Work on the Wild Side
MON TUE WED THU FRI 18-22 May, 4pm C4 Factual Meet the British vets and volunteers who have left the UK to help protect some of South Africa’s endangered species. Former zoo keeper Will and veterinary nurse Rachael work for a sanctuary for orphaned rhinos, while Emma has set up a warthog rehabilitation centre.
Harriet, 57. ‘Sarah was younger than me and her death was the catalyst to us both thinking, “We need to go and do this. Even if it all goes wrong, at least we’ll have given it a go.”’
Harriet left behind her life in the UK to protect some special animals in Africa…
Conservation
It’s been nine years since Harriet and Mike left everything behind and set off for South Africa with just two backpacks.
Now Harriet works for Elephants Alive, which helps protect elephants in the Greater Kruger National Park.
She’s one of several Brits, from vets to volunteers, who have moved to South Africa to work in conservation and are featured in this C4 series, which runs across the week. Some have set up their own wildlife rehabilitation centres, while others, like Harriet, have found roles within charities.
‘About three times a week, we go out and use radios to track the elephants that we’ve collared to see what they’re doing and how far they are moving,’ explains Harriet.
Even though there have been ups and downs since the move, Harriet doesn’t regret a thing. ‘We still have to pay the bills and the rent, but we’re doing amazing work and we’re living our dream,’ she says. ‘My home and my heart is in South Africa now.’