Dr. Dean Rice accomplished many things throughout his lifetime. He was the owner of a successful veterinary practice, excelled in the treatments of exotic animals and wildlife, and was active in organized veterinary medicine at the local, state, and national levels. But perhaps his greatest joy was attained in sharing the wonders of African wildlife with students and veterinarians on the many trips he organized to South Africa. He did this from 2010 until his untimely passing in 2021. This program is dedicated to his memory and the profound impact he had.
Participants will be accompanied by Dr. William Fowlds, a South African wildlife veterinarian. This hands-on study expedition gives veterinarians the chance to learn more about Africa’s wildlife in a unique way, incorporating modern day conservation and wildlife management efforts.
This expedition takes veterinarians behind the scenes, affording the rare opportunity to interact with wildlife veterinarians, researchers, technicians and guides, while discovering the fantastic world of wildlife in Southern Africa.
Past participants have taken part in antelope, rhino, buffalo, elephant, large cat, and giraffe immobilizations, numerous game drives & various lectures. Of course, the animals involved will vary with the needs of the reserve and local conditions. The excursion is RACE approved for 20 units of continuing education and is therefore tax deductible for veterinary participants. We encourage you to discuss your tax options with a CPA. Your participation in these hands-on wildlife management procedures contribute directly and financially to local wildlife conservation.
The trip starts with an overnight stop in Cape Town, and then heads into the backcountry for wildlife viewing and management procedures on the reserves. After an exciting day in the bush, you’ll retreat to your five-star accommodation luxury lodges that feature exceptional services surrounded by extraordinary landscape. All in country transfers, tips and gratuities, meals and beverages are included. Spouses, guests, and significant others are welcome to accompany the veterinarian.
The focus species of these efforts is the rhinoceros. In the late 1800’s there were well over a million rhinoceros in Africa, today only an estimated 15,000 remain in South Africa (by far the largest concentration on the continent). Relentless hunting and habitat destruction are to blame. In the last 15 years 9,786 rhinoceros were poached in South Africa. Already in 2023 they have lost another 231. Rhinoceros horn is valued in Asian medicine, and many myths of its healing properties abound – including curing cancer and rheumatism. Since the horn is comprised of simple keratin these claims are baseless. Rhinoceros horn is also sought as a luxury item for display or use in jewelry. At a price greater than gold the black market for this commodity is strong. Organized crime is heavily involved in the active poaching of rhinoceros and the illegal transport of the horns to markets mainly in China and Vietnam. Unfortunately, the scarcer rhinoceros horn becomes the more demand seems to increase.
The rhinoceros is considered an important “umbrella species” by conservationists. This means that by preserving a healthy population of rhinoceros, a multitude of other flora and fauna are allowed to thrive as well.
Over the last several years, Dr. Rice established ties with Dr. William Fowlds, a South African wildlife veterinarian. Dr. Fowlds is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the rhinoceros in South Africa. He is involved in a broad reaching plan that reconverts present farmland back to original vegetation and follows with the reintroduction of native animals. He is working to establish important corridors of land to link and connect existing reserves. He is also heavily involved with anti-poaching efforts and the protection of rhinoceros. Ecotourism is an important driver in these efforts. Ultimately, the hope is that the rhinoceros will be more valued alive in its natural environment than killed for the use of its horn.
In 2021, the AzVMA began a committee to help carry-on Dr. Rice’s vision of conservation and education in this ecologically important region. And thus “Dean Rice Memorial African Wildlife Study Expedition” was formed. Dr. Fowlds is the organizing coordinator on the ground in South Africa. Dr. Victoria Lukasik, a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist, has worked with others to develop a continuing education program for the expedition.
In 2023, this CE program was granted RACE approval for 20 hours of credit nationwide. These trips provide a true hands-on, behind-the-scenes opportunity to interact with multiple African wildlife species. Each trip is limited to only 10-12 participants allowing everyone an optimal experience. First-class lodging, in-country transports, tips and gratuities, and all meals and beverages are included. It is truly an adventure not to be missed!
