Dogs and dolphins in Costa Rica

Wilson veterinary nursing student, Paige Reynold's '23, was recently in Costa Rica with the Loop Abroad program. Loop Abroad provides pre-vet & wildlife study abroad programs for undergrad students. Paige shared some memories and photos of this amazing opportunity.

"I was lucky enough to be able to participate in Loop Abroad’s two-week trip to Costa Rica within the Dogs and Dolphins program. Upon arriving, we were immediately introduced to 11 other students from all over the world and taken to the Osa Peninsula for a week where we participated in behavioral research involving dolphins through the Center for Cetacean Research of Costa Rica (CEIC). We saw such diverse marine life, including bottle nose dolphins, spotted dolphins, sea turtles, a whale shark, and plenty different types of fish. We were mentored by two amazing veterinarians who led us through several different necropsies of fish as well. At the end of the week, we went ziplining through the beautiful mountains of the jungle.

The second week, we traveled to Alajuela. We were able to further our technical skills and practice common diagnostics with dogs at Territorio de Zaguates, or Land of the Strays, which is a non-profit, no-kill shelter for around 2,000 stray dogs that have been brought in from the streets of Costa Rica. We also assisted a local veterinarian in a spay and neuter clinic for a day. I learned so much and made so many new friends and connections, and this trip will forever hold such a special place in my heart."