WARNING: The content gets slightly graphic when discussing the realities of poaching in South Africa.

Our guest for today is Chloe Buiting – an Australian vet & wildlife conservationist who grew up in Lord Howe Island, Australia. She knew from a young age that she wanted to dedicate herself to protect wildlife and ended up going to veterinary school.

One of her more interesting placements was in South Africa, where she was involved in things like capturing giraffes, dehorning rhinos (to try to protect them from poachers) & working with wild cats. We also learn of a unique men's Calvin Klein scent that draws in the wild cats - which you will learn about once you listen!

We also talk about: 

- Life as a veterinary student, including placements;

- The realities of poaching in South Africa & the big debate over what to do with the horns of the rhinoceros;

- What it’s like to capture a giraffe in the wild (hint: you need a helicopter!);

- The importance of ecotourism (including gorilla work in the DRC, Rwanda & Uganda), Thailand’s first 

- Working with amputee elephants out of the world’s first prosthetic hospital for elephants in Chiang Mai;

- Being on the front line in the 2020 Australian Wildlife (the fire went right up to her backyard in Kangaroo Island!); 

- The future of veterinary medicine (hint: 3D printing beaks for toucan is already a reality!);

- Whether you can make money as a vet; and

- What WE can do to support wildlife conservation efforts.

If you're interested in wildlife conservation or just want to know more about this fascinating world, this is the episode for you. The show notes can be found at https://www.sothisismywhy.com/episode1/ 

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