"I am a wildlife veterinarian from the Peruvian Amazon and work for Panthera as a regional wildlife health and human-wildlife coexistence coordinator for Central Africa. I want to thank Wildlife Vets International for awarding me the Brian Miller Memorial Bursary to attend the wildlife capture school in Zimbabwe and train me in correct and safe methods of capturing wildlife, especially lions.

It has been a very productive few days learning, with extensive lectures and applying all the theory in practice. Last night we captured a lioness that required a GPS collar to be released. We gave her a dart around 6pm and processed her in the best way. It was a dream come true and I can't wait to go back to Gabon and apply all that I have learned.

Also, I have to say that I have found my tribe, a place that brings together veterinarians and conservationists from all over the world, where you can exchange knowledge and learn from different experiences".

Dr Priscila Peralta has just sent us this report, after taking part in the very well respected Malilangwe Wildlife Capture School in Zimbabwe earlier this month. The participants learned how to capture a range of African mammals, including savannah elephants, black and white rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, impala and wildebeest. Learning how to safely dart and immobilise the lioness she mentions above was a special highlight for Priscila.

Originally from Peru, Priscila now works in Gabon and is getting ready for the restoration of lions to the Plateaux Batéké National Park. She will be responsible for reintroducing and monitoring the health of the first generation of lions that will bring the species back to Gabon.

Priscila is one of the first winners of the Brian Miller Memorial Bursary, which launched last year in memory of the father of one of our founders, Sharon Miller. We are absolutely delighted that she has had such a positive experience and are really looking forward to hearing more about how she puts her new training into practice in the coming months.

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