From St Hilda’s to the Sanaga Yong Forest
Deep in the Mbargue forest of Cameroon, more than 80 rescued chimpanzees live in safety and care. This is thanks in part to the dedication of St Hilda’s Old Scholar, Dr Hannah Steel (2014). As the onsite veterinarian at Sanaga Yong Chimpanzee Rescue, Hannah has spent the past year immersed in the kind of work that many only dream of. She provides medical care to some of the world’s most vulnerable animals, each with a harrowing story of survival.
Hannah’s path to the Cameroons was anything but conventional. A talented cricketer with a knack for debate, her early ambitions wavered between professional sport and law. But as her ATAR selection loomed, she was drawn to a field that combined her compassion, scientific curiosity and love for animals. Veterinary medicine became the clear choice, particularly in the realm of wildlife conservation.
After graduating from St Hilda’s in 2014, Hannah accepted a coveted spot in the University of Sydney’s Veterinary Medicine program, along with a residential scholarship to St Andrews College. But first, she deferred it all to travel to Africa and gain hands-on experience. It was a bold decision that would set the tone for her future.
Following six years of rigorous study, Hannah became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. Like many new graduates, she began her career in a mixed practice treating everything from household pets to horses, cattle and even venomous snakes. But her true dream, working in wildlife conservation, remained elusive. Then, a hand injury from treating a sheep became an unlikely turning point. During her recovery, she reached out to primate sanctuaries across Africa and received a response that would change her life.
Dr Sheri Speede, founder of the Sanaga Yong Chimpanzee Rescue, replied with an offer. A post as the sanctuary’s sole vet, treating chimpanzees rescued from poaching and the illegal pet trade. With no previous experience treating primates and minimal French language skills, despite Madame Putigny’s best efforts, Hannah accepted without hesitation.
What awaited her was a life far from the comforts of home. The hours were long, the internet patchy and the work intense. But for Hannah, it was a dream realised. From emergency surgeries without a nurse to painstaking dental work on five centimetre long canines, her first months at Sanaga Yong tested every skill she had and demanded that she learn many more.
Through it all, Hannah formed strong connections with the chimps in her care. Their resilience and spirit, despite enduring trauma and loss, mirrored her own perseverance and grit. Her work is a reminder that purpose is not always found on the well trodden path. It is built through bold choices, relentless effort and a willingness to grow beyond your comfort zone.
Hannah’s story is a powerful testament to the values instilled at St Hilda’s: Excellence, Belonging, Authenticity and Imagination. She has lived these values in the most extraordinary way, reminding us all that hard work and courage can take you to the most unexpected and inspiring places.
She plans to return to Cameroon later this year to continue her work. If you would like to support the Sanaga Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Sanctuary and help provide veterinary care to the 80 chimpanzees she treats, visit her fundraiser here: Fundraiser by Hannah Steel: Veterinary Care for 80 Rescued Chimpanzees.
