Angelique Ferreira is one of TAD’s three Madagascar veterinarians. She participated in the 2018 vaccination and spay/neuter campaign in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. She also expertly led the 2019 spay/neuter campaign, which included sourcing all of the necessary medical supplies and drugs. (Dr. Angelique is pictured at left with, from left to right, Dr. Tsiky, Dr. Bona Yu, and Dr. Zoavina.)
Originally from Pretoria, South Africa, Angelique said she developed a strong desire to help animals in need from a very young age.
“I find animals so special, with so much unconditional love to give,” she explained. “I also have a keen interest in solving puzzles, and I find veterinary medicine to be one big puzzle with a mystery to solve. And at the same time, you get to make a difference.”
Angelique graduated from South Africa’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute and the University of Pretoria Faculty of Veterinary Science in 2009, and she worked for two years at two high-paced mixed animal clinics. Then, in 2011, she followed her husband to Madagascar.
“I worked for a local company, Agrivet/Agrifarm, for five years, and then I decided to leave,” she said. “It was a lovely experience, but it was time to find something else. I found myself searching for organizations that would allow me to assist and help animals; eventually, I found The Mad Dog Initiative and met its co-director, Dr. Kim Valenta, who introduced me to Jochem and Terry from TAD.”
Angelique volunteered for TAD/MDI in April 2018 for the rabies vaccination campaign, and then again for the 2018 spay/neuter campaign in June and July. The next year, she led the 2019 spay/neuter campaign.
“I enjoyed every minute of my experience — fellowship and helping the community, euphoria!” she said. “Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, this year’s campaign was cancelled.”
During the vaccination campaign, Angelique and the rest of the team vaccinated local dogs and worked closely with MDI and a U.S. university student who had a rabies project. During the spay/neuter campaigns, the role of the volunteers was to sterilize as many dogs as possible — the target was 500 — in order to reduce the overpopulation, help to preserve their health and, indirectly, protect indigenous wildlife. Spaying one female over a period of six years can remove 16,000 dogs from the environment.
“In addition, animals were dewormed and treated against ticks and fleas,” Angelique said. “We also created awareness by visiting the local schools. We discussed with them how to recognize certain types of animal behavior, particularly regarding rabies — and what to do when bitten or scratched by a strange animal. We were able to do all of this thanks to amazing donations from volunteers.
“The children, they really enjoyed our talks,” she continued. “We even had posters to better help them understand what we were saying. Dr. Tsiky and Dr. Zoavina were especially involved in the school discussions; unfortunately, I only speak English and Afrikaans, and some French.”
Together with other volunteers, Angelique walked through many local villages, encouraging residents to spay/neuter and vaccinate their dogs and explaining why those steps are so critical. She said community members responded positively to their efforts and expressed their appreciation and gratitude, both for helping their animals and engaging with their young people.
Angelique noted that there is a need for ongoing rabies prevention, as the incidence of rabies in certain areas of Madagascar is quite high.
“I also strongly believe there is a need to create awareness around animal welfare and general care,” she added. “All in all, though, most people are trying their best.”
Angelique continues to make her home in Madagascar, together with her husband and two young daughters. She looks forward to continued work with TAD.
“I love the fellowship and what TAD stands for,” she said. “I am proud to be part of such a selfless organization. It’s a family. I enjoy the teamwork, helping those without a voice, and conserving local wildlife from future extinction.
“We can all learn from each other — that life should be humbling, and we should never forget what our true values are, and what we have taken as an oath,” she concluded. “We should remember the value of teamwork and hard work, and the idea that no task is too small. It all goes hand in hand in achieving our final goal. You will get dirty, and you will feel tired, but it’s all worth it!”
###
Originally from Pretoria, South Africa, Angelique said she developed a strong desire to help animals in need from a very young age.
“I find animals so special, with so much unconditional love to give,” she explained. “I also have a keen interest in solving puzzles, and I find veterinary medicine to be one big puzzle with a mystery to solve. And at the same time, you get to make a difference.”
Angelique graduated from South Africa’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute and the University of Pretoria Faculty of Veterinary Science in 2009, and she worked for two years at two high-paced mixed animal clinics. Then, in 2011, she followed her husband to Madagascar.
“I worked for a local company, Agrivet/Agrifarm, for five years, and then I decided to leave,” she said. “It was a lovely experience, but it was time to find something else. I found myself searching for organizations that would allow me to assist and help animals; eventually, I found The Mad Dog Initiative and met its co-director, Dr. Kim Valenta, who introduced me to Jochem and Terry from TAD.”
Angelique volunteered for TAD/MDI in April 2018 for the rabies vaccination campaign, and then again for the 2018 spay/neuter campaign in June and July. The next year, she led the 2019 spay/neuter campaign.
“I enjoyed every minute of my experience — fellowship and helping the community, euphoria!” she said. “Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, this year’s campaign was cancelled.”
During the vaccination campaign, Angelique and the rest of the team vaccinated local dogs and worked closely with MDI and a U.S. university student who had a rabies project. During the spay/neuter campaigns, the role of the volunteers was to sterilize as many dogs as possible — the target was 500 — in order to reduce the overpopulation, help to preserve their health and, indirectly, protect indigenous wildlife. Spaying one female over a period of six years can remove 16,000 dogs from the environment.
“In addition, animals were dewormed and treated against ticks and fleas,” Angelique said. “We also created awareness by visiting the local schools. We discussed with them how to recognize certain types of animal behavior, particularly regarding rabies — and what to do when bitten or scratched by a strange animal. We were able to do all of this thanks to amazing donations from volunteers.
“The children, they really enjoyed our talks,” she continued. “We even had posters to better help them understand what we were saying. Dr. Tsiky and Dr. Zoavina were especially involved in the school discussions; unfortunately, I only speak English and Afrikaans, and some French.”
Together with other volunteers, Angelique walked through many local villages, encouraging residents to spay/neuter and vaccinate their dogs and explaining why those steps are so critical. She said community members responded positively to their efforts and expressed their appreciation and gratitude, both for helping their animals and engaging with their young people.
Angelique noted that there is a need for ongoing rabies prevention, as the incidence of rabies in certain areas of Madagascar is quite high.
“I also strongly believe there is a need to create awareness around animal welfare and general care,” she added. “All in all, though, most people are trying their best.”
Angelique continues to make her home in Madagascar, together with her husband and two young daughters. She looks forward to continued work with TAD.
“I love the fellowship and what TAD stands for,” she said. “I am proud to be part of such a selfless organization. It’s a family. I enjoy the teamwork, helping those without a voice, and conserving local wildlife from future extinction.
“We can all learn from each other — that life should be humbling, and we should never forget what our true values are, and what we have taken as an oath,” she concluded. “We should remember the value of teamwork and hard work, and the idea that no task is too small. It all goes hand in hand in achieving our final goal. You will get dirty, and you will feel tired, but it’s all worth it!”
###
