A NORTHOLT vet has returned from Zambia after helping to secure the future of the African lion.

Geeta Sundhoo carried out a range of educational projects with the locals during her three week stay from the end of March to mid April.

The veterinary nurse at Mandeville hospital said the experience opened her eyes to the challenges faced by wildlife in Africa and she is now urging others to get involved in creating a better future for lions, tigers and other species.

She said: "People think that there are lots of lions in Africa but, in fact the species has seen an 80 – 90 per cent decline in the past 30 years. Poaching is a big issue and many local people still kill them because they are seen as a threat.

“These magnificent animals, together with many others, deserve a future and I wanted to do my bit to help. Working with them was an experience I’ll never forget."

Ms Sundhoo's long standing interest in conservation prompted her to volunteer with the charity Lion Encounter, working to reintroduce the offspring of captive bred lions back into the wild.

She said that she felt completely safe thanks to the charity’s behaviour experts and her veterinary nursing skills gave her confidence in handling animals of all types and sizes.

She added: "I learnt so much and would thoroughly recommend it to others who want to see a secure future for African wildlife."