Ishwinder Battoo - Malawi
Dual Focus: Clinical & Research
This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to spend three weeks in Malawi, a beautiful country in Southeast Africa. During my stay at the Lilongwe Wildlife Center, Malawi’s only wildlife sanctuary, I gained invaluable hands-on clinical experience and conducted research alongside veteran wildlife veterinarians. Each morning, I began my day by bottle-feeding orphaned servals, vervet monkeys, and duikers, before moving on to medicate resident patients. I would then go to the clinic where we performed the medical procedures scheduled for that day.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience was participating in hyena castrations and performing physical exams on animals like vervet monkeys, owls, african grey parrots, and servals. I also had the chance to practice wildlife darting and attend lectures on primates, birds, and reptiles. These experiences deepened my passion for wildlife conservation and veterinary medicine.
Afternoons were dedicated to my research, where I investigated the primary reasons for the arrival of orphaned pangolins and vervet monkeys to the sanctuary. By examining medical records, I aimed to identify patterns of injury and illness upon the orphans arrival, with the goal of improving early detection and care for these animals.
Beyond the professional experience, I was fully immersed in Malawian culture. I savored traditional Malawian foods like sima and my favorite, mandazi—a deep-fried dough covered in powdered sugar. I learned traditional Malawian dances from locals, had a few lessons in Chichewa, the local language, and formed strong friendships with local vet students and fellow volunteers from around the world.
In addition to my time at the sanctuary, I explored Malawi’s natural beauty, including Lake Malawi, and even spent a weekend in Zambia at South Luangwa National Park. A highlight of my trip was visiting the Wildlife Dog Detection Unit, where I witnessed how specially trained dogs help combat illegal wildlife trafficking by sniffing out contraband.
This international experience broadened my worldview in countless ways. Working in a different environment with a diverse group of people from countries such as England, Iran, the Netherlands, and Switzerland gave me new perspectives on conservation and the importance of global collaboration in protecting wildlife. I’m grateful for the friendships and professional connections I made, as well as the deeper understanding I gained of another culture. This journey not only fulfilled lifelong dreams of mine but it also left me with a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of wildlife, people, and veterinary medicine.