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Volunteers/Vet Students Archive
Volunteers & Vet Students Please Note:
As of January 2007, we are currently unable to accept any new placements for international and interstate vet students. We are in the process of building a new hospital, which should be completed within the next twelve months. The new hospital will give us the capacity to then accept more placements, so once finalised, all updates will be posted on this website.
So until then, good luck with your studies and don’t forget to keep watching this site for updates.
Our volunteers are an integral part of the Australian Wildlife Hospital team. People decide to participate in our volunteer program for many different reasons, but the common element that draws our volunteers together is their love and passion for wildlife.
Many of the Australian Wildlife Hospital volunteers have come to the hospital as part of their work experience programs for school or university, or to gain experience to help further their careers. Others decide to volunteer to find out what it’s like to be a Wildlife Warrior, or simply to experience a different field of work to their own. Many volunteers come just for fun!
In completing the volunteer program, there is no guarantee of employment at the end of your time. For the animals’ safety there is minimal hands-on contact for the volunteers with the animals. The importance of keeping the animals in an environment which is stress-free and similar to their natural habitat is a priority. This means no unnecessary contact. If you would like more clarification on this issue please contact the Volunteer Coordinator before you apply.
It is preferable that volunteers nominate a regular day or days each week to come in. This is because we do follow a roster and will need confirmation ahead of time that you will be here. It will also help in placing new volunteers with experienced ones – and the more consistent you are, the more you'll learn!
Application (Volunteer)
Application Checklist
Getting Started
Accommodation
Daily Duties
Transport
Application (Vet Student)
Volunteer/Student Profile
Name: Michael Valentine
Where are you from?: Sunshine Coast
Which university are you currently studying at?: University of Queensland
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital?: 20th December 2010 - 24th December 2010
Why did you choose the AZWH for your prac studies?: Although I have enjoyed my studies at university, I feel that vet students do not get enough education about how to assess and treat wildlife. I chose to do my prac at the AZWH because I wanted to broaden my knowledge about the treatment of wildlife in a setting that I knew would provide a first class example of best practice in wildlife medicine and surgery.
What are your goals for the future?: To graduate as a veterinarian who is able to provide the best quality care to all animals great and small, wildlife, production or domestic. My time at the AZWH has made me realise a passion for the provision of best quality care to those animals that are amongst the most vulnerable within our ever-expanding and industrialised world... WILDLIFE.
What is your most memorable moment at the hospital?: Experiencing the passion of the countless volunteers (from all walks of life) who dedicate countless hours of their time to the AZWH in order to ensure the protection, safety, welfare and health of Australia's wildlife... Good on you guys!
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: When you graduate do not be dismayed when an injured wild animal presents at your practice door. The AZWH is only a phone call away and the vets and nurses working there are an oracle knowledge. They will be more than willing to offer advice on how to administer appropriate treatment, and where possible will likely be ale to treat the animal themselves.
Have you enjoyed your time at the AZWH working with our staff and vets?: My time at the AZWH has been awesome. The vets, nurses and ancilliary staff are so knowledgeable about how to treat and care for the unfortunate animals that end up having to come to the AZWH for treatment and rehabilitation. All your staff and volunteers have a true passion for the work they are doing and I have found this to be a truly inspiring experience.
Name: Lisa Sedlaczek
Where are you from?: Germany
Which university are you currently studying at?: Justus-Liebeg University, Giessen, Germany
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital?: 29th November 2010 - 10th December 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: As I'm very interested in wildlife, I wanted to do my prac studies in a clinic which focuses on wildlife. Because of its unique variety of wildlife I thought Australia would be the best place to do it. I watched a TV show about the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital back in Germany and got interesting in their work.
What are your goals for the future?: I am not sure yet, whether I want to work with wildlife, horses or small animals. But because of this amazing experience in Australia, I can definitely see the medical care of wildlife as a future option for myself.
What is your most memorable moment at the hospital?: I think there have been too many to pick just one. I liked that I got to see so many different species and a huge range of cases. And of course it was always the best feeling, when the vets could save a patient's life. Getting so close to the koalas was really great as well. I was always surprised, that most of them weren't too scared of humans even though they are wild animals.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: If you are interested in wildlife, I reckon that there's no better place to learn about it than Australia. As the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital takes care of so many patients and is as well-equipped as a good small animal clinic, it is definitely worth a visit for your prac studies. If you decide to come here though, make sure to stay longer than a week, because one week is just not long enough.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: I had an amazing time at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, even though there were a few students at the same time. Nonetheless the vets and nurses always answered any questions I had and also got me to help them with the lab work and x-rays. During my tijme at the hospital I also got the chance to improve my skills at giving injections, drawing blood and euthanizing an animal. I really liked working with all the wildlife here and I feel that I've learned quite a lot about wild animal medicine.
Name: Andres Townsend
Where are you from?: Peru
Which university are you currently studying at?: University of Queensland
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital?: 22nd November 2010 - 3rd December 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: It's funny, in a way, this is why I came to Australia. I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was very young and I grew up watching Steve Irwin on TV. I always admired him and his interminable will to help animals all over the world. I always looked up to him and wanted to follow his example. So for me having the opportunity to work here is a dream come true. Before I even came I knew this is what I wanted to do and I am very thankful it finally happened.
What are your goals for the future?: I plan to finish my degree and possibly find an internship on surgery. I dream of one day going to Africa and working there as a veterinarian. If not I would like to travel all over the world and nourish my knowledge by working with all sorts of animals. My objective is to continue giving the example that Steve Irwin gave me and try to continue his job of world conservation.
What is your most memorable moment at the hospital? I think the most amazing thing I have witnessed in my short time at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital would be the wonderful work that carers do and their enormous will to sacrifice their time and effort to help animals in need. I have met a lot of people of all ages and nationalities with one thing in common - that is helping animals. Not only the people that spend the entire day working in the hospital cleaning, feeding, organising and making sure the animals are in the best condition possible, but also the carers the adopt orphan joeys, young possums, bats, birds and injured animals which they take home and dedicate their time to make sure they survive. It is overwhelming how much these people care for their animals and it is really amazing how they keep on bringing them to the hospital for every check up with only one objective, which is to finally release them. I really think these are the most important people and the ones that really took my breath away.
What advice can you give to other vet students?: To follow your dreams, to pursue what you want in life and don't let anything keep you from that. I will recommend to all vet students to at least try working with wildlife even though it is probably not in your plans. This is a very difficult job but when an animal is saved and released into their habitat it's the most rewarding thing ever. I can say that working in the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital was not only a dream come true, but I have also learned a lot of things and made great friends. This is an opportunity that no one should miss and I can assure you no one will regret.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: For a veterinarian, and I am sure that for most of the people working in the hospital, this is a serious job and there is no time to waste. Animals are being injured or worse, are left orphaned and it depends on us to give them quality of life and a chance of being released. Although there is always a time to lay back and joke with colleagues, once a patient arrives it becomes the centre of attention and everybody concentrates to try to do the best for him. In this tiype of job time passes really fast and you are able to work with very competent people that work as a team and do everything they can for the wellbeing of the animal. It is a constant rush and I love it.
Name: Natalie Noble
Where are you from?: Sunshine Coast
Which university are you currently studying at?: UQ Gatton
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital?: 22nd November - 26th November 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: I want to learn how to treat all animals as a vet, not just the main domestic species that we learn about in the veterinary degree, so I came to the wildlife hospital to see how sick and injured wildlife are treated.
What are your goals for the future?: I finish uni next year and then hope to do mixed practice for a few years. However, inevitably my calling is to really make a difference out there somewhere. At this stage I hope to get involved in indigenous areas of Australia and work in public health (zoonotic disease).
What is your most memorable patient at the hospital?: Two huge pelicans were pretty impressive and had a good prognosis after we removed some hooks. Suger gliders were adorable - one was found in a swimming pool. Drying and heating was all he required. Another was attacked by a dog, but after nothing showed up on the x-ray he was given pain relief and fluids. Oh and I can't forget the koalas!
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Go and do a week at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital so you will have some idea what to do with all the wildlife that you will see and be expected to treat. Don't just put it in a box! Remember the basics!
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Of course. Got to see lots of different species and approaches to handling and treatment. The staff and hospital level of care are really impressive and it's so wonderful that our Australian wildlife have access to such good treatment.
Name: Naomi Cook
Where are you from?: Torrance, California USA (near Los Angeles)
Which university are you currently studying at?: University of Melbourne, Australia
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital?: 15th November - 19th November 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: A colleague had done a week at the hospital in April and said that she really enjoyed it. I am also booked in for a final year elective (3 weeks) next year, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to get to know the staff and how things are done at the hospital.
What are your goals for the future?: I would really like to end up working as a zoo vet and also work for a bit in Africa volunteering my time at wildlife sanctuaries and possibly also doing conservation work. I realise that my goals may be better realised by working mixed practice for a few years while keeping my love of wildlife alive so we will see what happens!
What is your most memorable patient at the hospital?: I found most of the patients memorable, but one in particular would be William - HBC (hit by car) I believe, with head trauma. He was on a ventilator on my first day and just seeing his progression and how well he is doing now is amazing! It really brings home how much wildlife, and any animal in fact, will fight for life the more effort and TLC you put their way.
What advice can you give to other students out there?: At the hospital, I found it helpful to be interested, ask questions and, most of all, show your willingness to do things like tidying and cleaning up etc. without being asked. Also, being understanding that won't be able to be hands-on with every case, is important - sometimes things are just too hectic! Observing is interesting too!
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: I have enjoyed my time at the hospital. I realise that only being here for a week can make it difficult for staff and vets to get to know me and be willing to let me do more. But my experiences this past week have been amazing and I am looking forward to my time at the AZWH next year!
Name: Carla M. Sanchez Lugo
Where are you from?: Puerto Rico (in the Caribbean)
Which university are you currently studying at?: St George's University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada, but currently completing my final year of clinics at Murdoch University, Western Australia.
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital?: 25th October - 5th November 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: I have a great interest in wildlife and conservation medicine and knew that working at the AZWH would be an amazing learning experience, as this hospital was founded by Steve Irwin and it continuously works to help care for and save Australia's wildlife, which is very unique and beautiful.. plus a great chance to hold a cute koala!