The goal of this program is to foster an ethos of conservation and help protect and preserve the endangered rhinoceros and its wild environment. We ask for your support in this cause.
Each participant will be required to sign a liability waiver, obtain medical travel insurance, and are responsible for their own flight arrangements from the United States to Cape Town and back. Participants will need a current passport (must not expire for six months from the time of departure).
AzVMA has secured a travel agent to help arrange air travel logistics with the group. This group can also help arrange side trips either before or after the safari portion. Some common side trips include time exploring Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and the beautiful wine country of South Africa. The lead veterinarian will address commonly asked questions during the expedition orientation and is available to assist with questions along the way to ensure a trip of a lifetime!
“This was a wonderful and unique experience that was well organized. The prep and follow up from Kenda was spectacular it made for a very enjoyable trip. The knowledge and experience of Dr. Fowlds was incredible and inspiring. The staff of both lodges was a pleasure to be around and extremely helpful. The was a great group of veterinarians with all concerned about animal well being in the wild and all willing to help work directly with animals.”
“Fabulous trip, also Dr. Leith is such an asset to this adventure and is very organized and thorough!”
“Absolutely a wonderful experience! Excellent investment-I have finally found that life-changing professional development/vacation, whatever I do in the future will continue to pale in comparison. Wonderful people! We are forever greatful and blessed to have met Dr Will, all the staff, and the animals.”
“It was an extraordinary, life changing experience and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to have participated. The accommodations were wonderful, the staff warm, gracious, and so helpful. The food was superb. Our guide and driver (Doc)
was amazing and had so much knowledge to share with us, which he generously did. Dr Will was over the top awesome and his team was terrific. The hands on experience leaves me at a loss for words…..it exceeded all my expectations…it truly was life changing…..and exciting!! And all due to one man’s dream…thank you Dr Rice and all who followed his dream so that we could have this amazing experience.”
Ikhala Wildlife Services
Dr. William Folds is a wildlife veterinarian based in the Eastern Cape of South Africa with a dedication to clinical support of wildlife management, active conservation and re-wilding projects, landscape planning and restoration as well as awareness, fundraising and strategic implementation of projects to prevent rhino poaching and encourage range expansion. He has 22 years of wildlife experience in African habitats.
Arizona Equine Medical & Surgical Centre & University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Gayle Leith practiced in a referral equine ambulatory and referral hospital for 33 years. While in equine practice, she had the opportunity to work with wildlife at the Phoenix Zoo with Dr. Dean Rice and Kathy Orr. From 2019 to present, she accepted an Associate Professor position at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine.
Southwest Veterinary Anesthesiology
Dr. Victoria Lukasik practices clinical anesthesiology and owns a mobile specialty anesthesia practice based in Arizona. Her patients have ranged in size from 28 grams to 4,500 kg and spanned cockroaches to elephants. Dr. Lukasik met Dr. Dean Rice after being invited to provide care for a rather famous jaguar at the Phoenix Zoo. After that first meeting, she and Dr. Rice shared many more opportunities to work together and care for exotic species. Dr. Lukasik has a special passion for African wildlife and travels to Africa for other projects on a regular basis. In addition, Dr. Lukasik is a professor of clinical practice (anesthesiology) at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine.
San Tan Animal Hospital
Dr. Scott Darger has been a veterinarian and member of the AzVMA for 30 years. He currently owns San Tan Animal Hospital in Queen Creek, Arizona. Dr. Darger has been involved in multiple trips to South Africa with the Dean Rice Memorial African Safari. Dr. Dean Rice had a strong influence on Dr. Darger’s career and he is very excited to be a part of continuing the work to which Dean dedicated his life.
Seats are limited and tend to fill quickly. They are held on a first come first served basis, determined by the submissions of deposits. Act now to avoid disappointment!
Arizona Veterinary Medical Association
100 W Coolidge St.
Phoenix, AZ 85013
Phone: (602) 242-7936
Fax: (602) 249-3828
Business Hours
Weekdays 9 AM – 4:30 PM
In Office: Mon, Tues, Thurs
Remote: Wed, Fri
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