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Alex van der Walt, B.Sc. Animal Science (Hons.) & Veterinary Student

Alex van der Walt, B.Sc. Animal Science (Hons.) & Veterinary Student

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.

Alex enjoys writing about domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and horses. As well as exploring some of the wildlife in Africa.

Please send any feedback to Feedback@animalsaroundtheglobe.com

Get To Know Alex van der Walt, B.Sc. Animal Science (Hons.) & Veterinary Student

Certification

  • BSc Animal Science (Hons.)
  • Current BVSC (Veterinary) Student at the University of Pretoria

Specialties

  • PADI Open Water Diver
  • Animal Scientist
  • Veterinary Assistant

Favorite Animals

  • Cats
  • Horses
  • Dogs
  • Giraffe
  • Elephants

Our expert-vetted content is grounded in current scientific publications, yet we acknowledge science’s ever-evolving nature. Read our full editorial and disclosure policy.  Introduction 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 …

Read More about The Origin of Dogs: How Dogs Became Our Best Friends

Our expert-vetted content is grounded in current scientific publications, yet we acknowledge science’s ever-evolving nature. Read our full editorial and disclosure policy.  Introduction In a heartwarming story of resilience and the indomitable spirit of life, a 3-week-old Chihuahua puppy named Gizmo, found abandoned and at death’s doorstep, made a miraculous recovery that captured many’s hearts.  Left alone to fend …

Read More about Abandoned 3-Week-Old Chihuahua Puppy Close to Death Makes Full Recovery. 

Our expert-vetted content is grounded in current scientific publications, yet we acknowledge science’s ever-evolving nature. Read our full editorial and disclosure policy.  Introduction 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 …

Read More about Foreign Objects That Could Get Stuck In Your Dog

Our expert-vetted content is grounded in current scientific publications, yet we acknowledge science’s ever-evolving nature. Read our full editorial and disclosure policy.  Introduction As a qualified Animal Scientist and vet student, I am always passionate about learning more about all animals. I went into the Kruger Park on a holiday and witnessed a young elephant with three legs keep …

Read More about Watch: A Young Thee-Legged Elephant in Wild South Africa

On Thanksgiving day 2023 in California, a male mountain lion cub was found as the victim of a hit and run at the young age of 5 months. This is a story of veterinary intervention and care helping this young cub recover and later be released back into the wild seven months later.  Introduction Mountain …

Read More about Heartwarming Story: Mountain Lion Cub Released Back Into The Wild After Being Hit By A Car In California

Our expert-vetted content is grounded in current scientific publications, yet we acknowledge science’s ever-evolving nature. Read our full editorial and disclosure policy.  Introduction Dr. Lesleigh Rous, a South African veterinarian, shares her insights into foods considered safe for dogs. We’re excited to share her insights in this article below so you can learn more about keeping your dog’s diet …

Read More about What Can Dogs Eat – A Complete Dogs Dietary Guide

Our expert-vetted content is grounded in current scientific publications, yet we acknowledge science’s ever-evolving nature. Read our full editorial and disclosure policy.  Introduction 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 …

Read More about The Origin of Horses Dates Back 50 Million Years Ago

Our expert-vetted content is grounded in current scientific publications, yet we acknowledge science’s ever-evolving nature. Read our full editorial and disclosure policy.  Introduction 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 …

Read More about Where Did The 600 Million Domestic Cats In The World Come From?

Our expert-vetted content is grounded in current scientific publications, yet we acknowledge science’s ever-evolving nature. Read our full editorial and disclosure policy.  Introduction Welcome to our article on 10 ruminant animals. As an Animal Scientist and Veterinary Student, understanding how food is digested in domesticated ruminant animals is vital for understanding what they need in their diet. In this …

Read More about Ruminant Animals 

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 …

Read More about Orcas Attacking Boats Off Spanish Coast Or Are We Attacking Orcas

With only two species of the Northern White Rhinoceros remaining in the world, scientists hope to use the intricate process of in vitro fertilization (IVF) to save the Northern White Rhino Species.  As a veterinary student, I find this case groundbreaking in both its use of modern medicine and conservation efforts. I couldn’t help but …

Read More about Racing Extinction: Two Northern White Rhinos Remain – First IVF Pregnancy Offers Hope 

As an Animal Scientist and future veterinarian, I find the production of antivenom for snake bites fascinating. I hope you enjoy learning more about this process that combines animals’ natural immune responses with science to obtain antivenom for snake bites.  Introduction Antivenom is a crucial part of medicine in countries that have venomous snakes. Antivenom …

Read More about Find Out How Antivenom For Snakes Is Made.

Our expert-vetted content is grounded in current scientific publications, yet we acknowledge science’s ever-evolving nature. Read our full editorial and disclosure policy.  Introduction I recently went on safari in South Africa and saw a zebra with a very unusual pattern on the saddle area of its body. This pattern was symmetrical on both sides, which you can see in …

Read More about How Does A Zebra Get Spots?

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 …

Read More about 8 Small Dog Breeds That Stay Small Forever

Our expert-vetted content is grounded in current scientific publications, yet we acknowledge science’s ever-evolving nature. Read our full editorial and disclosure policy.  Introduction 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 …

Read More about Are There Still Wild Horses in America?

Tail docking and ear cropping are two surgical practices often performed on specific dog breeds. They are performed for aesthetic purposes and, therefore, have come under scrutiny over the last few decades, resulting in their being banned in many countries. While these procedures have a long history, they are also subjects of significant controversy due …

Read More about What Is Tail Docking & Ear Cropping In Dogs

Our expert-vetted content is grounded in current scientific publications, yet we acknowledge science’s ever-evolving nature. Read our full editorial and disclosure policy.  Introduction 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 …

Read More about Orca Deadly Duo: Port and Starboard vs Great White Shark
Unusual Fall Season For Almost All US States Predicted Spotting A Blue Jay May Be The Universe’s Way Of Telling You What You Need New York Rescue Duck Found Himself An Emotional Support Duck Spotting A Cougar May Be The Universe’s Way Of Telling You What You Need Do Bald Eagles Mate For Life?