What are your goals for the future?: As I will soon graduate, I have planned to return home and start working at a small animal clinic to solidify my veterinary medicine knowledge and skills, but will continue to follow my passion by volunteering in wildlife conservation and research projects around the world. I also intend to become certified in alternative medicine.. would be great to perform acupuncture on a tiger, koala or dolphin some day!
What is your most memorable patient at the hospital?:
Tom, a red-necked wallaby joey who was given a guarded prognosis on initial assessment, but with the great nursing care and dedication of his vet (Dr Julia) he made an amazing improvement in a short time. Unfortunately I was not able to follow up on him, but hope he is now in good caring hands and may eventually be released. Also, just being able to see so many cases and different species at the AZWH was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?:
Two weeks is not enough.. once you start getting comfortable and getting the hang of how things are done, and know where everything is in the hospital your time is almost up :( But if two weeks is all you have, then by all means come to the AZWH! It truly was a great experience and I got to do a lot of hand-on tasks with the help and support of the nurses and vets. Be proactive and ask questions and you'll get a lot out of it! They really don't like students who come and stand around and do nothing, plus what's the fun in that?
Also, take the opportunity during your study years to travel and see what else is out there in the veterinary field, especially if you are into wildlife. I did two weeks at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand lest winter and it was also a very unique experience.. plus keep the contacts in case you ever want to go back and volunteer again.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: I sure did. Truly appreciate all the help and efforts from the administrative staff, nurses and vets to teach me and answer my questions, even during really busy days. I even enjoyed the everyday cleaning and feeding chores, as this gave me the opportunity to learn a bit more about each species and the amount of work and staff required to run a wildlife hospital effectively. On that thought, I also enjoyed much talking to wildlife carers and other volunteers since I learned much from them and was very inspired by their commitment and love for their wildlife.
Name: Alison Hobson
Where are you from?: Sydney
Which university are you currently studying at?: The University of Sydney
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital?: 11th October 2010 - 3rd November 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is known for being one of the largests and few hospitals of its kind. I thought I would get to be involved in the treatment of a wide range of species, which I did. As I hope to practice in the field of wildlife medicine and conservation, I felt the AZWH would be the best place to learn and experience this field of medicine.
What are your goals for the future?: I am interested in wildlife medicine, especially avian medicine and surgery, and one day hope to be practicing in a wildlife hospital or veterinary clinic which treats a large proportion of avian and wildlife species.
What is your most memorable patient at the hospital?: Lesley, the story of how extensive her wounds were and watching them continue to heal whilst I was at the hospital, is quite inspiring due to the dedication and level of care from the vets and nurses at the AZWH.
What advice can you give other vet students out there?: The AZWH is a great place to complete a placement; it's a very busy hospital so you see a lot of cases, and the vets and nurses are very willing to teach and guide you. There is opportunity for hands-on experience. I would recommend you be vaccinated for ABL as the clinic sees many bats.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Yes, it has been a fantastic experience and I'm grateful I was able to attend a placement here. The vets and nurses, administration staff and volunteers are all very approachable and helpful. I spent the majority of my time with Claude and Robyn and found them to be great teachers who helped me improve my skills, for which I am grateful. Thank you to all the amazing staff at the AZWH.
Name: Jeannie Pedersen
Where are you from?: Lara, Victoria
Which university are you currently studying at?: Victoria University (Werribee)
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital?: 19th September 2010 - 1st October 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: I chose AZWH because I wanted to experience Australian wildlife, and I had heard about your facility and all the wildlife you treat.
What are your goals for the future?: I would love to get as much experience with as many different types of animals as possible, including working/volunteering in Africa, Thailand, USA and more of Australia.
What is your most memorable patient at the hospital?: It's hard to choose just one!
- Romeo - my favourite koala, so full of energy
- Bock Choi - green sea turtle, even though he didn't make it, he has inspired me to try to work with turtles
- Carol - green sea turtle, I was there when she arrived and followed her closely
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Put in 150% even if you don't know it yet - don't stand back and watch, get in there!
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Very much so. I would like to thank you all for all the help and answering my questions.
Special thanks to: Leisa, Hanna, Jamie, Paulie, Jodie, Turtle Tim, Peter (Yatzy), Rhonda, Tash, Uhanda and all the vets.
Name: James Osman
Where are you from?: Brisbane, Queensland
Which university are you currently studying at?: University of Queensland
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital?: 27th September 2010 - 1st October 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?:
- Opportunity of a lifetime
- Great way to work with native Australian mammals and reptiles
- To improve my practical skills
What are your goals for the future?: Further my education and learning in exotic wildlife medicine and surgery.
What is your most memorable patient at the hospital?: Goldie the Golden Swamp Wallaby, who was attacked by a dog and had wounds around her neck and head. Still in a critical state but hopefully she will survive. Goldie was found north Stradbroke Island.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Ask questions. There are no dumb questions, just dumb answers.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Yes, very, very memorable. Thank you all very much for your help.
Name: Christin Freitag
Where are you from?: Near Frankfurt, Germany
Which university are you currently studying at?: Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital?: 30th August 2010 - 25th September 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: I wanted to deepen my knowledge of wildlife medicine, especially with the unique native Australian animals. As these are not taught in Germany I had to come to Australia. I also wanted to work with people who are as driven as I am to save wildlife and care about conservation and research, and I could only find one place that fulfilled all of this and that was here - so here I am ;)
What are your goals for the future?: First my final exam next month, after that I'll do my PhD and then the masters in zoo animal science. After all of that I hope to become a wildlife or zoo veterinarian.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: There were two patients I'll never forget, first Professor, a koala who was hit by a car and had a mandibula, scapula and humerus fracture. He had two surgeries spread over two days. First the jaw: it was repaired with three plates. On the second day the shoulder and arm each had one plate. The x-rays looked remarkable having five plates in one koala. Not to mention the value of Professor after his surgeries. Unfortunately it turned out that the fractured jaw had a connection to the oral cavity and the wound didn't heal, it even got worse, so unhappily he was euthanised.
The other patient was a little noisy minor bird nestling who had a remarkable abcess on his neck which turned out to contain a huge beetle. It has bitten its way through the oesophagus and then died next to it. Luckily the oesophagus had healed by itself.
And of course I'll never forget the moment when I had to say goodbye to all the special people I got to know, because this will remind me to come back.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Never stop believing in yourself, go on with your studies and finish them no matter how hard it sometimes looks. It'll be worth it afterwards and you can give nature something back.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Definitely, the time flew by working with all the special and wonderful people here working so hard everyday to save and help animals of every kind. Thanks a lot for all your help, time and answers to all my questions.
Name: Eva Gandener
Where are you from?: Nantes, France
Which university are you currently studying at?: Veterinary School of Nantes, France
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital?: 1st August 2010 - 27th August 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: I want to learn to take care of wildlife animals, which is not taught in France.
What are your goals for the future?: Become a mixed veterinarian, treating dogs, cats and large animals, and also be able to treat wildlife animals, should people bring them to my private practice.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: Hannad the wallaby with a broken leg. He was so cute..
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Not to hesitate. It was a very unique experience with nice people.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Yes I have. Thanks for your kindness and sorry for my bad English!
Name: Ryan Leong
Where are you from?: Singapore
Which university are you currently studying at?: The University of Sydney
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital?: 5th July 2010 - 18th July 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: I have always been passionate about wildlife medicine and conservation. Although I have done some volunteer work at several zoos and at an orangutan rehabilitation centre in Indonesia, I have never had any experience with Australian native wildlife. Watching Steve's documentaries as I grew up, I learnt about the existence of this hospital and knew that this would be the best place to get some native wildlife exposure. I was right!
What are your goals for the future?: I am not sure where I will be practising in future, what I do know is wherever I go where there is Australian wildlife (eg. overseas zoos), I'll be able to apply the knowledge and skills I've gained at the AZWH. My biggest goal is to contribute as much as I can toward wildlife conservation.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: It has to be Clay the orphaned koala joey. He is under Vanda's care (an AZWH volunteer) at the moment. I reckon he is the cutest koala at the hospital right now. While the other koalas sleep on the tree branches, little Clay would always climb into his basket and cling onto his soft toy, then snooze away. He's such a charmer!
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: If you have a passion for wildlife (especially Australian native animals), I highly recommend you spend some time (at least 2 weeks) at AZWH. What you will bring home with you is more than you can imagine. I guarantee that! After all, where can you learn more than at the world's biggest wildlife hospital!
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Absolutely. Working with Dr Robyn, Dr Peter and Dr Claude for the past week has been an absolute eye-opener. They were very keen on teaching and that allowed me to integrate the theoretical knowledge I gained from uni to the practical requirements of the job. They were also very patient and never failed to explain to me their treatment plans for each patient. All the other nurses and staff were also extremely helpful. Many of them have years of experiences of caring for wildlife and from them, I learnt a lot regarding the husbandry and special physiological requirements of each native species.
Name: Sandra Brandl
Where are you from?: Munich, Germany
Which university are you currently studying at?: Luduin Maxiilians (University of Munchen)
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital?: 28th June - 16th July 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: Since I was a child I have dreamt of being a vet and going to Australia to meet the Australian animals, especially the koalas. Working at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is a dream come true.
What are your goals for the future?: I want to receive a doctorate in animal protection and work as an animal protection teacher in kindergartens and primary schools. I would also like to specialise in acupuncture and work with animals of all sizes. My biggest dream is to have neought time for my patients and be satisfied with my job.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: When I first came into the hospital and saw that each animal is precious and valuable and not taken for granted.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: I would tell them that they should go to other parts of the world to see how vets work in other countries. They should be open-minded to different opportunities.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Yes I have! My time here was unforgettable for me. This hospital is unique and I wish there were more hospitals like this in Germany. Everyone I met was so lovely, helpful and patient with me - I want to say thank you for this wonderful experience!
Name: Fabian Trefuy
Where are you from?: Brisbane
Which university are you currently studying at?: The University of Queensland
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital?: 5th June - 2nd July 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: I saw it as an ideal place to gain some hands-on experience and further my knowledge of native Australian fauna.
What are your goals for the future?: To graduate! Start my career in mixed practice and perhaps get membership at the college in a similar field.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: I enjoyed treating the green and hawks bill turtles as well as feeding the boys (Mozart, Ben & Bruce) in Kiah.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Ask lots of questions, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty/fishy, and gain some understanding of captive husbandry of koalas.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Definitely, it has been a great experience to work amongst veterinary staff and volunteers and to appreciate their dedication to their fields.
