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The Wildlife Forensic Academy

@wildlifeforensicacademy

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World’s first wildlife forensic academy
Join us for courses and research opportunities, open to students and professionals
📍Cape Town, South Africa

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Step beyond the classroom and into the wild. 🌍

Our wildlife forensics and conservation programs take learning out of textbooks and into the African field - where science meets conservation. Through our courses you’ll gain hands-on skills in wildlife crime investigation, conservation management, and evidence collection.

➡️ 1-Week Wildlife Forensics and Crime Scene Management Course

➡️ 2-Week Wildlife Forensics, Crime Scene Management and Illegal Wildlife Trade Course

➡️ 2-Week Wildlife Veterinary Forensics Course

➡️ 2-Week Wildlife Forensics and Conservation Course

➡️ Wildlife and Wicked Problems Masterclass

➡️ 4-Week Wildlife Forensics, Crime Scene Management, Illegal Wildlife Trade and Conservation Course

➡️ Student Internships with optional research component

Learn from experts, explore South Africa’s breathtaking biodiversity, and make a real impact in protecting wildlife. 🦁🌿

📆 2026 intake now open - spots are limited!

🔗 Sign up via website linked in bio

#forensicscinece #conservation #wildlifeconservation #wildlifeprotection #zoonoticdisease #multidisciplinary #ranger #naturereserve #biology #ecology #criminology #universitystudent #studyabroad #southafrica by @wildlifeforensicacademy

Ready to take your classroom learning into the wild?
The WFA, in partnership with Clayton State University in Atlanta, invites you to join a once-in-a-lifetime study abroad experience that blends science, conservation, and criminal justice in one thrilling hands-on adventure.

What You’ll Study
Choose from two US-accredited courses designed to immerse you in the world of wildlife protection and forensic science:
➡️ Global Issues: Wildlife Crime and Conservation (3 credits)
➡️ Wildlife Forensics (Forensics/Criminal Justice Focus) (3 credits)

Together, these two courses give you the chance to earn up to 6 official university credits - while training on-site at the Wildlife Forensic Academy’s state-of-the-art facility in the heart of South Africa’s stunning Western Cape.

💡 Why Choose the WFA?
This isn’t your typical classroom. You’ll step directly into the role of a wildlife crime investigator - collecting evidence, analyzing samples, and managing crime scenes that mirror real-world cases. You’ll also explore the global networks behind wildlife trafficking and learn how forensic science is helping to protect endangered species.

Gain:
✅ Hands-on field and lab experience
✅ Practical forensic investigation skills
✅ A deeper understanding of global conservation challenges
✅ Professional training that sets you apart in forensics, law enforcement, or environmental science

How You Can Participate? Swipe through our post above to see your options and apply today!

#studyabroad #forensicscience #education #university #americanstudent #internationalstudents #criminology #conservation #multidisciplinarytraining #ecology #southafrica by @wildlifeforensicacademy

Building multidisciplinary solutions for the biggest challenges in conservation ⚖️🔍🦠

Did you know that wildlife crime ranks among the world’s top 4 forms of transnational organized crime, right alongside illegal arms, drugs, and human trafficking? This complex issue not only devastates our natural ecosystems but also fuels economic instability and social unrest. It’s intertwined with various forms of crime, creating a web of challenges that harm our planet and communities. Moreover, wildlife trafficking can lead to the spread of zoonotic diseases, including COVID-19 and Ebola, highlighting the urgent need for action.

We invite you to take part in a groundbreaking, 2-week in-person masterclass at the Wildlife Forensic Academy in South Africa, complemented by a self-paced, 3-week online preparation course. This multidisciplinary program is designed for students and young professionals in forensic science, veterinary medicine, law, business, and leadership. Through hands-on experiences and collaborative problem-solving challenges, you'll gain unique insights into the complexities of wildlife crime and its far-reaching impacts.

Our masterclass isn’t just about learning; it’s about immersing yourself in real-world scenarios that will prepare you for your future career. You’ll engage with experts in the field and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, enhancing your understanding and perspective on these critical issues.

At the heart of our mission is the belief that education and multi-level cooperation are essential for fostering awareness and compassion in tackling wicked problems like wildlife crime. By participating in this masterclass, you will join a community committed to making a positive impact and developing multi-faceted solutions to these challenges.

We had an incredible experience hosting our first cohort of students, who brought rich, diverse perspectives and energized discussions to the course. Their passion and commitment to wildlife conservation were truly inspiring!

