Hi everyone I’m Leah, a 20 year old, 2nd year zoo biology student at Nottingham Trent!

This summer, I have the incredible opportunity to spend 6 weeks volunteering at Mankwe Nature Reserve in South Africa as part of the Nkombi volunteer programme, where I’ll be learning about wildlife conservation and helping protect vulnerable species — including rhinos threatened by poaching.

This experience isn’t a holiday — it’s hands-on conservation work.

I’ll be working alongside experienced conservationists and rangers, contributing to real efforts that help protect endangered wildlife and preserve natural habitats. The days will be long, with early mornings and late nights, but my top priority will be doing all I can to help protect the animals on the reserve, and contribute to the vital work that goes on at reserves like Mankwe!

What I’ll be doing when there:

• Assisting with wildlife monitoring and tracking

• Learning about anti-poaching strategies

• Supporting conservation research

• Helping maintain and protect the reserve

• Gaining education in sustainable conservation practices

Rhinos are one of the most poached animals in the world, and reserves like Mankwe play a vital role in their protection. Being part of this work is something I feel deeply passionate about.

Unfortunately, this experience is quite costly, especially as a uni student in this generation.

The cost of the programme covers the volunteer programme fees (that help towards the charity ‘Endangered Rhino Conservation’), accommodation, food and conservation training, and then on top of that there are travel costs, insurance, suitable clothing, and vaccinations required.

I am funding as much of this as I can myself, but I’m hoping to raise some aswell to help cover part of the costs.

Any donation — big or small — would mean so much to me and directly support my ability to contribute to wildlife conservation efforts on the ground.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page would also help massively ❤️

Growing up I have always loved animals, constantly saying to people who asked me what I wanted to be when I was older ‘I don’t know yet, I just want to work with animals and help them!’

Since then, I’ve began doing my zoo biology course at uni, did a poster on rhino conservation for a uni module and volunteered/worked with animals at Matlock Farm Park, and also my university’s animal unit, further expanding my passion to animals of all shapes and sizes!

Hopefully one day I can continue making real impacts in the animal world, whether that is in the wild or in captivity, I want to be able to achieve this goal and play my part in conservation and make a difference!

Seeing the threats facing wildlife, especially rhinos, made me realise I don’t just want to care — I want to act. This opportunity will allow me to gain real conservation experience while contributing to meaningful protection efforts.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and honestly any donation will be a huge help!

I will keep everyone updated with what I get up to whilst there, and this will be such a valuable experience as part of my placement year which will fully submerge me into the life of a ranger/conservationist!