Across Africa’s vast landscapes, from the dry savannas of Namibia to the dense forests of Asia, the STS veterinary teams travel by road, air, and occasionally even by boat to treat injured or endangered wildlife.
Ground vehicles form the backbone of STS operations. Specially equipped 4x4 vehicles serve as mobile veterinary units, carrying essential medical supplies and darting equipment across rugged terrain to reach rhino, elephant, or other species in need. When distance and urgency demand it, light aircraft and helicopters are used to transport the team quickly to the site, often in collaboration with conservation partners or private reserves. In extreme cases, such as international translocations or specialized surgical procedures, STS experts travel abroad — bringing their skills and experience to other countries facing similar conservation challenges.
For distant relocations, heavy-duty trailers and trucks take centre stage. In a landmark 2018 effort, STS helped translocate 72 wildebeest from Kruger National Park to Mozambique's war-ravaged Zinave National Park. Tranquilized for safety, the herd endured a gruelling 35-hour overland journey, restoring ecological balance to the recovering ecosystem.
