La Jolla Veterinarian Supports Wildlife Conservation in South Africa

At WindanSea Veterinary Clinic in La Jolla, CA, veterinary care goes beyond everyday appointments. Dr. Dina Raichel, owner and medical director, recently brought her veterinary expertise to South Africa, participating in an international wildlife conservation mission focused on protecting endangered rhinoceroses.

Dr. Raichel joined a small team of veterinarians and conservation professionals working directly in the field. Their efforts focused on reducing rhino poaching through veterinary-supervised dehorning, a proven conservation strategy that significantly lowers poaching risk and helps preserve the species.

Veterinary Expertise Beyond the Clinic

Each day, the team worked diligently to ensure animal safety and minimize stress during procedures. Collaborating with South African wildlife veterinarians and anti-poaching teams, the group safely sedated rhinos for dehorning, microchipping, ear tagging, and health evaluations. The team also supported conservation tracking efforts for additional wildlife, including water buffalo.

Though Dr. Raichel’s daily work centers on small-animal veterinary care, her background includes years of experience with exotic animals, wildlife medicine, and marine animal rescue. Practicing veterinary medicine in the wild presented unique challenges, from limited medical resources to working with animals weighing thousands of pounds, but emphasized the importance of adaptability and advanced training.

A La Jolla Veterinary Clinic with a Global Perspective

Dr. Raichel has served the La Jolla community for over a decade, building WindanSea Veterinary Clinic around compassionate, high-quality veterinary medicine. Her participation in wildlife conservation reflects the same values she brings to pet care every day: expertise, dedication, and respect for all animals.

Whether caring for pets in La Jolla, San Diego, and surrounding coastal communities, or contributing to international conservation efforts, Dr. Raichel is committed to advancing animal health at every level.