Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Nokwethemba Thembelihle Mthembu

Nature Conservationist

Summary

Qualified Nature Conservation professional holding an Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, with practical field experience at iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Cape Vidal section) and the National Zoological Garden of South Africa in Pretoria. Experienced in environmental education, environmental report writing, wildlife monitoring, and supporting animal care operations. Strong understanding of biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and environmental legislation. Passionate about wildlife protection, animal welfare, and sustainable natural resource management. Dedicated, adaptable, and committed to contributing effectively in conservation and animal health environments.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications

Work History

Nature Conservation Intern

ISimangaliso Wetland Park- Cape Vidal
2025 - 10.2025
  • Enhanced visitor experiences with informative nature walks and educational presentations.
  • Assist with marine and coastal conservation projects - such as habitat monitoring, biodiversity assessments, and species counts.
  • Support ecological surveys (for example, recording marine life, water quality checks, tidal zone studies)
  • Addressed erosion concerns by implementing appropriate soil stabilization techniques in affected areas.
  • Provide administrative assistance to the marine office team (e.g., records, simple correspondence).

Environmental Monitor

Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
07.2021 - 12.2022

•Providing education and outreach on environmental issues

•Conducting field surveys and sampling

•Monitoring air and water quality

•Removal of alien plants

•Assessing soil and land conditions

Tourism Safety Monitor

National Zoological Garden-Pretoria Zoo
01.2020 - 06.2021

•Ensuring Compliance with Safety regulations and standards

•Responding to emergencies and incidents

•Providing safety information and guidelines to the Zoo visitors

•Answering questions and addressing concerns of the zoo visitors

•Leading and guiding groups of visitors through various attractions, destinations and experiences

WIL Student- Nature Conservation

National Zoological Garden- Pretoria Zoo
01.2019 - 12.2019

•Testing and monitoring water quality (temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate) in the aquarium water.

•Removing leftover food after the animals have eaten.

•Cleaning and disinfecting enclosures.

•Providing enrichment for animals within enclosures.

•Conducting daily animal observation.

•Animal feeding and handling.

•Participating in the zoo environmental awareness and education programs about the kept animal.

Education

Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation - Environmental And Natural Resource Sciences

Mangosuthu University of Technology
04.2026

National Diploma in Nature Conservation - Environmental And Natural Resource Sciences

Mangosuthu University of Technology
04.2020

National Senior Certificate -

Moses Zikhali High School
Mbazwana
11.2015

Skills

Invasive species management

Public outreach

Ecological monitoring

GPS navigation

Environmental education

Plant identification

Physical fitness

Erosion control

Teamwork

Digital mapping

Decision-making

Adaptability and flexibility

Data analysis

Administration and management

Public education

Microsoft Office

Certification

Certificate of Training- Animal Husbandry

Accomplishments

  • Completed a successful conservation internship at iSimangaliso Wetland Park, gaining practical experience in biodiversity protection and environmental management within the Cape Vidal conservation area.
  • Gained valuable animal care and wildlife management exposure through practical experience at the National Zoological Garden of South Africa, the largest zoological facility in the country.

Affiliations

  • Conservation fieldwork participation linked to iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
  • Practical experience affiliation with the National Zoological Garden of South Africa.

Timeline

Environmental Monitor

Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
07.2021 - 12.2022

Tourism Safety Monitor

National Zoological Garden-Pretoria Zoo
01.2020 - 06.2021

WIL Student- Nature Conservation

National Zoological Garden- Pretoria Zoo
01.2019 - 12.2019

Nature Conservation Intern

ISimangaliso Wetland Park- Cape Vidal
2025 - 10.2025

Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation - Environmental And Natural Resource Sciences

Mangosuthu University of Technology

National Diploma in Nature Conservation - Environmental And Natural Resource Sciences

Mangosuthu University of Technology

National Senior Certificate -

Moses Zikhali High School
Nokwethemba Thembelihle MthembuNature Conservationist