A veterinary nurse assistant who swapped Sittingbourne for an extraordinary life at the world’s largest orphaned rhino sanctuary will appear on a new TV series.

Work on the Wild Side follows those who have given up their day jobs in the UK and moved to South Africa to rescue and rehabilitate endangered species.

Work on the Wild Side will air on Monday

It features former Highsted Grammar School pupil Rachael Pfeiffer, who has been devoted to saving exotic animals, including cheetahs and hyenas, ever since her first trip to Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre after sixth form.

The 30-year-old now lives and volunteers at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary in Mpumalanga, looking after injured and abandoned rhinos.

From a snake bite which put her in ICU for two weeks to the constant fear of intruders - meaning the park has to be guarded by dogs and rangers - life in South Africa could not be more different from Kent.

The 20-part Channel 4 series aims to give viewers a taste of the dedication and passion needed to succeed in such a setting.

During the show, Miss Pfeiffer says: "There are moments in the day, little bits of magic and you know exactly why you are here. You see the baby rhinos land in the helicopter, broken - literally broken in spirit and body - and we know what can be achieved.

"That’s what being a part of this team is all about. As a team we make a difference - we save rhinos, that’s what we do."

Miss Pfeiffer’s mum Wendy is very excited to see her daughter on-screen.

She said: "I remember after Rachael’s very first trip, I knew she would end up living in South Africa.

"After the initial three months volunteering, she spent two years gaining all the experience she could - I think she did about 26 vet placements. She was determined to keep going."

The first episode of Work on the Wild Side will air on Channel 4 on Monday at 4pm.

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