📅 Stay Tuned! Keep an eye on our website for updates on courses dates

#wildlifecrime #wildlifeconservation #conservationeducation #lawenforcement #justice #zoontic by @wildlifeforensicacademy

AI for One Health: From Wildlife Crime to Ecosystem Resilience 🌍

Join the Wildlife Forensic Academy and AICA Summit in Amsterdam on 26 November 2026 for an exciting Hackathon Kick-Off exploring how artificial intelligence and technological innovation can help address complex challenges at the intersection of wildlife crime, human health and ecosystem resilience.

Led by Andro Vos, Founder of the Wildlife Forensic Academy, and Dr Georgio Mosis, this workshop will bring together expertise in wildlife forensics, health, insurance and technology to explore innovative approaches to advancing the One Health agenda.

Be part of the conversation shaping the future of AI for One Health!

🎟️ Tickets available - link in bio

#aiart #aitools #wildlifeconservation #wildlifecrime #ConservationEducation by @wildlifeforensicacademy

Ditch the cold and come for a SOUTH AFRICAN SUMMER! ☀️🌴🦁

Studying for exams but dreaming of a wild adventure? 🌞 Swap your winter layers for warm weather and an unforgettable summer adventure with the WFA 🐾🔬

🎓 Calling all university students!

Wildlife forensics is a highly specialised and often overlooked field, but its impact reaches far beyond protecting individual animals. 🐘 Wildlife crime can threaten biodiversity, disrupt tourism-dependent economies, fuel organised criminal networks, and contribute to the spread of diseases between wildlife, livestock, and people. 🌍

By exploring the science behind wildlife crime investigations, you'll discover how forensic evidence can help uncover criminal activity, support prosecutions, and contribute to protecting ecosystems, communities, and livelihoods.

This is your chance to explore a niche field at the intersection of science, conservation, law enforcement, and global health. Who knows where it could take your future career? 👀

Here's what your 2027 could look like:
🦏 Gain practical experience in wildlife crime investigation and conservation.
🐾 Get involved in research and conservation projects.
📚 Build your CV, develop new skills, and connect your studies to real-world challenges.
🌍 Experience South Africa's incredible landscapes, biodiversity, and vibrant culture!

Whether you're studying forensic science, veterinary medicine, zoology, conservation, or a related field, this is your chance to turn your university break into an experience that could shape your future career. Sunshine, wildlife, new skills, and an adventure you'll never forget. What are you waiting for?

Explore our internship opportunities and application requirements via the link in our bio 🔗

#research #internship #universitystudent #forensicscience #travel by @wildlifeforensicacademy

Join researchers, practitioners, students, conservation professionals, law enforcement agencies, veterinarians, forensic scientists, legal experts, policymakers and industry leaders for three days of research, workshops and collaboration in Cape Town, South Africa.

Taking place 4–6 March 2027, the symposium will explore how collaboration, innovation and scientific research can advance wildlife forensics and strengthen responses to wildlife crime.

Alongside two days of scientific presentations featuring oral and poster presentations, the symposium will offer a dedicated practical workshop day with five interactive sessions covering specialist forensic and conservation techniques:

🔎 Crime Scene Management – Explore the principles and practices of effective crime scene investigation.

🧬 Hair and Fibre Analysis – Discover how trace evidence can contribute to wildlife crime investigations.

🔦 Fingermark Analysis and Alternative Light Sources – Explore fingermark detection techniques and the use of alternative light sources in forensic investigations.

🌱 Ecology, Survival and Medicinal Plants – Develop practical knowledge of ecological survival skills and the identification and uses of medicinal plants.

🦴 Wildlife Post-mortem, Taphonomy and Entomology – Investigate how post-mortem examinations, decomposition processes and insect evidence can contribute to wildlife forensic investigations.

🤝 Connect across disciplines: Network with professionals and researchers working at the intersection of forensic science, conservation and law enforcement.

🍽️ Symposium Dinner: Join us for an optional dinner on the opening evening.

🌍 Whether you are an established professional, early-career researcher, postgraduate student or practitioner working in a related field, this is an opportunity to exchange knowledge, develop practical skills and contribute to the growing field of wildlife forensics.

📅 Dates: 4–6 March 2027
📍 Location: Cape Town, South Africa
💻 Format: Hybrid (in-person and online)
🎟️ EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Save 10% on registration fees until 30 November 2026!