Name: Elena Graebener
Where are you from?: Hannover, Germany
Which university are you currently studying at?: Tieraerzliche Hochschule, Hannover
When did you start your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital?: 31st May 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: I wanted to deepen my knowledge of wildlife medicine and gain hands-on experience, particularly with the unique Australian animals.
What are your goals for the future?: Becoming a wildlife or zoo veterinarian and work for the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: That's very difficult to say because every case was so interesting and unique, eg. the removing of two fishing hooks from the stomach of a cormorant and from the esophagus of a hawksbill turtle, or the imping (feather transplant) of a magpie, and not forgetting Mia the koala with her young joey that came in after being attacked by a dog.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Open your heart for wildlife - it will give you a sense of satisfaction that you cannot imagine. To help the animals in such a distressed state and see them recover and be released back into the wild is the best experience ever.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: I liked it so much that it always hurt when the day was over!
Name: Megan Taylor
Where are you from?: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Which university are you currently studying at?: Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology
When did you do your prac studies the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?: 26th April – 7th May 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: I have always wanted to work either with wildlife or exotic/zoo species. This gave me the opportunity to do both! I have also always had a love of Australia’s unique animals.
What are your goals for the future?: Become a Registered Veterinary Technician and go on to complete my bachelors degree in Zoology, then possibly go on to become a wildlife veterinarian myself!
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: So many memories! I would have to say that Betty the Green Sea Turtle was the most memorable patient – she had a huge Fibropapilloma removed from her front left flipper. As for moments, definitely the most memorable was vet nurse Ann, lifting a rather noisy large pelican and weighing him along with herself on the scale!
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Don’t limit yourself! Try new things, try everything once, and follow your dreams! Ask lots of questions. Never stop learning!
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Yes! They were always welcoming and supportive!
Name: Sachintha Wijesinghe
Where are you from?: Sydney
Which University are you currently studying at?: University of Sydney
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?: 5 April to 22 April 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: It was chosen for me to gain knowledge and experience in handling and treating wildlife.
What are your goals for the future?: To do research in snake antivenin, especially in developing countries where snake bite fatalities are very high.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: Treating a Green Sea Turtle, Red Bellied Snake and a Peregrine Falcon in one day. Then doing a necropsy on an Echidna, Green Tree Frog and a Carpet Python the next. Each day was a new surprise and a wonderful learning experience.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Definitely consider doing a rotation here as there is no other practice like this one. It is truly an amazing experience. Also, do not be afraid to ask the vets to perform technical activities on the patients. You will learn a lot.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Most definitely. Everyone was extremely helpful and supportive. Especially Peter, Robyn, Aimee, Amber, Claude and Natasha. I am grateful for their help and guidance in developing my understanding in relation to wildlife. Thank you!
Name: Marigold Bethany
Where are you from?: Hempstead, NY, USA
Which university are you currently studying at?: Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, IN USA
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?: 1 March 2010 to 27 March 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: I wanted in-depth experiece with wildlife species and I wanted to see how veterinary medicine is done in a place besides the USA. Plus I have wanted to visit Australia for a long time.
What are your goals for the future?: I plan to work in mixed animal practice for a year or two and then specialise in clinical pathology. Eventually I would like to teach at a veterinary school.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: Just one? Things that stand out are participating in sea turtle surgery, suturing a wound on an owl and getting cuddles from a koala. My favourite thing about being here was that I could collect blood and other samples and then examine them and discuss them with the vets.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Don't narrow your focus too soon. Seek opportunities to work with a variety of animals and a variety of people while you are in school. You may be surprised at what you end up being most interested in.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Definitely! This was a very worthwhile experience. I learned a great deal from the vets and nurses and everyone was welcoming and helped me get involved.
Name: Paola Zintu
Where are you from?: Italy
Which university are you currently studying at?: I’m a vet. I studied in Pisa.
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?: 22 February 2010 to 25 February 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: I love wildlife and in Italy I worked in a wildlife rescue centre.
What are your goals for the future?: Working with wildlife and open a new wildlife rescue centre with a hospital inside.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: The most memorable patient is Tiger, a koala hospitalised after a dog attack. Tiger is really sad, his eyes are unforgettable and I will bring them with me forever as a symbol of the powerlessness of a wild animal in respect of changes of his ideal habitat. Tiger is not yet out of danger, but I hope that, with much effort, he will be free again soon.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Wildlife and environment are our life, our survival and our future – we can’t let our selfishness, our desire of wealth, our desire to grow, take us far away from the conservation of our biodiversity. It’s thanks to the biodiversity that we exist! Save the planet and all its inhabitants, even those who speak but that unfortunately we can’t understand. Working with wildlife is something wonderful and priceless.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: I’ve seen a new and very different reality from the Italian one I know very well.
Name: Bethany Price
Where are you from?: Brisbane
Which university are you currently studying at?: University of Queensland
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?: 25 January 2010 to 29 January 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: The opportunity to work with wildlife which I haven’t had a lot of experience previously, also a friend has recommended it.
What are your goals for the future?: Would it be cliché to say ‘to have a successful career’? At the moment even getting through university is my first goal!
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: There are too many moments to recall, but to name just a few: ‘Buster’ a koala who was hit by a car with multiple fractures being mended and now on the road to recovery. Hanging out with green sea turtles, Ithica and Inka, receiving cuddles from Cody the koala and enjoying the company of little baby Jack the koala.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: I’m not too good at giving advice, I’m much better at receiving it! I guess mainly from what I saw here at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital , is don’t limit yourself to treating only dogs and cats, there are so many weird and wonderful animals out there. ‘Variety is the spice of life’ or however the saying goes!
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Loved it, in fact I enjoyed it that much I’m coming back in one year, if they let me!
Name: Alejandre I Arbe Montoya
Where are you from?: Peru
Which university are you currently studying at?: University of Queensland
What date did you start your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?: 18 January 2010 to 22 January 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: Wanted to have some experience with wildlife and learn how a wildlife hospital and a zoo are managed. Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital has a great reputation.
What are your goals for the future?: To be an animal welfare advocate focusing on caring for those who need the most. Research on pain relief, stress management and proper animal husbandry.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: Flying fox with wing caught in barbed wire and a young wallaby with bladder infection.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Try asking as many questions as possible, use your free time to read books and try handling as many animals as possible. Ask for any opportunities to hold them, take bloods etc.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Yes. Learned a lot, but felt like I was not allowed to see/do important things for our learning – would have preferred to be more “hands on” and allowed to handle animals some more.
Name: Zoe Barkla
Where are you from?: Rosscoe Downs, Cunnamulla
Which university are you currently studying at?: University of Queensland, St Lucia
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?: 18 January 2010 to 22 January 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: Experience the beautiful facilities and gain knowledge of Australian wildlife medicine.
What are your goals for the future?: Work in a wildlife hospital and promote sustainable agriculture.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?:Watching Peter McKinney pin and surgically repair an external fixator on a bush curlew’s Fx in his tibiotarsus.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Do practical work experience before a clinical rotation to know safe handling skills beforehand and all Australian vets need to learn some basic husbandry and medical techniques to ensure we’re successful.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Yes!! Majority of nurses and all vets have been fantastic. Special thanks to Pete, Stacey and nurse Tash and Gail! You have taught us so much yet there is so much more to learn. Great work volunteers!
Name: Maike Kunce
Where are you from?: Hannover, Germany
Which university are you currently studying at?: Tiermedizinivile Hoschschula Hannover
What date did you start your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?: 25 January 2010 to 29 January 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: Even in Europe we hear about the well equipped clinic at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital . So I was excited to see how wildlife can be treated at a place like this.
What are your goals for the future?: Hopefully becoming a zoo or wildlife vet.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: Seeing a sea turtle close up for the first time was very special to me. It is a shame to see that humans create so much trouble for these awesome creatures in their natural habitat.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: I would advise everybody to travel around, be open for new people and places. Doing this and always having a smile on your face will give you great experiences and a lot of new opportunities.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: I had a great time and learned a lot, thanks everybody.
Name: Suffien Shuharju 
Where are you from?: Brunei
Which university are you currently studying at?: The University of Queensland
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?: 25th January 2010 to 29th January 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital employs some of the world’s best in wildlife medicine, practicing top quality veterinary medicine that is the envy of any animal lover. To learn as much as I can from my one week here, would provide me with invaluable experience and knowledge that hopefully will carry through during my years in practice.
What are your goals for the future?: To live the dream! To help encourage movement towards better understanding, appreciation, welfare and veterinarians practice for our urban wildlife population.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: Buster the koala!! This cute little funny guy was hit by a car and rushed over to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital . To witness him go from near death to a bright little koala once again is a true testament to the wonderful work done here at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital .
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Come give the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital a go! You will learn a lot from your time here.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Yes definitely!!! Everyone is so knowledgeable and friendly! I have enjoyed my time here and experienced a lot of hands on veterinary medicine! It is more that I had expected!
Name: Caio Oppenheimer Dos Reis
Where are you from?: Brazil
Which university are you currently studying at?: Graduate at Federal University of Lavras, Brazil
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?: 28 December 2010 to 03 January 2010
Why did your choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: Because I really love animals and here at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital I will have the opportunity to know more about Australian animals.
What are your goals for the future?: Do a post graduation course in Australia and then go back to Brazil.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: It is difficult to say, because all of them were very different for me, so I will remember all my patients at the hospital.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is the best wildlife hospital in the world and is a place that you should visit and work.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Yes, because they love their job and they are always smiling and ready to help anyone that needs.
Name: Kylie Jones 
Where are you from?: Beaudesert, Queensland
Which university are you currently studying at?: University of Queensland, St Lucia
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?: 04 January 2010 to 08 January 2010
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: Interested in learning more about the care, treatment, rehabilitation and release of wildlife.
What are your goals for the future?: Vet working in mixed practice doing lots of cattle work.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: Feeding the turtles and running so they didn’t eat my toes!
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Put yourself out there and ask lots of questions – even if they are silly!
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Loved every second!!
Name: Jo Ward
Where are you from?: Maleny
Which university are you currently studying at?: Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?:14 December to 18 December 2009
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: To gain some experience in the handling and care of Australian native wildlife.
