Conservation Calling
Ohio Wesleyan Zoology Student Travels to South Africa to Aid Wildlife, Build Community
Name: Kasandra Samaniego '28
Hometown: El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
High School: Immanuel Christian School
Major: Zoology
OWU Connection Experience: Samaniego traveled to South Africa to spend the summer working with Son Safaris and Wild Tomorrow, organizations with a mission of "connecting conservation with community development"
What We Did?
"We worked on a reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in areas that had plant competition and weren't allowing the animals to graze since the plants had big thorns on them. We worked with one of the biologists with bird banding, bird ringing, collecting data, along with rhino horn trimming projects to prevent poaching from getting more severe. I also got to work with the recreational center that the community had and work alongside the kids and families there."
As someone who wants to become a vet, I don't only have to deal with animals, but the people as well, and I got to do both on this trip.
Why This Experience?
"I was able to get hands-on experience with wildlife, and as someone who wants to become a vet, I don't only have to deal with animals, but the people as well, and I got to do both on this trip."
Favorite Moments
"Getting to geek out with all of the other zoology students and learn more from them."
Lessons Learned
"I got to see firsthand topics that were talked about in (classes on) organisms and their environment, cell biology, communication, and evolution. …
"A big part of South Africa … is trying to build connections between each (national) park, but with foot-and-mouth disease and the local cattle, it is tricky to open the gates between the connection ports."
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"I wanted a small school where the professors were actually excited to teach and have us understand the material instead of me being one more student."
Plans After Graduation
"Go to veterinary school at The Ohio State University, University of Guelph, or Ross University."