5 Wildlife Experiences Every Conservation-Minded Vet Should Have at WVC Vegas 2026

Because WVC Vegas downtime isn't just about the Strip—Vegas is surrounded by some of the most unique desert ecosystems in North America

When most people think "Vegas," they picture slot machines and neon lights. But for vet students passionate about conservation and wildlife medicine, Las Vegas sits at the doorstep of some incredible opportunities to see desert species in their natural habitat—and understand the unique challenges facing them.

Jeremiah Pouncy, Cornell vet student and Vet Candy's WVC Vegas Ambassador, is a conservation enthusiast who's making it his mission to explore the wild side of Vegas during his first conference trip. Here are his top five animal encounters every conservation-minded vet student should plan while they're in town.

1. Sunrise at Red Rock Canyon for Desert Bighorn Sheep

Just 17 miles west of the Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is home to a thriving population of desert bighorn sheep—and early morning is prime viewing time.

"I've already set my alarm for 5:30 AM on my last day there," Jeremiah says. "Everyone I've talked to says seeing these bighorns navigating sheer cliff faces is incredible. They're perfectly adapted to this extreme environment, and I want to see that firsthand. Plus, I'll be back in time for the 9 AM sessions."

The 13-mile scenic loop drive offers pullouts where bighorn sheep frequently appear, especially near Willow Springs. Bring binoculars and watch for ewes with lambs in the early spring.

2. Meet Desert Tortoises at the Springs Preserve

The Springs Preserve isn't just a museum—it's a living conservation facility dedicated to Nevada's native wildlife, including the threatened Mojave desert tortoise.

These ancient reptiles face habitat loss, disease (including upper respiratory tract disease that's devastated some populations), and climate change. The preserve's conservation staff offer insights into ongoing research and rehabilitation efforts.

"I've been reading about the veterinary challenges specific to desert tortoises—mycoplasma transmission, thermal regulation issues, how human development impacts their ability to find mates," Jeremiah notes. "This is conservation medicine in action, and I want to talk with the staff about what they're seeing on the ground. It's a quick Uber from most conference hotels, so it's perfect for an afternoon break between sessions."

3. Night Hike for Bats and Nocturnal Wildlife

The Mojave Desert comes alive after dark, and several local guide companies offer wildlife-focused night hikes during the WVC conference dates.

Look for pallid bats, canyon bats, and if you're lucky, the endangered western yellow-banded bat. You might also spot kangaroo rats, kit foxes, and desert hairy scorpions (under UV light, they glow blue-green—seriously cool).

"I've already booked a night hike for my second evening there," Jeremiah shares. "We think of deserts as barren, but from everything I've researched, there's this whole secret world of adapted species that only emerge when temperatures drop. As future vets, understanding these adaptations is crucial if we want to work in wildlife or zoological medicine."

Pro tip: Book early, as these tours fill up during conference weeks.

4. Visit the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat (Yes, Really)

Okay, hear us out. While the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat on the Strip isn't exactly wilderness, it's home to Chilean flamingos, koi, turtles, and various waterfowl—and it's free.

More importantly, it offers a chance to observe captive wildlife management and enrichment strategies in an urban setting. The birds here are part of managed breeding programs, and the habitat demonstrates how veterinary care supports conservation breeding.

"I'm planning to check it out and hopefully talk with some of the caretakers about their veterinary protocols," Jeremiah explains. "I want to ask about preventative medicine for flamingos, water quality management, and how they handle health checks for their collection. It's a different side of animal care that's easy to overlook when you're focused on clinical practice."

Plus, it's literally on your way to dinner on the Strip. Five minutes of flamingo-watching never hurt anyone.

5. Day Trip to Valley of Fire for Chuckwallas and Canyon Wildlife

If you have a full free day (or can skip a day of sessions—no judgment), Valley of Fire State Park is an hour drive that's absolutely worth it.

This is prime habitat for chuckwallas (those chunky, prehistoric-looking lizards), desert iguanas, and collared lizards. The park's petroglyph sites also tell the story of thousands of years of human-wildlife coexistence.

"I'm trying to organize a group of conservation-minded students to rent a car and go together," says Jeremiah. "Conservation isn't just about charismatic megafauna. These reptiles are ecosystem engineers—they're pollinators, seed dispersers, and prey species that keep desert food webs functioning. Understanding their role matters just as much as knowing grizzly bear ecology."

The park rangers lead occasional wildlife talks, and the visitor center has displays on native species and conservation challenges facing the Mojave ecosystem.

The Conservation Medicine Takeaway

For vet students interested in wildlife, zoological medicine, or conservation, Vegas offers a unique opportunity to observe desert adaptation, learn about regional conservation challenges, and understand how veterinary medicine intersects with ecosystem health.

Climate change is already impacting these desert species—from tortoise reproduction cycles to bighorn sheep water access. The veterinarians working in conservation medicine today are on the front lines of understanding and mitigating these impacts.

So yes, enjoy WVC Vegas for the incredible CE and networking. But also take a few hours to step into the desert, see these incredible animals in their element, and reconnect with why conservation medicine matters.

Practical Tips:

• Rent a car if you're doing Red Rock or Valley of Fire (split costs with other students)

• Bring sunscreen, water, and real hiking shoes

• Download the iNaturalist app to document species you spot

• Respect wildlife—observe from a distance and never approach or feed animals

• Check weather conditions (desert storms can happen fast)

Connect with Jeremiah and other conservation-minded vet students at the Vet Candy community meetup at WVC Vegas 2026. Follow @myvetcandy for updates on the exact meetup location and to join students exploring the wild side of Vegas.