What are your goals for the future?: To become a large animal vet in a rural pactice.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: Ringtail possum with burnt feet.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?:
This experience would be best undertaken at a time when few other students are there to allow for greater opportunities to participate and observe.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Yes, this was a valuable experience allowing exposure to the handling and care of native wildlife that is not commonly seen in standard vet practices.
Name: Sophie Bowman-Derrick
Where are you from?: Melbourne
Which university are you currently studying at?: University of Melbourne
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?:7 December to 18 December, 2009
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: One day I would like to work in wildlife conservation.
What are your goals for the future?: Graduate next December, and then hopefully complete a Masters in conservation and wildlife medicine and to work in the UK at some point!
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?:
Twinky the wombat who travelled up here from South Australia.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: If you are interested in wildlife, make sure you do some prac work at a zoo or similar, as we don’t get taught very much at uni.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Yes, I have learnt so much even in the short time I was here. I would love to work somewhere like this in the future.
Name: Taylor Barnett
Where are you from?: Wallabadah, NSW
Which university are you currently studying at?: Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?:14 December to 18 December 2009
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: To gain experience with the handling and care of wildlife species.
What are your goals for the future?: To become a large animal vet, in a rural practice.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?:
Feeding and helping an osprey learn to perch again and fly, as well as the rehabilitation exercise of koalas.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: That the wildlife hospital is a valuable experience but may be best undertaken when the student is in the higher years of their studies eg. third, fourth or fifth year, as this enables them a better opportunity to participate and observe surgeries.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Yes, this week has been valuable experience, I have gained a lot of knowledge in the care and treatment of Australian native wildlife, which is not usually available in standard vet practice.
Name: Amy Northover
Where are you from?: Perth
Which university are you currently studying at?: Murdoch University
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?: 12 October to 23 October 2009
Why did your choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: I wanted to gain hands on experience working with a wide variety of Australian native species. In particular I wanted to gain experience working with koalas, as they are not native to Perth and my skills in terms of recognizing and treating disease in this unique species was limited until now.
What are your goals for the future?: Upon completion of my veterinary degree I aim to develop and build on my skills as a small animal veterinarian, whilst completing a Master’s Degree in veterinary conservation medicine part-time. Ultimately, I hope to one day work as a wildlife/zoo veterinarian.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?:
My most memorable patient was a juvenile pied currawong named ‘second chance’ who presented with a non-healing tibia fracture. Despite a poor prognosis, he was given a second chance at life and his fracture was repaired with an IM pin.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: My advice as a student would be to get out there and get as much practical experience working with wildlife while you can. Being a student gives you the opportunity to work with so many amazing people within the wildlife industry.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Absolutely the advice and practical skills I have gained whilst at the hospital are invaluable.
Name: Rebecca Gillions
Where are you from?: Brisbane
Which university are you currently studying at?: The University of Queensland
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?: October, 2009
Why did your choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: The Australia Wildlife Hospital is world renowned for their work on wildlife and for this reason I wanted to further my knowledge in wildlife medicine under the guidance of some of the world’s best.
What are your goals for the future?: I hope to work within the wildlife and zoo field of veterinary science and help educate people on preventative measures for wild populations.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?:
Spying ‘Mika’ the tiger!
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?:
If you have any desire to expand your knowledge on wildlife medicine, the Australia Wildlife Hospital is the place to come.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Absolutely! The vets and staff are always willing to answer any questions you have a letting you get in and give it a go.
Name: Sherryn Page
Where are you from?: Lismore, NSW
Which university are you currently studying at?: N/A, Veterinary Nurse/Wildlife Carer.
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?:5th October 2009 – 16th October 2009 (2 weeks)
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: Steve Irwin holds a big place in my heart. His passion for wildlife conservation has been my inspiration for many years. I am honored to be learning under his roof.
What are your goals for the future?: To expand our small animal practice on the north coast of NSW into a sound wildlife emergency care clinic. To teach and inspire veterinary nurses in our area of the importance of wildlife care and conservation, worldwide.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?:Surprisingly, my highlight was working with the koalas. Not one in particular, but more as a species, fighting so hard to sustain themselves in an environment fuelled by human destruction and ignorance. I have developed a deep compassion for them, each with their own personalities!
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is the most amazing and inspirational wildlife hospital one could dream of stepping foot in. If all vet students shared this passion for our wildlife our small animal practices could ease the burden of wildlife hospitals taking an active role in caring for our native wonders.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Most definitely!! The vets, nurses, office staff and volunteers are professional, polite and full of passion for the amazing work they do. I have learnt so much during my time here, in which I am extremely eager to implement in my own practice in Northern NSW.
Name: Lenaerts Eef
Where are you from?: Belgium
Which university are you currently studying at: Katholieke Hogeschool Kempen
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?: 14 September 2009 - 10 October 2009
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: There is very little wildlife in Belgium and so I came here for the opportunity to learn about wildlife.
What are your goals for the future?: To finish my study and then go on to complete a course in ethnology. After that I would like to travel and work with wildlife.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: Every day koalas come in that are hit by cars or bitten by dogs.On one occasion we performed surgery on a koala called Darcy and I was asked to stay and monitor him, but sadly he died.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Enjoy your time in the clinic and try to learn as much as you can. Helping wildlife is really good, keep on going!
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: I enjoyed my time here very much and found it extremely interesting and learned a lot from my experience. I would like to thank the staff for everything!
Name: Jennifer Voss
Where are you from?: USA
Which university are you currently studying at?:University of Queensland
When did you do your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?:28th October, 2009
Why did your choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: Amazing worldwide reputation and the hope of learning more about wildlife care from the field’s greatest experts.
What are your goals for the future?: To improve my knowledge of wildlife triage and long term care.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?: Watching various surgeries and procedures and being able to apply my book knowledge and studies……finally!
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?: Be an active participant and ask lots of questions! It’s cliché, but you will get out of it what you are prepared to put in to it.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: I have enjoyed it very much – the vet nurses are fabulous and I have gained an incredible amount of experience. The vets are wonderful and are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
Name: Rebecca Muwanga
Where are you from?: Durham, UK
Which university are you currently studying at?: N/A – Graduated Liverpool UK 2004
What date did you start your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital ?: 21 September 2009 - 25 September 2009
Why did your choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?: Best opportunity to see wildlife care to a high standard.
What are your goals for the future?: I would like to work in general practice, but, would like to offer a higher standard of wildlife care and treatment to the cases I see, most importantly knowing which cases to persevere with and which not to.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital?:
Carrying out my first CSF tap on a kangaroo!
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?:
Come and see the great work that is carried our here. Work in a different country to your own so you can experience different animals, diseases and work practices.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets?: Yes – it’s been a great, memorable experience.
Name: Leilani Saad
Where are you from: Canada
Which University are you currently studying at: Olds College
What date did you start your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital : 17 August 2009 to 11 September 2009
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies: World renowned, do great work.
What are your goals for the future: Own my own clinic. Work at a zoo/wildlife hospital.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital:
Taking blood from a koala.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there:
Make sure you get the most out of your student experience and seize all opportunities!
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets: So many thanks to Vets Stacey, Claude and Arana and Nurses Cheryl, Vicky, Sarah and Peta for letting me use my hands-on skills and just for being pleasant and welcoming to a student.
Name: Lorna Bidston
Where are you from: England
Which University are you currently studying at: Cambridge
What date did you start your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital : 24 August 2009 to 04 September 2009
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies: I am interested in working in conservation with exotic species. I am also interested in working in Australia (I have dual Aus/Eng nationality) and I support the work of the hospital.
What are your goals for the future: To qualify as a vet.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital:
Surgery: When a koala cruciate repair turned into k-wiring a fractured stifle joint…..and seeing a python, pelican, possum and koalas being treated in one day.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there: Ask questions and ask if you can be shown how to perform procedures.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets: Yes. I’d like to return and get more practical experience
Name: Bridie Schultz
Where are you from: Gold Coast
Which University are you currently studying at: University of Queensland
What date did you start your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital : 17 – 28 August, 2009
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies: It is highly accredited and I know they do good work here for the animals.
What are your goals for the future: To work in a zoo with large animals.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital:
When it took six nurses to get ‘big shell’, a sea turtle out of his pool and up to the conference pool to test his swimming ability. We all got very wet and it took a long time!
What advice can you give to other vet students out there:
Ask as many questions that you have, it’s the best way to find things out and always ask if you can help the vet in any way, because, as a result I got to inject fluids into a dehydrated koala.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets: A lot of people were willing to teach me.
Name: Diana Baptista
Where are you from: Portugal
Which university are you currently studying at: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - UTL.
What date did you start and finish your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital : 3 to 14 August 2009
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies: I really wanted to use my holidays training in wildlife veterinary science in Australia. During my research of possible places to train I found the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and I fell in love with the profile on the internet! I was inspired by the dedication to wildlife conservation, and the professional approach to treating wildlife.
What are your goals for the future: I want to be a wildlife vet. During this prac I have been inspired by what can be done for wildlife. I know that I need more experience; to do more research and be dedicated. I hope to get involved in conservation of native species in Portugal.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital: Breathing for a koala during 3 hours in surgery and in the end he didn’t survive. It was very sad, and the first time I really realized how strong one needs to be to be a vet.
What advice can you give other vet students out there: I would recommend applying for a practical period at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital if you are at all interested in wildlife. It is a great place to learn.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets: I have really enjoyed my time here - the people are very friendly and open. You can ask questions about wildlife medicine and conservation. The team work well together!
Name: Elle Moyle
Where are you from: Hamilton, Victoria
Which university are you currently studying at: Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW
What date did you start and finish your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital : 20 to 24 July 2009
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies: I thought it would be a great opportunity to work with native wildlife and expand my husbandry skills when handling wild animals.
What are your goals for the future: After completing my Bachelor of Veterinary Science I plan to travel, working abroad, eventually returning to Australia to work. I would love to buy my own practice in South Eastern Australia.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital: The biggest sea turtle - when we put her into the big pool and she swam without floating!
What advice can you give other vet students out there: Come and experience the great opportunity this establishment offers. The caring and friendly staff and volunteers are very welcoming and have great attitudes.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets: Yes. It has been great and I wish to visit again throughout the next few years as I continue my studies to become a vet.