Don't miss this opportunity 🔗 registration link in bio

#wildlifeconservation #conference by @wildlifeforensicacademy

Every year, millions of animals fall victim to illegal activities, from poaching and wildlife trafficking to organised animal fighting and cruelty. Unlike human victims, animals cannot verbally describe their experiences, making forensic veterinary science essential in uncovering the evidence behind wildlife crime and animal abuse.

By combining veterinary knowledge with forensic investigation, professionals can identify, document and interpret physical evidence to help establish the cause and circumstances of an animal’s injuries or death, link suspects to crime scenes, and support criminal investigations and prosecutions. However, even the most significant evidence can lose its evidentiary value if it is improperly handled, contaminated or inadequately documented. Securing the crime scene, accurately documenting findings, and correctly collecting, preserving and maintaining the chain of custody of evidence are therefore critical to ensuring that evidence remains reliable and admissible in court.

For veterinarians and professionals working in wildlife conservation, animal health and related fields, developing these fundamental forensic skills can make a meaningful difference in the pursuit of justice for animals.

🦏 Take your forensic skills further! Join the Wildlife Forensic Academy’s 2-Week Wildlife Veterinary Forensic Course, designed to strengthen your understanding of veterinary forensics and its practical application in wildlife crime investigations.

📅 Starting 22 November 2026 - the final course of the year!

🎓 Special offer: A 5% discount is available on the last few spaces.

🔗 Find out more and secure your place: link in bio

#veterinarymedicine #forensicscience #education #justice #wildlifeconservation by @wildlifeforensicacademy

Forensic evidence can make the difference between suspicion and conviction.

The recent conviction of a Kruger National Park ranger in a rhino poaching case highlights the critical role of forensic science in wildlife crime investigations. Evidence such as rhino DNA, ballistic comparisons, GPS tracking data and physical evidence can help link suspects to a crime scene and strengthen prosecutions.

However, not all evidence carries the same evidentiary value. Each type of evidence answers different questions, and its significance depends on the scientific findings, the circumstances in which it was recovered, and the alternative explanations that must be considered. By combining independent lines of evidence, investigators can establish links between a suspect, the crime scene and the crime itself, building a stronger case than any single piece of evidence could provide alone.

But forensic evidence is only as valuable as the processes that protect its integrity. Without a properly secured and systematically searched crime scene, the correct identification and collection of evidence, careful handling, and strict adherence to chain-of-custody procedures, crucial evidence may be lost, contaminated, compromised or rendered inadmissible.

Successful wildlife crime prosecutions begin at the crime scene. Meticulous evidence recovery, rigorous forensic analysis and the integration of multiple evidentiary findings are essential to building robust cases that stand up in court and help bring wildlife criminals to justice.

#justice #forensicscience #crimesceneinvestigation #gamereserve #wildlifeconservation

In simple terms, biological material found on a suspect can help link them to a crime scene by showing that they came into contact with an animal, person or environment associated with the crime.

For example, in the rhino poaching case, finding rhino DNA on Landela’s boots and clothing provided evidence that biological material from a rhinoceros had come into contact with his clothing or footwear. When considered alongside other evidence, this could help support a link between him and the poaching incident.

DNA can also be used to identify the specific animal the ma by @wildlifeforensicacademy

Early Bird Registration is NOW OPEN for the Wildlife Forensic Symposium 2027.

Join researchers, practitioners, students, conservation professionals, law enforcement agencies, veterinarians, forensic scientists, legal experts, policymakers and industry leaders for three days of research, conservation and law enforcement in Cape Town, South Africa.

Taking place 4–6 March 2027, the symposium will explore how collaboration, innovation and research can advance wildlife forensics and strengthen responses to wildlife crime.

The programme will feature:
🔬 Two days of scientific presentations featuring oral and poster presentations
🧪 A practical workshop day with five interactive sessions covering forensic topics and specialist techniques
🤝 Networking opportunities with professionals from across disciplines
🍽️ An optional Symposium Dinner on the opening evening

🌿 Early Bird Registration offers 10% off registration fees until 30 November 2026.

Whether you are an established professional, early-career researcher, postgraduate student or practitioner working in a related field, we invite you to be part of this multidisciplinary community.

