News

» Go to news main

Abigail Higdon joins animal conservation efforts in Australia

Posted by Stephanie Rogers on September 19, 2024 in News
Abigail Higdon  Photo credit:© 2024 Loop Abroad
Abigail Higdon Photo credit:© 2024 Loop Abroad

This summer, Abigail Higdon, 18, of Burin, Newfoundland, embarked on an extraordinary two-week adventure in Australia, immersing in a once-in-a-lifetime veterinary shadowing opportunity. Through the study abroad organization Loop Abroad, she joined a select team at Walkabout Wildlife Park, providing care for kangaroos, koalas, and other native Australian animals.

The Loop Abroad Australia Pre-Veterinary Wildlife Medicine program offers students a unique opportunity to learn alongside US and Australian veterinarians and wildlife experts. During the program, Abigail and the team completed a two-week course in Australian Wildlife Handling, Conservation, and Care, equipping them with essential skills to support and study the diverse wildlife at Walkabout Wildlife Park.

“This was an amazing educational experience, and I was thrilled to be accepted at only 18 as many of my classmates were in their twenties,” explained Abigail, a first-year student at Dalhousie University in Truro, majoring in Bio-veterinary science. “Loop Abroad is a fantastic program that teaches students essential skills they need when working with all forms of animals but also the cultural aspects of the country you are in. I would never have traveled to Australia without this program and the Doctor Erica Ward scholarship. This scholarship allowed me to get a head start on my application for vet school and deepen my knowledge of exotic wildlife!”

The program emphasizes learning from leading veterinarians, conservationists, and animal experts, enhancing students’ veterinary education through cross-cultural experiences. Walkabout Wildlife Park plays a crucial role in caring for animals in need and conserving local habitats. The veterinary service program aids these efforts, providing medical care and enrichment for the animals while educating students like Abigail in zoo and wildlife medicine techniques.

"Our students consistently demonstrate exceptional qualities - kindness, flexibility, motivation, and a genuine eagerness to learn,” said Jane Stine, Managing Director of Loop Abroad. “It's inspiring to watch them connect with veterinarians from across the US and around the world, fostering cross-cultural understanding and advancing their knowledge of veterinary medicine. Their dedication enables us to provide vital support to numerous conservation, welfare, and research programs globally."

At Walkabout Wildlife Park, Abigail and the team engaged in various tasks, including feedings, health checks, enrichment activities, and routine care. The park is home to a wide range of species, including kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos, echidnas, koalas, dingos, quolls, wombats, possums, flying foxes, pythons, turtles, and kookaburras, along with many other mammals, reptiles, and birds. Additionally, students participated in veterinary labs, practicing essential skills such as suturing, clinical assessments, and blood analysis. This practical experience not only prepares them for future veterinary careers but also deepens their understanding of wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.

This year's program also featured a tourist day in Sydney, a beach town excursion, visits to native sites, and a trip to the renowned Taronga Zoo in Sydney Harbor.

About Loop Abroad
Loop Abroad is the largest pre-veterinary study abroad program in the United States, offering students unparalleled opportunities to gain hands-on experience in 11 countries across five continents. Since 2009, Loop Abroad has been dedicated to helping aspiring veterinarians pursue their dreams through immersive programs ranging from two-week summer adventures to full semester abroad experiences. College credit is available through their partnership with the University of Findlay.

Interested participants can learn more and apply at www.LoopAbroad.com. Admission to veterinary programs is selective, and Abigail was chosen based on her outstanding academic transcript, compelling admissions essay, and strong professional references.