Name: Cornelia Konicek 
Where are you from: Vienna, Austria
Which university are you currently studying at: University of Vienna
What date did you start and finish your prac studies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital : 20 July to 14 August 2009
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies: For new experiences and to learn about conservation-related veterinary work. I also wanted to gain practice handling wild species.
What are your goals for the future: I want to finish my last year of study and learn more about surgical treatment of animals. I hope to be able to work with different species around the world.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital: It is hard to say; each day brought new patients that I will always remember. I was amazed at the number of sea turtles that came in each week and how the vets fought for their lives. The variety of bird and reptile species - each of them so amazing! I will always remember the volunteers working so hard for the koalas in rehab outside to get them well enough for release back to the wild. Without these amazing people the lovely animals will disappear within a few years. Also - the incredible carers who have a full-time job raising all the orphaned joeys - each one of them so cute, but so much hard work!
What advice can you give other vet students out there: If you are interested in wildlife medicine the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital offers a unique chance to learn about the diseases, and treatments for different Australian species. I would advise staying at least 2 weeks to get the most out of your time. If you need accommodation, ask the staff at Australia Zoo - there are lots of nice people offering rooms for volunteers.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets: Yes, of course! Thank you for the many explanations and opportunities to do things on my own. It was a pleasure learning and working in such a nice environment.
Name: Hops Chi Sang Wong
Where are you from: Hong Kong
Which University are you currently studying at: University of Queensland
What date did you start your prac studies the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital : From 13 July to 24 July 2009
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies: This is a great chance for me to get to know more about wildlife, because, in everyday life in typical clinics, it is a bit hard to deal with wildlife and learn from vets that have wildlife experienced.
What are your goals for the future:
I hope that I can know how to deal with the wildlife in Hong Kong, rather than just treating domestic small animals, such as dogs and cats.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital:
I had the chance to observe imping of a falcon, which was done by Peter and also observed surgery performed on a koala. Also I was able to participate in the post mortem of a green sea turtle and also observe how to deal with the wild birds.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there:
If possible try to work in pairs with friends and try to get accommodation closer to the hospital and perhaps share transportation where possible. Also it is a good idea to try and rent something with your friends, close to the hospital if possible, that way travel is easier and cheaper.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets: Yes, they are really nice and willing to answer your questions. I was also able to see how to perform surgery and able to learn some diagnostic tests and reinforce what I have learnt in my lectures in school.
Name: Jacquelyn Connor 
Where are you from: I am from California, USA.
Which University are you currently studying at: I am currently studying at Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.
What date did you start your prac studies the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital : 15 July 2009
Why did your choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies: I choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for my prac studies because there is no other place in the world that I could have gained the same experiences that I did there.
What are your goals for the future: My goal for the future is to graduate in May and secure an internship.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital:
My most memorable patients in the hospital have to be the sea turtles. In the two weeks I was there I had the opportunity to watch a few of the turtles make tremendous progress. Of course I could not forget the koalas that were released on my last day there. It really showed what all the hard work of the staff can achieve.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there:
My advice to other vet students is take advantage of the variety of externships offered at home and abroad. Some of my most memorable times in vet school have been working overseas.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets: I had the most wonderful time at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital . The vets, nurses, and volunteers were all amazing. They answered all of my many questions which made it a great learning environment. I can’t thank you enough for allowing me the opportunity to be there for two weeks.
Name: Adrienne Clay
Where are you from: Canada
Which University are you currently studying at: Olds College
What date did you start your prac studies the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital : 16 July 2009
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies: It is a rare opportunity to find a wildlife hospital with state of the art facilities and the dedication that the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital has to offer.
What are your goals for the future:
I hope to work in Canada with the Australian Native Wildlife within the Zoos and also help the plight of Wildlife Warriors through public education.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital:
Seeing the speed with which the doctor made the precise decisions about the order of procedures to save an emu with severe tracheal trauma.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there:
The more questions you ask and the more variety of animals you work with give you more of an insight and experience to enable you to learn at a faster pace.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets: Oh yes and I realized the more questions that I asked the more I interacted with everyone.
Name: Chelsa Shekell
Where are you from: Brisbane - Queensland
Which University are you currently studying at: University of Queensland
What date did you start your prac studies the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital : 26 June 2009
Why did your choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies: I choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital because I wanted to gain a greater appreciation of wildlife medicine and surgery whilst experiencing first had the diagnostic procedures, facilities and amazing care given by all of the staff to the injured wildlife.
What are your goals for the future:
My aim is to gain experience in a mixed practice before heading off overseas to build on my skill base. Ultimately I want to be working with wildlife and exotics animals in a zoo environment.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital:
Watching the procedure of the pinning of a kookaburras’ broken femur and best of all was the fact that it had a good outcome for Rubba the kookaburra
What advice can you give to other vet students out there:
If you have an interest in wildlife, choosing the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your practical experience will be extremely beneficial.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital working with our staff and vets: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here and have learnt a great deal from the vets and staff.
Name: Beren Matthews
Where are you from? I grew up about an hour south of Brisbane in LoganVillage, a semi-rural area in Beaudesert shire.
Which university are you studying at? The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science
When did you start your practical?I attended the AWH for one week from 7 July 2008
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? I had heard about the procedures being performed on wildlife at the AHW. I was interested to see first hand what could be done to treat sick and injured wildlife with the best medical, surgical and supportive care which the AWH can provide. I have a particular interest in marine reptiles - mainly sea turtles - and wanted to gain more experience with diagnosing and treating the common diseases they are susceptible to.
What are your goals for the future? Upon completion of my vet degree I am planning on working for a few years in private practice before returning to research for a PhD. At this stage I’m not certain of exactly what field of research I’ll end up in but my interest for marine turtles is a life long passion grown out of volunteer work over all 22 years of my life.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the hospital? While at the AWH there were so many interesting and unique patients. “Shannon” the koala was one patient that stood out. The surgery to reconnect his cheek to the mandible made interesting viewing and an insight into what animals could recover from given the right treatment.
What advice can you give other vet students out there? It’d be great if all vet students could spend at least a week at the AWH to gain some experience in treating sick and injured wildlife. Unfortunately this would be impossible, but if you intend to treat wildlife in private practice you should spend time at the AWH so that you have the experience to provide suitable treatment which will help and not hinder our sick and injured native fauna.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital? Most definitely! The vets, nursing staff, management staff and volunteers are all great people to work with. The wealth of knowledge from these people is amazing and they are all to willing to share what they know with you. I can’t wait to visit again and check out the new hospital once it’s up and running.
Name: Richard Sanders
Where are you from? Moruxa, NSWSouthCoast
Which University are you studying at? Charles Sturt Uni (CSU), Wagga Wagga, NSW
When did you start your practical? 7 July 2008
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? Due to the high number of reptiles seen for treatment. It is also a great opportunity to learn treatment and handling techniques for other native Australian wildlife such as koalas, possums, kangaroos, birds, and bats.
What are your goals for the future? To graduate! Then hopefully into a practice partnership, in an area that predominately produces beef and sheep and set up a referral reptile practice on the side - somewhere in country NSW.
What is your most memorable patient/ moment at the Hospital? Anaesthetising an eastern brown snake and treating the injuries it sustained after being set on fire.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there? Keep your options open and try and see as many different practices as possible including large animal/mixed practice and wildlife. Also, vet nurses are a wealth of information so ask questions and, lastly, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and have a go.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital? Yes, the vets are great and the support and expertise of the nurses is outstanding. There are plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience and the case load varies greatly on a day to day basis. Where else can you give an IV injection to a koala, intubate a bearded dragon and fix a broken wing on a kookaburra all in the one day?!! AWH!
Hospital Staff thoughts: Richard’s positive attitude will take him a long way - we would welcome him back at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital any time.
Name: Laurel Frawley
Where are you from? Bellthorpe, Queensland
When did you start volunteering here? July 2007
Why are you volunteering here? I have a love of all animals, plants, trees etc but have been restricted with movement as I suffer from oesteo-arthritis and need to exercise – yuk! So here I have the best of both worlds – I can fulfil my passion and my health has improved greatly whilst cleaning the enclosures etc for our very special and cute patients.
What are your goals for the future? To increase awareness of the need for habitat conservation, particularly of Bellthorpe’s forests.
What is your most memorable moment/patient at the Hospital? The rescue and release of a young platypus caught in flood waters, she was gorgeous.
What is your message to other Wildlife Warriors out there? Let’s change our antiquated laws regarding habitats by keeping pressure on local, state and federal governments. If our animals are to be protected so should where they live.
Hospital Staff thoughts: Laurel is passionate about volunteering at the AWH; she brings lots of smiles and laughter each time she attends.
Name: Sue Smith
Where are you from? Born in England. Lived in Botswana for many years and now settled in Landsborough.
When did you start volunteering here? July 2006
Why are you volunteering here? First and foremost, my love of animals - in fact all creatures. I also enjoy meeting different people from similar caring backgrounds.
What are your goals for the future? When my husband and I give up wandering the country in our motor home, I would love to be a full-time carer.
What is your most memorable moment/patient at the Hospital? A koala called Baldwin, a friendly boy from Lismore. When he returned home I visited him there to renew our friendship. His reaction towards me showed I had not been forgotten – I was delighted.
What is your message to other Wildlife Warriors out there? You are all doing a great job – keep it up!
Hospital Staff thoughts: Sue is enthusiastic and loves her work at the Hospital, particularly duties involving the koalas.
Name: Danielle Boyd
Where are you from? Brisbane
Which University are you studying at? University of Queensland
When did you start your practical? 11 February 2008
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? I chose the AWH because I am very interested in wildlife and learning about their unique needs. After participating in a series of lectures run by Wildlife Warriors, I was intrigued and decided I would try to attend the Hospital as part of my prac work.
What are your goals for the future? After completing the next 3 years of University, when I am a qualified vet, I would ideally love to become a vet caring for exotic wildlife at a zoo or animal conservation centre. My dream is to travel to South Africa and work as a conservation centre vet.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the Hospital? It would be a tie between watching and helping in the surgery of a 115 kg sea turtle and the little koala joey that was brought in as an orphan and I sat with him as he came out of anaesthetic.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there? My advice would be to apply for the places that you really want to go to even if you think you won't get in. I never would have thought I would have been accepted into the AWH but I did and it was fantastic. Get out there and just give everything a go.