📅 4–6 March 2027
📍 Cape Town, South Africa | Hybrid Format
🎟️ Early Bird: 10% off until 30 November 2026

Register via the link in our bio

#Symposium #forensicscience #wildlifeconservation #veterinary #diseaseprevention by @wildlifeforensicacademy

The people protecting our wildlife deserve the tools to do it effectively

Recently, professionals from Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), Malaysia, joined us for our two-week Wildlife Forensics & Crime Scene Management course.

Their feedback highlighted the value of this training in strengthening wildlife forensic knowledge, supporting biodiversity conservation and building international collaboration to combat wildlife crime.

But here's the reality: the people fighting wildlife crime don't always have access to the training they need.

When crime scenes aren't properly processed and evidence isn't preserved, opportunities to hold wildlife criminals accountable can be lost.

💚 Through the Wildlife Forensic Foundation, we're working to change that by sponsoring wildlife professionals to attend this practical, hands-on training.

Your donation could help equip another ranger or wildlife professional with the skills to preserve evidence, strengthen cases and support prosecutions.

For businesses, philanthropists and individuals who care about conservation, this is an opportunity to invest in the people doing the work on the ground - because protecting wildlife takes more than good intentions. It takes the right skills, knowledge and support.

🌍 Help us train more wildlife professionals. Help us strengthen the fight against wildlife crime.

Donate today via the foundation link in bio

#donate #foracause #wildlifeconservation #wildlifeprotection #conservation by @wildlifeforensicacademy

Wildlife crime doesn't just harm animals

Poaching, wildlife trafficking and the illegal trade in animals and their body parts have far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond the environment.

💰 The economy: Wildlife crime costs countries valuable natural resources, undermines legitimate businesses and can divert money away from conservation, development and essential community services.

🦁 Tourism and hospitality: Wildlife is one of the reasons people travel to destinations like South Africa. When wildlife populations decline, ecosystems suffer and destinations lose part of what makes them unique. This can affect safari operators, tour guides, accommodation providers, restaurants and transport services.

🤝 Local communities and livelihoods: When tourism and conservation suffer, the effects ripple through communities. Fewer visitors and reduced business income can mean fewer jobs, lower household incomes and fewer opportunities for small businesses that depend on tourism.

🌿 Agriculture, fisheries and natural resources: Wildlife crime and the illegal exploitation of natural resources can disrupt ecosystems, threaten biodiversity and place additional pressure on industries that depend on healthy, functioning environments.

🛡️ Safety and security: Organised wildlife crime can be connected to wider criminal networks, corruption and illegal trade. This can undermine trust in authorities, create insecurity for communities and increase the burden on law enforcement.

🌐 International trade and investment: Illegal wildlife trade can undermine legitimate supply chains, damage a country's reputation and create risks for businesses operating in affected sectors. The consequences can extend to international partnerships, responsible investment and consumer confidence.

The impact doesn't stop with the animal that is killed or taken from the wild. It can spread through supply chains, businesses, employment, household incomes and entire communities.

Protecting wildlife is therefore not only about conservation. It is about protecting the natural resources, industries and livelihoods that people depend on.

#wildlifeconservation #crimesceneinvestigation #economic by @wildlifeforensicacademy

What if your veterinary skills could help bring wildlife criminals to justice?

Go beyond traditional veterinary practice with the WFA’s 2-Week Wildlife Veterinary Forensics Course in South Africa! 🐾

Set on a game reserve, this hands-on programme combines veterinary science, forensic investigation and conservation, giving you the opportunity to learn how veterinary expertise can help investigate wildlife crime and protect biodiversity.

🔬 What makes this course unique?
Gain practical experience in wildlife forensic necropsies, crime scene processing, evidence collection, toxicology and forensic photography. You’ll also explore courtroom procedures and learn how to present forensic findings to support wildlife crime investigations.

🎓 Who should attend?
Veterinarians, veterinary students, veterinary professionals, and those working in wildlife conservation, animal care and wildlife management.

🌍 What will you gain?
Practical forensic skills, a deeper understanding of wildlife crime investigations, experience connecting veterinary science with the criminal justice system, and valuable exposure to South Africa’s unique conservation environment.

📢 Our final course of 2026 starts 22 November - and a few spots are still available!

Secure your place now at a special 5% discounted rate and invest in skills that can make a real difference for wildlife.

🔗 Explore the course and apply via the website link in our bio

Limited spaces available. Don't miss this opportunity to take your veterinary expertise into the field of wildlife forensics!

#forensicscience #conservation #veterinary #universitystudent #veterinaryscience by @wildlifeforensicacademy