Former NCTA Valedictorian Travels to Thailand to Save Elephants
August 25, 2016
Submitted by Krista Andberg
Loop Abroad
This summer, McKenzie Beals, valedictorian of the 2015 class of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, spent two weeks in Thailand helping animals and learning hands-on what it’s like to be a veterinarian. Traveling with the Boston-based Loop Abroad, McKenzie was part of a small team that volunteered giving care at a dog shelter and then spent a week working directly with rescued elephants at an elephant sanctuary.
The Veterinary Service program brings students to Thailand for two weeks to volunteer alongside a staff veterinarian. For one week, students volunteer at the Animal Rescue Kingdom dog shelter in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The shelter is home to over 100 dogs who have been rescued after being abandoned, beaten, or abused. While the dogs can be adopted, any who aren’t will be cared for by the shelter for their whole lives.
While they learned what it’s like to be a veterinarian, students made a difference in the lives of these dogs. By providing check-ups and cleanings, diagnosing and treating ear and eye problems, taking and testing blood, administering vaccines, cleaning and treating wounds, and helping with sterilization surgeries, the students were able to help support the health and well-being of these dogs.
The group also spent a week at the Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand to work hands-on with the animals and learn about animal rescue and conservation on a larger scale. The Elephant Nature Park is home to more than 40 elephants who have been rescued from trekking, logging, or forced breeding programs. Many of them have been abused and suffer from chronic injuries. At the Elephant Nature Park, they are cared for by volunteers from all over the world. Students were able to feed, bathe, and care for elephants, as well as learn about their diagnoses alongside an elephant vet. The Elephant Nature Park is also home to over 400 dogs and 100 cats, as well as rabbits and water buffalo, and is sustained in huge part by the work of weekly volunteers like McKenzie.
Loop Abroad has programs for students and young adults age 14 to 30, and offers financial aid and fundraising help to make their trips accessible to the greatest number of students. Interested participants can inquire or apply at www.LoopAbroad.com
Of her trip, McKenzie says, "It was incredible to see veterinary medicine in a developing country. The experience and knowledge gained at the Animal Rescue Kingdom and the Elephant Nature Park has changed my view of the world and will stay with me forever."
McKenzie is an animal science and pre-vet student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
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Media Contact: Krista Andberg, Director of Student Services
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Loop Abroad, 207 Franklin St., Wrentham MA 02093 USA