Have you enjoyed your time at the Hospital? I have enjoyed my time at AWH immensely and I would love to come back as a volunteer or perhaps to do a second week of practical work. Everyone at the AWH is absolutely lovely – they were very helpful and kind to me during my stay.
Name: Aleta Floyd-Smith
Where are you from? Ipswich
Which University are you studying at? University of Queensland
When did you start your practical? 11 February 2008
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital was always on the top of my list of clinics to do my practical veterinary work in. It has reputable facilities, friendly staff and a diverse array of wild animals which are admitted on a daily basis.
What are your goals for the future? I would love to work with wildlife, so after I finish my studies I intend to travel Borneo to work with the Orangutans at their rehabilitation centre. After familiarizing myself with these animals I would like to return and work at a wildlife hospital or zoo and specialise in primates.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the Hospital? Definitely helping to perform a procedure on a green turtle. Its sheer size (115kg), gentle nature and how evidently unwell it appeared, was very moving. I was impressed with the equipment available to perform such a procedure and the detail it could render.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there? I would definitely recommend this establishment to future students wishing to perform their prac work.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital? Absolutely. In the short time I have been at the Hospital I've fed turtles, cuddled koalas, caught a snake, injected birds, x-rayed a lizard, operated on a frog, the list goes on. In short, if you are willing to learn, the staff at the Hospital are more than happy to guide you along.
Name: Arlene Leon
Where are you from? Seychelles
Which University are you studying at? University of Queensland
When did you start your practical? 11 February 2008
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? I wanted the opportunity to experience first hand how a wildlife hospital works and the different approach to a clinical work-up when dealing with different wildlife species.
What are your goals for the future? To actually finish this final year of my vet studies and work in a small animal clinic for a certain number of years. I would also love to be involved in the conservation of green turtles in my country.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the Hospital?
It would have to be feeding the turtles, especially Savage. I love turtles!
What advice can you give to other vet students out there? To try to experience different avenues of vet science because it's not just about small companion animals and production animals. Get a feel for the different opportunities available for vets.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital? Yes! I would have loved to be around at a busier time of year however I had lots of opportunities to be around different wildlife species and interact with the staff.
Name: Emma Johnston
Where are you from? Melbourne
Which University are you studying at? Wildlife Husbandry and Rehab at Victoria University
When did you start your practical? 4 February 2008
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? I am a wildlife rescuer for the Western Melbourne area and came here to gain more experience in wildlife care.
What are your goals for the future? To become a Keeper with Zoos Victoria
What is your most memorable patient/ moment at the Hospital? Saffron the Rock Wallaby - and having her decide that I was a good perch to sit on while I was cleaning out her enclosure.
What advice can you give to other students out there? Keep up the great work, every individual can make a difference.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital? I had a great time at the hospital and enjoyed the experience.
Hospital Staff thoughts: Emma is a very capable and forward-thinking person and great to have around - a hands-on person who made the most of her time here by getting involved with the animals and the daily chores that go with running a wildlife hospital.
Name: Lau Wai Pong
Where are you from? Hong Kong
Which University are you studying at? University of Queensland
When did you start your practical? 4 February 2008
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? I chose the AWH so that I could get as much experience with wildlife as possible.
What are your goals for the future? To eventually become a feline and reptile specialist and to open my own vet clinic. Before I retire I would like open a not-for-profit small animal hospital back in Hong Kong.
What is your most memorable patient/ moment at the Hospital? Being involved with the post-mortem of a turtle just before lunch! I found the experience very interesting and the structure of the stomach was really amazing to see.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there? One week goes by very quickly so make sure that you see and learn as much as possible in this time.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital? I found my time at the hospital to be very interesting and fun as well.
Hospital Staff thoughts: Lau Wai was a very capable and enthusiastic student who asked a lot of questions.
Name: Lauren Booth
Where are you from? Sunbury, Victoria
Which University are you studying at? Husbandry and Rehab of Wildlife at Victoria University
When did you start your practical? 4 February 2008
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? To gain more experience with Australian wildlife, as I am a wildlife carer, and to add to my portfolio of experience for future job prospects and caring of wildlife.
What are your goals for the future? To finish my cert 1V in veterinary nursing and, hopefully, down the track get a vet nursing job in a wildlife hospital. I also want to open my own wildlife shelter one day.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the Hospital? I have two memorable moments: One was feeding Big Ted the loggerhead turtle and the other is cuddling up with Cody one of the long-term koala patients.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there? Get your family and friends and community involved in the care and conservation of wildlife as it is really important. Every little bit counts and everyone can make a contribution to help to male a difference.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital? It has been a great experience
Hospital Staff thoughts: A very enthusiastic person and willing to get her hands dirty and help out whenever needed.
Name: Charlotte Whitford
Where are you from? Perth
Which University are you studying at? Murdoch University
When did you start your practical? 21 January
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? I had heard about the TV show ‘New Breed Vets' and was told it was based around this hospital. I thought it would be both a different and an interesting prac. I wanted to try a wildlife practice to see what happens on a daily basis (not only what is shown on TV) and to have a change from dogs and cats.
What are your goals for the future?
To graduate, specialise and then work and travel overseas.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the Hospital?
Cody the koala – he was really friendly!
What advice can you give to other vet students out there? Try as many different types of prac as you can while you are a student, so you can get a feel for what you like and what you're in for before you start your career.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital?
Yes- the staff were very friendly and tolerant of me getting in the way all week!
Hospital Staff thoughts:
Charlotte was a great help to us at the Hospital this week. We wish her well with her future studies.
Name: Katherine Mitchell
Where are you from? Brisbane
Which University are you studying at? University of Queensland
When did you start your practical? 21 January 2008
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? I knew that the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital would offer an amazing opportunity to work closely with native and exotic animals which I wouldn't usually see. I wanted to increase my knowledge of treating injured wildlife that may be presented to me in the future.
What are your goals for the future?
To specialise in either avian or exotic medicine, or small animal surgery
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the Hospital? Chooky the Boobook Owl with a fractured femur - I cradled him in a towel while he was waking up from the anaesthetic and his big eyes were blinking sleepily - very cute! And I loved Hannah the very cute baby platypus.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there? I definitely think all students should spend some time learning about treating wildlife. We will be presented with these animals once we graduate and I think it's important to do the right thing.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital? Absolutely!
Hospital Staff thoughts: It has been a pleasure to have Katherine with us for her prac. She was always helpful and eager to assist all the staff. She asked questions and was keen to learn. We wish Katherine all the best for her studies.
Name: Julia Melling
Where are you from? Tenterfield, NSW
Which University are you studying at? University of Queensland
When did you start your practical? 21 January
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? To have exposure of the treatment of wildlife.
What are your goals for the future?
To graduate and then work in Africa; perhaps with big cats or large animals.
What is your most memorable patient/ moment at the Hospital?
Jethro the Channel Billed Cuckoo was really special, and I loved cuddling baby koala Luther.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there? Be confident, ask questions and vary your experiences of practices throughout your studies.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital? Yes I have - the staff have been great.
Hospital Staff thoughts: It was great to have Julia here on her prac and we appreciate the help that she gave us this week. We wish her well with her studies.
Name:David Mason
Where are you from? Highvale but currently staying at St Lucia whilst studying.
Which University are you studying at? University of Queensland
When did you start your practical? 14 January 2008
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? I love working with wildlife, it is far more satisfying than domestic animals because the wildlife animals are more varied and interesting.
What are your goals for the future? To improve the welfare of animals worldwide by educating people and changing the way they think. Animals should inherit natural rights as humans have.
What is your most memorable patient/ moment at the Hospital?
Impossible to pick just one -
Most memorable: Jethro the Channel Billed Cuckoo, always demanding attention
Most Fun: Turtles, Sea Turtles
Cutest: Hannah the Platypus
Funniest: Ringer the Carpet Python
What advice can you give to other vet students out there? Even if you don't plan to work with wildlife, this is a wonderful experience. Bring a camera and get involved in as many ways as you can.
Have you enjoyed your time at the hospital? This is the best working environment I've experienced. Everyone is really friendly, there's something interesting happening every day and plenty to learn. The facilities are better than most non-referral clinics I've been to and it will be great once the new hospital is finished. I definitely want to spend more time here in the future.
Name: Tracey Roads
Where are you from? Woombye
When did you start volunteering here? January 2006
Why are you volunteering here? I love native wildlife and really wanted to do something to help them.
What are your goals for the future? To continue working with wildlife - hopefully one day in a paid position.
What is your most memorable moment / patient at the Hospital? When I first started I bottle fed Carson and Cobra - two koala joeys - one with each hand. It was a wonderful experience!
What is your message to other Wildlife Warriors out there? Take responsibility for the damage your pets do to wildlife.
Hospital Staff thoughts: Tracey is a dedicated and hard-working volunteer who is a pleasure to have at the Hospital. We appreciate her sense of humour and gentle approach to the animals.
Name: Georgia Weber
Where are you from? Brisbane
Which University are you studying at? University of Queensland
When did you start your practical? 7 January 2008
Why did you choose the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? I wanted to get more experience because I think that, especially in Australia, it is a vet's responsibility to know more about our native wildlife. And also because we are putting more pressure on wildlife in the urban areas by taking away their natural habitat.
What are your goals for the future? To finish Uni and travel.
What is your most memorable patient / moment at the Hospital?
When a Rock Wallaby jumped on my back as I was cleaning out his enclosure and he did not want to get off!
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?
To enjoy the process of studying. We are at Uni for at least 5 years so that's a long time to not be enjoying yourself and stressing out over workloads.
Name: Ellen Liddle
Where are you from? WalshRiver, FNQ
Which University are you studying at? University of Queensland
When did you start your practical? 9 September 2007
Why did you choose the AustralianWildlifeHospital for your prac studies? So that I could gain more information from experienced wildlife vets and nurses and to be able to implement this into wherever I work in the future once I have graduated. After working in many suburban practices, and even country practices, where wildlife was simply euthanized because of lack of knowledge I am determined not to become one such vet.
What are your goals for the future? To be happy and fulfilled with life.
What is your most memorable patient/ moment at the Hospital?
Definitely working with the sea turtles, they are so majestic.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?
Don’t ever give up on wildlife just because you do not know what to do.
