From Nerves to Confidence: My PfA Internship Journey (collab. with IVSA India Magazine and PfA Bangalore)

~ A young macaque at the centre ~

When I first came across the announcement for the PfA internship, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.

The notification spoke of a collaboration between IVSA India and People for Animals (PfA) Bangalore — a week-long internship crafted for some of the most passionate wildlife enthusiasts across the country. A mere seven days didn’t seem like much, but I was intrigued, slightly apprehensive, and undeniably eager to step into something unfamiliar.

What I hadn’t anticipated was the sheer depth of experience and learning that would unfold over the course of that single week.

Now, as I look back, it’s astonishing how much growth can be packed into just a few days. From reshaping my perspective to sharpening my skills, the journey left an impact far greater than I imagined.

Here’s a glimpse into my seven-day whirlwind through one of the most remarkable wildlife-focused NGOs I’ve had the privilege of experiencing.

~ With the team at PfA Bangalore ~

Day one began with a warm welcome and introductions led by Colonel Dr. Navaz Shariff, Chief Wildlife Veterinarian and General Manager at the PfA Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Centre.

A man with a distinguished military background, he carried an affable yet commanding presence - one that naturally inspired respect and upheld a sense of disciplined purpose among the interns.

A brief tour of the facility left me in awe of its scale and meticulous design. Expansive LTC (Lifetime Care) units for macaques, dedicated rehabilitation enclosures, flight training areas, a fully equipped ICU, a cemetery, and more—every square foot was thoughtfully utilized to cater to a diverse range of species at every stage of their recovery.

~ A young macaque at one of the LTC units ~

The premises also served as a sanctuary for a remarkable diversity of birds and animals, thanks to the lush greenery thoughtfully preserved throughout the grounds. From tiny Purple-Rumped Sunbirds flitting among the blossoms to large macaques ambling through the canopy, the space provided more than just rehabilitation and lifetime care for rescued wildlife—it offered a thriving haven for the endemic species that called it home.

~ A sunbird taking a drink from a leaky tap ~

What struck me most was that the entire institution operated solely on donations. This revealed a quiet efficiency and deep-rooted selflessness behind the scenes. Every individual present there worked not for recognition or reward, but out of unwavering passion and commitment to nature, often putting their own safety at risk while handling dangerous species.

Our responsibilities began with learning the fundamentals of patient management: restraint techniques, behavioural understanding, enclosure maintenance, medication administration, feeding, and dietary planning. Many of the animals were undergoing treatment with the ultimate goal of rehabilitation and release, so our actions had to be swift, precise, and free from excessive human familiarity.

Clinical training in examination and handling was led by Dr. Madhav H.V. (Senior Veterinarian) and Dr. Kalyani Ayyagari (Associate Veterinarian). The precision and calm with which they assessed each case while guiding us through the process was nothing short of remarkable.

Over the following days, we encountered numerous cases—each varying in species, severity, and response to treatment. Every animal had distinct medical needs and behavioral nuances, reminding us of the immense responsibility that comes with being a veterinarian. Each life was delicate, and each decision critical.

Perhaps the most amusing part of every procedure was the animals’ expressions—each one managing to look utterly scandalized, as if holding a personal vendetta against the very hands trying to help them.

From X-rays and wound care to handling particularly uncooperative patients, we witnessed a wide spectrum of clinical challenges.

~ Giving a presentation on Bat Rehabilitation Protocols ~

As part of the internship, we were also tasked with preparing a presentation on a topic assigned by the veterinarians. These topics revolved around wildlife management and clinical care, offering us the opportunity to delve deeper into subjects directly related to the cases we encountered—and those we are likely to face in the future. It was an engaging exercise that encouraged research, critical thinking, and a broader understanding of the complexities involved in wildlife medicine.

~ Checkered Keelback hatchling ~

We were also fortunate enough to witness the release of a rescued clutch of baby checkered keelbacks, which led to an impromptu birding session with the PfA team. The sheer diversity of species I observed that day surpassed every wild encounter I’d had before. With binoculars in hand and contagious enthusiasm in the air, we skipped through the grounds learning the names and identifiers of each bird we spotted - kites, buzzards, Sandpipers, Eurasian Coots, Greater Cormorants, and more. 

~ A Brahminy kite perched atop a tree ~

By the end of the week, I had not only acquired new skills but refined my existing ones far beyond what I thought was possible in such a short time.

The kind, encouraging, and patient demeanors of the veterinarians and staff were, in my opinion, one of the key reasons we progressed with such tenacity. They guided us through each step with clarity and care—no question was left unanswered, and every explanation was thorough, accompanied by the invitation to ask more. Their mentorship created an environment where curiosity thrived and learning felt both natural and empowering.

The PfA internship offered far more than I could have anticipated. It was a rare blend of hands-on veterinary training, field experience, and moments of quiet awe in the presence of nature. From caring for injured animals and observing skilled veterinarians at work to birding beneath sun-dappled trees and witnessing the release of rehabilitated wildlife, every moment was rich with purpose and perspective. The unwavering dedication of the staff, the camaraderie among interns, and the immersive environment made it an unforgettable experience—one that deepened my respect for wildlife medicine and reaffirmed my passion for conservation. As I left the sanctuary gates behind, I carried with me not just skills and knowledge, but a renewed sense of direction and inspiration for the path ahead.

 About IVSA India

IVSA India serves as the national chapter representing our country under the International Veterinary Students' Association (IVSA) Global—a worldwide non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to veterinary students. Since its inception in 2020, IVSA India has emerged as one of the most dynamic and respected member organizations within IVSA Global. With 25 vibrant local chapters across various Indian cities and a growing number of passionate undergraduate veterinary student members, IVSA India continues to strengthen its presence on the international stage in the field of veterinary medicine.

The IVSA India Magazine Team has consistently showed their dedication and hard work since its start. In the current term, the team has significantly expanded its outreach by publishing a variety of insightful blogs under the initiative "Vet Quest"—an exclusive segment hosted on their official page. This particular blog is a collaborative effort with the IVSA India Magazine Team, reflecting their ongoing commitment to sharing valuable knowledge and perspectives within the veterinary field.

You can check out more of their thought-provoking content through the following links to their other published blogs -

Sit Down With Us, Interviewing Dr. Maria Thomas

Animal Testing - A Boon or a Bane?

Antimicrobial Resistance: A Looming Threat in Veterinary Medicine

Visit the IVSA India Instagram Page: IVSA India Instagram

That's all, folks.

Was this article helpful or lacking in any way? Drop in your responses and critiques in the comments; they’ll be most beneficial in helping this blog grow.

Any questions and ideas about future articles would be appreciated :)

I will be posting more articles covering rehabilitation, enclosures, diet, free flight, and training with species like turtles, snakes, dogs, and more.

If there are any changes you'd like to add or changes you'd like to have made, feel free to contact me at the below-mentioned socials -.

• Gmail: namratansahoo@gmail.com
• Instagram: @TheVetDiariesBlog
• Subscribe to my Youtube: The Vet Diaries