Alex Van der Walt

I am a born and raised Capetonian with a strong love for all things animals and outdoors. I am currently a first year veterinary student at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. I completed a BSc in Animal Science at Stellenbosch University, where my passion for working with animals only became stronger. I have always surrounded myself with animals and been fortunate enough to work closely with them. I hope I can share some of my passions for animals with all of you as readers.

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As an Animal Scientist and vet student, I love exploring versatile dog breeds, including the small ones. I dove into some smaller dogs you might like to learn about. I hope you enjoy reading about your possible ‘toy-size’ companions. The transition from their wolf ancestor to something so small is a fascinating journey. Toy dog …

Welcome to our article on the existence of Wild Horses in America. I am admittedly a ‘horse-girl’ and have been fortunate enough to grow up surrounded by them. As a qualified Animal Scientist and vet student, I couldn’t help but dive into these wild and majestic animals. I hope you enjoy learning more about them. We dive …

Welcome to our article on The Origin of Horses. It’s hard not to marvel at these majestic animals that have gone through a fascinating evolutionary journey. We also see many different breeds today in different sizes and colors. I am admittedly a ‘horse-girl’ and have been fortunate enough to grow up surrounded by them. As …

Did you know the estimated population of domesticated cats on Earth is 600 million. The origin of domesticated cats (Felis catus) is a tale that spans thousands of years, connecting our modern-day house cats to their wild ancestors. Cats’ role in human life shifted from uninvited pest-control specialists to cherished companions, with their domestication story …

Learn more about what foreign objects could get stuck in your dog. We interviewed a South African veterinarian to learn more about objects dogs eat that can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract or get stuck in your furry friend. “The dog ate my homework” is an excuse we have often laughed about. Having a …

Feral cats pose a significant threat to the survival of indigenous species in Australia. These non-native predators are descendants of domestic cats that have returned to a wild state. These cats lead to the endangering of numerous native species and continue to exert pressure on many more. The estimated number of feral cats in Australia …

Taking a look into orcas (Orcinus orca) hunting sharks in South Africa. A deadly duo of orcas (also known as killer whales) has been identified as the initial killers of sharks in South Africa. While they are not the first of their kind to do this, it has increased in occurrence and poses a risk …

Killer whales or Orcas have been attacking boats off the coast near Spain and Portugal. This subpopulation is becoming known as the Iberian Orcas. The incident on the 4th of May, 2023, resulted in severe ship damage, causing it to sink. It is the third time in three years that an Orca attack has resulted …

Understanding the origin of the domestic dog. The origin of “man’s best friend” (the domestic dog) is a contentious topic in science. Where and when the domestic dog (“man’s best friend”) came into being is controversial in science. It can be hard to imagine that the modern-day pug, chihuahua, labrador, and all other dogs we …