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Name: Katie Cronin
Where are you from? Townsville
Which University are you studying at? UQ
When did you start your practical? 26 November 2007
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? Because I wanted to get hands-on experience with wildlife. I also thought it sounded like a pretty exciting experience, and it was.
What are your goals for the future?
When I finish my degree I would really like to get a job in some sort of hospital. I have not decided yet whether to work in a wildlife hospital or a domestic veterinary practice.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the Hospital?
This is a hard one because there were so many. But I guess my most memorable patient at the hospital was a white face heron with a broken wing. We had to put him under anaesthetic and I was in charge of listening to his heartbeat. He stopped breathing and I lost his heartbeat, it was scary.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?
If you get the chance to do practical work here, take it. It is a really interesting experience and I feel that I have learnt heaps in the short time that I have been here. Also make sure you get involved and ask lots of questions. Don’t be afraid to ask the questions or feeling silly for doing so.
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Name: Jay Korbelik
Where are you from: Vancouver, Canada
Which University are you studying at: UQ
When did you start your practical: 3 December 2007
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?
To be able to treat wildlife more effectively when they are brought into the clinic.
What are your goals for the future?
To specialise in the treatment of small animals.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the Hospital?
Working on a redneck wallaby which had developed stress myopathy and also had a sacral vertebral fracture. I found it satisfying to be able to make the right diagnosis.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?
Do not hesitate to get involved, ask lots of questions and get your hands dirty.
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Name: Bridgette Atkins
Where are you from? Redland Shire - Brisbane
Which University are you studying at? UQ at Gatton and UQ St Lucia
When did you start your practical? 3 December 2007
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?
I wanted to do my prac work at the wildlife hospital because it is well known for the wide range of animals that come into its care. It has a great reputation and encourages students to participate in a learning environment. I thought it would also be a “wild” experience.
What are your goals for the future?
My goals are to finish university with a vet tech degree then also study wildlife science externally while working in a field with animals. Then I would like to travel and see wildlife around different parts of the world. My ultimate long-term goal is to work with wild cats.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the Hospital?
A kookaburra - he was so adorable and caught my eye straight away. Every day I would talk to him and help the nurses with his feeding whenever I could. I had the opportunity to relocate him outside and helped to make him comfortable in his new environment.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?
If you get the chance to work within this hospital grab it. Make the most of the opportunity and learn and get close to the animals. Ask the vets and nurses lots of questions and see how interesting it all is.
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Name: Sally Henry
Where are you from: Brisbane
Which University are you studying at: UQ Brisbane
When did you start your practical: 10 December 2007
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? For the chance to see more Australian wildlife and learn as many diagnostic and treatment skills as possible.
What are your goals for the future?
To be a good veterinarian and continue to educate the general public on matters to do with both domestic and wildlife species.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the Hospital?
Boris the koala who was receiving radiation treatment.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?
It is a great experience/opportunity to see wildlife and appreciate the role of the veterinarians that work at the wildlife hospital, to see their dedication and attempting to restore the animal’s health to enable them to be released again back into the wild. So, if you get the chance, come to the wildlife hospital for hands-on experience.
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Name: Alexandra Novitski
Where are you from? Brisbane
Which University are you studying at? University of Qld
When did you start your practical? 19 November 2007
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? The AWH is the only hospital of its kind in Australia and is one of the best places to learn about wildlife medicine.
What are your goals for the future? To one day work with wild animals either in a zoo or somewhere similar. I also have a keen interest in avian medicine.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the Hospital?
Big Ted the loggerhead turtle and helping out with the daily koala rounds. My favourite koalas were Minnic and Tristan.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there? This is a great place to gain experience with wildlife. Definitely get in there and try to learn as much as you can because you will never know when that information will come in handy.
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Name: Casey Conway
Where are you from Brisbane
Which University are you studying at UQ St Lucia
When did you start your practical? 26/11/2007
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? To witness and learn vet skills specific to wildlife that I would not have experienced at a regular vet clinic.
What are your goals for the future?
To use my veterinary degree as a staring point for a career in environmental conservation. I am especially interested in native habitat protection and assessing the environmental impact of intensive livestock industries in Australia.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the Hospital?
Getting to know Dr Jon’s unique sense of humour! Stinky turtles and Amber the gentle sulphur crested cockatoo.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?
Don’t worry if by the 4th or 5th year you are still unsure as to what kind of vet you want to be. And remember that there is more to being a vet than just the clinical aspect – the directions your qualifications can take you are many and highly varied.
The vets are extremely dedicated. Dr Stacey has a lot of knowledge to share. The nurses are awesome and always happy to answer my inane questions and Gail, the hospital manager, is an angel in disguise. Thanks AWH for a memorable week.
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Name: Sam Barley
Where are you from? Brisbane
Which University are you studying at? UQ Veterinary Science
When did you start your practical? 24 September 2007
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? I had heard many great things - not only about the work they do but also about the people who work there. I decided it would be a great opportunity to further my interest in wildlife medicine and conservation.
What are your goals for the future? To become a wildlife vet and to aid in the conservation of endangered species and to help educate the public about animal care and conservation.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the Hospital? Tina, a koala I ventilated for nearly two hours, and helping out with the procedure to pin and screw a fractured pelvis.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there? If wildlife is your passion, try to get a placement here. You will see both sides, the sad, untreatable cases and those that were saved by the proper medical treatment performed at the wildlife hospital. It gives you a realistic view of this amazing career.
Hospital Staff thoughts: Sam was a pleasure to have at the hospital. She was hard-working and dedicated, with a true compassion for wildlife.
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Name: Melanie Grealy
Where are you from? Brisbane
Which University are you studying at? University of Queensland
When did you start your practical? 10 September 07
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? AWH has an interesting range of animals and has a reputation of having the animal’s best interests at heart. They know more about treating wildlife than normal vet clinics.
What are your goals for the future? Research based projects and working in a clinic which treats all animals, not just domestic ones.
What is your most memorable patient/ moment at the Hospital?
Manually ventilating a koala’s respiration during surgery; hand-feeding a green sea turtle; handling and gaining fantastic experience with a blue tongue lizard and a green tree snake.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?
Get into it, be keen for the experiences and constantly bug the staff with questions!
Hospital Staff thoughts: Melanie was terrific to have with us - helpful and enthusiastic.
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Name: Samantha Beggs
Where are you from? Waterford West, Queensland
Which University are you studying at? University of Queensland
When did you start your practical? 17 September 2007
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? Because it was an opportunity to learn about a great range of wildlife, and see the difference between the Australian Wildlife Hospital and all other practices.
What are your goals for the future? To be a DPI inspector or an RSPCA inspector.
What is your most memorable patient/ moment at the Hospital?
Being with Pebbles the sea turtle.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there?
If you get the opportunity - go for it.
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Name: Mei-hsuan Tueh (Lisa)
Where are you from? Taiwan
Which University are you studying at? National Taiwan University
When did you start your practical? 6 August 2007
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? I chose the Australian Wildlife hospital for my practical studies because I have always wanted to see the fantastic native mammals that are unique to Australia. I have also always wanted to visit Steve Irwin’s home to see his passion and love of animals.
What are your goals for the future? To become a passionate vet who can save the lives of wild and domestic animals.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the Hospital? My most memorable patient is a koala named Will. He was attacked by a dog and there were wounds on both his ears and his right paw was badly injured. Dr Peter debrided Will’s paw and ear, and secured the skin back into place. It has been a great experience seeing a sick koala healing, and I hope that Will shall be released some day soon.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there? To be come a good Vet not only depends on how much you have read, it also depends on how much experience you have. By reading more about animals and the different diseases associated with them, and by working with as many animals as possible will give you more experience.
Hospital Staff thoughts: Lisa was a pleasure to have for her prac. She was keen to learn and showed an interest in each case. She was available to help in every area of the running of the hospital and we wish her all the best for her studies.
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Name: Matt Best
Where are you from? England
Which University are you studying at? University of Cambridge
When did you start your practical? 9 July 2007
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? Having decided to see an exotic practice in Australia, I selected AWH because of the good reputation of the Zoo and particularly because of the amazing work done with wildlife which is a particular interest of mine.
What are your goals for the future? My goal is to graduate, and establish myself as a vet in a mixed practice. I would like to be involved with treating birds and wild animals.
What is your most memorable patient/moment at the Hospital?
My most memorable patient was Campbell the koala, who came in after being attacked by a dog. By the time my three weeks of prac were through he had had 4 rounds of abdominal surgery but was still fighting on!
What advice can you give to other vet students out there? If you are considering work at the AWH then definitely do it if you can - you will have a fantastic time while learning a lot from the very knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Hospital Staff thoughts: Matt was a pleasure to have for his prac. He was keen to be involved with each case, was able to work independently, and was not afraid to gain experience with every aspect of the running of the Hospital. We wish him all the very best for his studies, and would welcome him back at any time.
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Name: Emma Oerlemans
Where are you from? Glasshouse Mountains
When did you start volunteering here? March 2006
Why are you volunteering here? So much of our Australian wildlife is becoming endangered. Volunteering here gives me the perfect opportunity to help these animals make it through these difficult times. It also gives me hands-on experience with an incredibly diverse range of animals, from koalas to sea turtles.
What are your goals for the future? It would be a dream-come-true to become a staff member in a facility like this one where I can dedicate myself to helping our Australian Wildlife and all the critters in need.
What is your most memorable moment/patient at the Hospital?
My most memorable patient was Chrissy the Emu. I absolutely loved giving her a bath - in fact we both loved it! She used to shake water everywhere like a dog and roll over so I could reach her belly with the hose - then we’d both dry off in the sun!
What is your message to other Wildlife Warriors out there?
More and more people are becoming involved with wildlife conservation which is excellent! The more people that are aware, the more we can achieve. Keep up the good work and get as many people as possible as enthusiastic about wildlife as you are!
Hospital Staff thoughts: Emma is dedicated, hard-working and always enthusiastic in her approach to any job asked of her. The animals are her passion and it really shows in what she does.
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Name: Trish Mitchell
Where are you from? Beerwah
When did you start volunteering: October 2006
Why are you volunteering here? I have always wanted to work with animals in need, but kept putting it off. After Steve’s passing I felt I needed to get out there and start helping.
What are your goals for the future? To be involved in hands-on conservation work, and perhaps paid work with animals.
