WELCOME STUDENTS

Experience What No Classroom Can Teach

Study Forensic Science as part of wildlife conservation beyond the walls of your classroom. Our in-person courses, internships and online courses will inspire you, deepen your knowledge, and give you unforgettable practical experiences in the African field.

The Global Impact of Wildlife Crime

WFA Organised Crime

ENABLES ORGANISED CRIME

Wildlife crime is a $25 billion industry that finances and enables other organised crime in weapons, drugs and human trafficking.

GLOBAL DISEASE OUTBREAKS

The trafficking of wild animals causes global disease outbreaks as we have seen with AIDS, SARS and COVID-19.

MASS HUMAN MIGRATION

The loss of wildlife and natural environments causes thousands of locals to migrate to other cities and countries looking for employment.

The Wildlife Forensic Academy is a state-of-the-art forensic training platform, empowering people with knowledge and know-how to help protect and preserve our wildlife worldwide.

In-Person Trainings in South Africa

  • 1-Week Wildlife Forensic Course For African Students

    This is a focused one week training program for African students wanting to increase their knowledge of Wildlife Crime and gain Forensic Investigation skills.

  • 2-Weeks Wildlife Forensic Course for International Students

    For International students from outside of Africa. Focuses on building knowledge of Wildlife Forensics knowledge and developing Forensic Investigation skills.

    Includes interactive learning in the ecology of greater Cape Town and educational touristic activities.

  • 4-Weeks Wildlife Forensic Course for International Students

    For International students from outside of Africa. Expanded version of the 2 Week Course with added Veterinary and Ecology content.

    Includes interactive learning in the ecology of greater Cape Town and educational touristic activities.

  • 1-Week Wildlife Forensic Course for Veterinary Students

    This training is designed for Veterinary Students and Veterinarians. The 1-week program offers foundational knowledge in Wildlife Forensics blended with educational touristic activities that will provide you with a truly unique African Educational Experience.

  • 2-Week Wildlife Forensic Course for Veterinary Students

    This training is designed for Veterinary Students and Veterinarians. The 2-week course builds on the 1-week, offering comprehensive training in Wildlife Forensics blended with educational touristic activities that will provide you with a truly unique African Educational Experience.

  • Flexible Internships for Students

    For students who wish to extend their wildlife conservation knowledge and experience through the execution of a project at WFA or one of WFA's internship partners.

    Possible areas include: Forensic Science, Biology, Ecology and Conservation, Veterinary Science, Environmental Science, Law and Public Policy , Anti-poaching and Law Enforcement.

  • NEW: Wildlife and Wicked Problems Masterclass

    Building multidisciplinary solutions for the biggest challenges in conservation.

    This unique, 2-week in-person masterclass, preceded by a 2-week online preparation component (self-paced), is designed for forensic, veterinary, medicine, law, business & leadership students. The masterclass has been designed to be multidisciplinary and collaborative, and will immerse participants in real-world, eye-opening experiences and problem-solving challenges that will provide unique insights, inspiration, and preparation for their future careers.

  • NEW: Avian Forensic Course

    The Wildlife Forensic Academy is proud to launch the world’s first Avian Forensic Course, a unique two-week program designed to equip professionals with the skills to combat crimes against birds. This immersive training will take you deep into the fascinating world of avian biology, focusing on bird morphology, poisoning, and human-wildlife conflict. You’ll gain hands-on experience at a national park and bird rehabilitation centre, investigating crime scenes and learning post-mortem procedures. Guided by leading experts, you’ll also explore the dark world of illegal poaching and trafficking. Join us and be part of the urgent action needed to protect our feathered friends.

  • ‘Our students found the 2-week course at WFA very interesting, useful, educational and some even called it magical! For their internship they are regularly taken into the field and sometimes they spend a day at the Academy, which gives it a lot of variety. They also emphasized the great support of Greg. Every week he organizes a meeting with them, in order to give them the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their progress. Furthermore he connects them with other parties/organisations that could be useful for their internship project. Last but not least, they feel safe and well looked after. Therefore a BIG THANK YOU to you both, Andro and Greg! Whatever you are doing, you are doing it very well. Keep it up!’


    KAREN VAN DEN BERG
    International Policy Adviser
    Saxion University of Applied Sciences
    School of Life Science, Engineering & Design

  • 'My two weeks at the Academy have taught me so much about wildlife crime and how big the problem really is. This was truly an amazing experience and something I will never forget. I will certainly continue to help fight these terrible wildlife crimes.'


    ROBIN VAN DEN BROEK

    Applied Sciences Students, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands

  • 'The special thing about this training is that it covers the whole process, starting with finding a poached animal and ending with taking the case to court. You realize that the evidential value of your findings really make a difference in court.'


    NOA VAN HAANDEL

    Forensic Research Student, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands

Study Wildlife Forensics Online, From Anywhere In The World

  • Introduction to Wildlife Forensics

    MODULE 1 • € 25

    Overview of the historical and current situation in wildlife crime and trafficking, predominantly in Africa.