Bahamas: Island Wildlife Explorer Program Overview

Itinerary

Day 1-2

It’s better in The Bahamas

Arrive in sunny Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, ready to take your first steps on a unique veterinary medicine adventure. There’s no better way to get to know your fellow group members than on some uniquely Bahamian adventures! Sea kayak in turquoise Bahamian waters, identifying various marine species on a snorkel adventure. Hike enchanting boardwalks in Primeval Forest National Park. Simply soak up the beauty of this island paradise! Share your goals over delicious Bahamian foods and prepare for this amazing wildlife adventure.

Day 3-7

Go behind the scenes

At a local zoo and conservation center, our team is given unprecedented access to an exotic array of animal species including iguanas, lemurs, parrots, snakes and more. Learn alongside veterinarians and animal experts about animal nutrition, husbandry and capture and restraint techniques. Partner with researchers and collect vital data on resident flamingo populations as part of an ongoing research project. Delve into the science of necropsy, a key component of veterinary medicine, and put your new skills to the test in a necropsy lab. At the conservation center, rotate through different labs preparing nutritious species-specific meals, learning various suture techniques, and more! From sanctuary to clinic, we join a spay and neuter non-profit, where we learn about the importance of helping stray animals. Observe surgeries, assist with administering vaccines, and take part in local community efforts! Before embarking on the final leg of the journey, take time to snorkel in a protected coral nursery amid colorful marine life native to New Providence Island.

Day 8-12

Put your new skills to work

With your newfound animal-care skills, take part in hands-on animal welfare activities. Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of an aquatic veterinary medicine lab, where you’ll learn how veterinarians and marine biologists collaborate to care for seals, stingrays, and dolphins. Our team will also assist with vital tasks that enhance the welfare of the animals in their care. Finally, lend a hand to volunteers at the local Humane Society, caring for local dogs and cats. Before we say our temporary goodbyes to our close-knit group of friends, embark on an unforgettable snorkeling excursion, exploring some of the ocean’s most breathtaking reef ecosystems.