What is your most memorable moment/patient at Hospital?
I loved swimming with the Green Sea Turtle, Trident.
What is your message to other Wildlife Warriors out there?
Stop clearing land so our wildlife have a home just like we do, and don’t litter - keep the environment clean.
Hospital Staff thoughts: Trish is a dedicated volunteer who works really hard on the days that she is with us. We appreciate the time and effort that she puts into her work.
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Name: Peter Launders
Where are you from? Bulimba, Brisbane
Which University are you studying at? University of Queensland
When did you start your practical? 9 July 2007
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? I hope to get a job involving Zoo animals and wildlife. I spent a week here in January 2006 and really enjoyed the variety of animals and the pure diagnostic approach AWH is able to take.
What are your goals for the future? To work in a mixed practice for a few years, and then hopefully to get a job involving Zoo animals and wildlife.
What is your most memorable patient/ moment at the Hospital? Holding a Jabiru for anaesthesia and helping to catch and sedate an Eastern Grey Kangaroo.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there? Get as much practical experience as you can; be prepared to have a go at anything but ask if you are not sure; and be willing to do the boring and mundane stuff to help out.
Hospital Staff thoughts: Peter is an enthusiastic Vet Student who changed his career after a trip to Africa inspired his passion to make a difference to animals. He was always willing to help with every situation that arose. We wish him well for his future studies.
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Name: Brett Smith
Where are you from? Gympie
Which University are you studying at? University of Queensland- St Lucia
When did you start your practical? 9 July 2007
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? I knew that this hospital would provide excellent exposure and knowledge in regard to the treatment and handling of injured wildlife, knowledge and experience that would not be easily sourced anywhere else.
What are your goals for the future? To gain a wealth of knowledge, and excel in my chosen field. The opportunity to work in a wildlife industry providing medical and emergency care will be a high priority.
What is your most memorable patient/ moment at the Hospital? Many patients stay in mind like Zulu and Pebbles - the turtles that I spent a lot of time with. However, Tammy the koala (attacked by a dog) was the most memorable case.
What advice can you give to other vet students out there? Definitely be involved with wildlife care! The variety and satisfaction of a successfully treated patient is incredible. While this area of medical care seems to remain out of mainstream veterinary practice, it is extremely important. Be involved!
Hospital Staff thoughts: Brett was a pleasure to have at the Hospital this week. He took initiative, asked questions when he needed to find out something, and was ever-ready to help in all areas. We wish him well for his future studies.
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Name: Anika Lehmann
Where are you from? Netherlands
When did you start volunteering? March 2004
Why are you volunteering here? I love the dedication of the staff, and the fact that the Hospital provides a 24 hour service. The staff are never too busy to answer my questions … and I usually have a few!
What are your goals for the future? To convince Australian people they live in paradise, and they should cherish their wildlife!
What is your most memorable moment/patient at Hospital? I have so many memorable patients - but what stands out is the release of Steve, the koala we brought in with every bone in his body broken, but 18 months later we released him back - fully recovered - where he belongs.
What is your message to other Wildlife Warriors out there? Please help our wildlife - they need us more than ever. Although we people are the biggest threat to wildlife, we are also their only chance for survival.
Hospital staff thoughts: Anika is a wonderful volunteer - always hard-working and energetic. She has an infectious passion to help the animals, and has hand-raised some of our koala joeys. We thank her for her hard work over these past three years.
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Name: Ji Yon Lee
Where are you from? I live in Sunnybank Hills now, but my real home is Seoul, Korea
University: University of Queensland
Prac start date: 25/6/07
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? I haven’t learnt much about, or handled, wild animals before and it is a really good chance to have a look at what is really going on in a specialised Wildlife Hospital beyond theory-based school learning.
What are your goals for the future? To be a Companion Animal Vet in Korea, and if I get a chance to specialise in something like ophthamology, oncology or chiropractic work - I will definitely do it!
What is your most memorable moment/patient at Hospital? I remember a koala that had a biopsy surgery, and Moly the wallaby that came in because she was attacked by a fox. I hope she comes through - good luck Moly!
What is your advice for other students out there? I have enjoyed being here - there are heaps of animals that need help and there are kind and intelligent people to help you out.
Hospital staff thoughts: Ji Yon has been very helpful to us this week and has been open to learn with every case that we have had. We wish her well with her future studies.
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Name: Skye Nicole Thomas
Where are you from? Kurwongbah
When did you start volunteering? 15/9/2006
Why are you volunteering here? I have been saving animals since I was a little girl - it's in my nature. This is the right place to learn about animals and help keep animals alive!
What are your goals for the future? To become a wildlife vet nurse and to get involved with Wildlife Warriors projects around the world; meeting new people and animals and learning about their situations.
What is your most memorable moment/patient at the hospital? It is a great feeling when a patient is taken back to the wild - and to do it with a team of people - there is no greater satisfaction.
What is your message to other Wildlife Warriors out there? Don’t ever give up, no matter how hard it seems.
Hospital staff thoughts: Skye is a terrific volunteer who is so positive and shows sincere love for the animals that she works with.
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Name: Robyn McDonald
Where are you from? Noosa
When did you start volunteering? 14/06/06
Why are you volunteering here?
I have volunteered for years at various organisations, helping where I can work with animals. When the opportunity arose to help at the Wildlife Hospital I was so excited. I have had experiences with exotic animals, big cats and domestic. But I had never been able to do something for our own wildlife. I just want to do my little bit to help our native species and raise awareness in the public.
What are your goals for the future?
The next year for me will be about starting a family. I’ll be moving up north soon and will miss my koalas terribly! But I’ll be back when I can to lend a hand.
What is your most memorable moment/patient at Hospital? My most memorable moment would definitely be when I was able to take part in releasing Colin the koala. After recovering from a car hit he was released into beautiful bushland in the mountains. It was great to see him through his recovery and back into the wild.
What is your message to other Wildlife Warriors out there?
The work done at the Australian Wildlife Hospital needs the support of volunteers, so keep up the good work! Every Wildlife Warrior who can spread the message to someone else and change an attitude or educate another person is helping to protect our native animals and save them for future generations.
Hospital staff thoughts:
Robyn is a very hard working volunteer with a good eye for detail. She is fun to work with and the koalas and all the other wildlife love her! Robyn is also our Volunteer of the Month for April.
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Name: Maree French
Where from: Currimundi
When did you start volunteering? 25/10/06
Why are you volunteering here?
To be part of such a wonderful organisation and to learn all I can about the Hospital and its patients
What are your goals for the future?
To keep on learning and helping the organisation that makes a difference to our world
What is your most memorable moment/patient at Hospital?
I think Sam (the koala) is gorgeous. Most memorable moment would be having morning tea on the grass with a snake (patient) sunning itself and slithering around us
What is your message to other Wildlife Warriors out there?
Our planet is in trouble, we all need to do our bit for conservation and our wildlife
Hospital staff thoughts:
Maree is a wonderful volunteer to have around. She always has a smile on her face and is willing to give anything a go, thanks Maree! She is also our March volunteer of the month and has won a new pair of Columbia hiking boots for all her hard work!
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Name: Jessica Cook
Where are you from? Melbourne
University: University of Melbourne
Prac start date: 23 January 2007
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?
I chose AWH because it is a great wildlife hospital which treats a wide variety of native animals and it offered a really good opportunity to experience veterinary medicine of Australian wildlife.
What are your goals for the future?
To finish studying and enter a mixed practice or equine clinic.
What is your most memorable moment/patient at Hospital?
My most memorable patient at the Hospital is George the koala - he was always very patient when I put his eye drops in.
What is your advice for other students out there:
Students should take every opportunity they are offered and ask lots of questions.
Hospital staff thoughts:
It was great to have Jessica here on her prac - she showed a keen interest in all the cases and helped in every way that she could. We wish her all the very best for her future studies.
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Name: Kate Craig
Where are you from? Moulamein, NSW
University: Melbourne University
Prac start date: 23 January 2007
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?
Because it is a great opportunity to interact with a huge variety of Australian Wildlife and see how they are cared for in the clinic.
What are your goals for the future?
To become a vet in a mixed practice
What is your most memorable moment/patient at Hospital?
Getting a hug from Carson the koala!
What is your advice for other students out there?
Apply early, get involved and ask lots of questions.
Hospital staff thoughts from Pauline, Vet Nurse, and Lisa, Volunteer Co-ordinator:
Kate was a pleasure to have and we wish her well in her future studies and welcome her back at any time.
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Name: Megan Gall
Where is home? Sydney
University: Sydney Uni
Prac start date: 11 December 2006
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies?
I visited Australia Zoo while on dairy prac up here in first year and learned about the Australian Wildlife Hospital at the same time. Both the Zoo and the Hospital captured my imagination, probably because of their unique approach to animal care and public education.
Goals for the future:
To graduate and find a job but not to settle down just yet. If I could find one that kept me as interested each day as I have been at the Australian Wildlife Hospital, I would be happy!
Most memorable moment/patient at Hospital: That is a pretty tough question! It’s the variety of animals that’s so great. I have loved working with the sea turtles and going out on rescues and I think I’ve gained a new appreciation for koalas.
Advice for other students out there:
If you are thinking of coming to the Australian Wildlife Hospital, organise as long a stay as possible – I promise you won’t get bored!
Hospital staff thoughts from Pauline, Vet Nurse and Lisa, Volunteer Co-ordinator: Megan showed great enthusiasm towards every aspect of the Australian Wildlife Hospital. We are sure she’ll become a great vet and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
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Name: Mark Simmonds
From? Coopers Plains, Brisbane
University: University of Queensland
Prac start date: 15 January 2007
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? A love of wild animals, and the well known reputation of the Australian Wildlife Hospital.
Goals for the future: Complete my studies and hopefully work in a similar environment to that found here at the Australian Wildlife Hospital.
Most memorable moment/patient at Hospital: Taking Carson the koala for his weight check and getting a cuddle from him.
Advice for other students out there: Get to experience all sides and aspects of caring for different animals. Don't just get stuck dealing with the same stuff each day.
Hospital staff thoughts from Pauline, Vet Nurse and Lisa, Volunteer Co-ordinator: It's great that Mark had the opportunity to work alongside and observe our vets in action with many different animals here this week. He has shown great enthusiasm towards all wildlife and we hope he achieves his goals for the future.
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