The few weeks I spent in South Africa have been some of the most life-changing weeks of my life. Going into the program, I was nervous, scared even, I didn’t know anyone or what really to expect, but I came out to be a whole different person, with so many lifelong friendships, and a new connection to a place that will forever have a special spot in my heart.

From the first day there, I knew the place would be special, but every day it grew on me more and more. Every day was a little different, and I think that is what made it so special. From my first interaction with the people and animals, I felt at home. The air just felt so welcoming, from the smell of open air to the sounds of birds and no cars nearby, and only nature and wildlife. Meeting all of the animals at Running Wild Conservation on the first day was my favorite experience ever. I got to meet the many cheetahs that are soon to be rewilded, the resident meerkats, the servals, and caracals, and the three lion siblings. Even though it was through a fence, there is nothing quite like touching their coarse, yet soft fur.

While abroad in South Africa, and being around the staff at Running Wild, I picked up on a little bit of the Afrikaans language, but it is very challenging, as it is so different from English, and that is all I know. But I did learn a lot about the culture, and food, which is very normal and every day to them, but so fascinating to me and the other students. We had many home cooked classic South African dishes, as well as played a fun game called kudu dung-spitting, which is exactly as it sounds. That is not something I would ever do at home, but I felt I had to be there to fully immerse myself in the experience on our hike.

I feel like I heard, just by word of mouth, that you are doing so much book work while aboard, but, while there, I was doing so much hands-on learning. I truly gained so much knowledge from being with the animals, and just being around them, while cleaning their enclosures and during feeding time. That was the best time for me to ask questions and advance my knowledge about exotic animals.

Being in South Africa started a new passion for conservation for me and opened my eyes to a new aspect of wildlife. While there and thinking about my future, I hope to incorporate some of the work I did while there into my future career working with animals. On a personal level, I gained so much confidence in myself, traveling so far away from home, and found a new special place that I will hold close to my heart forever.

Name: Skylar Hess
Status: Junior
Major: Animal Science
Hometown: Commerce Township, Michigan
Program: Cheetah Conservation Internship in South Africa