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Wildlife expert Michael Kock launches his book: Through My Eyes
Dr Michael D. Kock is a 1976 RVC graduate whose career path, via the Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital, took
him to the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, in 1980, where he completed a Residency programme in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine.
That programme and a subsequent Master’s in Preventive Veterinary Medicine (MPVM) launched a wildlife career that would span 39 of his 43 years as a veterinarian. Several years in California were followed by a return to his roots in Africa, firstly in Zimbabwe, then Botswana and finally to the land of his birth, South Africa.
Dr Kock has specialised in rhino and elephant work, and community-based health applying One Health principles. He worked for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), a New York based conservation NGO, whilst he was based in the Western Cape, South Africa. He worked for WCS for a decade and this allowed him to carry out field work in 14 African countries, many of them remote, presenting many challenges in the field.
In November 2017, he started a book that is driven by photographs, taken throughout his wildlife career – his Nikon never left his side. The book was completed in April 2019, a coffee table sized book, 600 pages, 1,400 colour photographs, 14 African countries and work done globally.
The book is unorthodox in its approach and highlights many of the pressing problems faced by conservationists and environmentalists in Africa, and indeed, throughout the world. The book has been designed to inspire aspiring students, vet students and graduates, photographers, travellers, explorers, environmentalists and many other interested people.
In the 1970s, James Herriot’s books inspired many to follow a similar career
path and become
veterinarians. Through
My Eyes goes a whole
lot further (unique as
it is driven primarily
by photographs), in
demonstrating what
is possible with a
veterinary degree and
the road ahead. The book is supported by a website www.through-my-eyes.co.za and is available to buy now.
Michael Kock visits Hawkshead to present about his extraordinary career
In September, we were delighted to welcome Michael back to the RVC,
where he delivered a fascinating presentation about his career since graduating from the RVC. He included in his presentation many photos that also feature in his book. He had a large audience of RVC staff, students, alumni and local sixth form school students.
Thank you Michael!
CLASSNOTES
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