an appreciation for both the complexity of wildlife care and the dedication of the people working tirelessly to protect it. The Worldwide Vets team were incredible from start to finish, their guidance before traveling made the preparation stress-free, and their support on site ensured that I always felt safe, included, and able to make the most of every opportunity.

But beyond the animals, this journey gave me so much more than I expected. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me grow as a person, and showed me the importance of resilience, teamwork, and cultural understanding. I built friendships with people from around the world who share the same passion, and those connections have become just as valuable as the hands-on experiences I had in the field. Looking back, I know this adventure will stay with me forever, not only as a series of incredible wildlife encounters, but as a chapter of personal growth, laughter, and memories that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.

Written by Sofia Antonella Tomás Lazarte