Theme
Learning about Veterinary Medicine in Wildlife Conservation in Costa Rica, the Birthplace of Ecotourism - A World Where Sloths Can Be Sloths
 
Written by
Makoto Takeishi, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
Kazuya Takeuchi, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
 
Through the Global Challenge, we participated in a veterinary internship at Rescue Center Costa Rica, a wildlife sanctuary in the Republic of Costa Rica. In addition to us, veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and university students from various countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, and Chile, also participated in this internship.
 
The shelter had two hospitals, Hospital Rescue (HR) and Hospital Baby (HB). HR was for hospitalization and management of protected animals and necropsy of deceased animals. HB was for the treatment and nurturing of young animals protected due to injuries and other reasons, to return them to the wild. The facility provides thorough guidance on handling protected animals before returning them to the wild. Measures against infectious diseases and enrichment of the breeding environment are also well considered.
 
Through the internship, we gained entirely new knowledge and experience in wildlife protection systems, the anatomy of sloths, handling and treatment of wild birds and animals, etc. It was a stimulating and educational two weeks. We also had the opportunity to interact with veterinary professionals from various countries, which was a significant experience.
 
Finally, thanks to the Rescue Center Costa Rica staff and the OUS faculty and staff members who helped us take on the global challenge, we successfully completed our internship. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped us.