World Wildlife Day 2024: Working as a Wildlife Vet

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To celebrate World Wildlife Day, we spoke to Ashley Clayton (BVSc 2018), lead vet at a UK wildlife hospital and assistant vet for two zoological collections. “From mice to elephants and everything in between”, Ashley described that all the species she works with are unique and make her life as a clinician both exciting and challenging. She told us more about her career and the dedication it has taken to follow her passion for wildlife and conservation medicine.

When did you know you wanted to be a zoo and wildlife vet?

I completed a work experience placement at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo (in the bird section) as a sixteen-year-old and absolutely loved it. I was a keen horse rider as a teenager, and worked at the stables at every opportunity because I wanted to be an equine vet. Up until this point I had never considered anything else, and felt I wouldn't be able to get into the wildlife field due to it being too competitive with very few positions. However, a few years later, after successfully getting into the Liverpool School of Veterinary Science, my passion for zoo and wildlife was rekindled and I decided to do everything I could to pursue a career in this field. 

What did you do as a student to follow this interest?

As a student, I was heavily involved with Liverpool University Veterinary Zoological Society (LUVZS). I was on the committee as the charity representative for several years. I also coordinated the exotics stream for the Association of Veterinary Students (AVS) Conference when it came to Liverpool.

I arranged placements at veterinary departments in UK zoos and shadowed zoo and wildlife vets as frequently as possible, in addition to my normal extra-mural studies placements.

As a final year student, I was a recipient of the British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) Zebra Foundation grant, which enabled me to travel to India with Wildlife Vets International and complete a research project that was later published.

I also completed my elective rotation at RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre which I loved, and was a brilliant introduction to British wildlife work. 

Tell us about your career since graduating from Liverpool

After graduation, I worked in mixed practice and then small animal emergency practice. I continued to volunteer at RSPCA Stapeley Grange and shadowed zoo and wildlife vets as much as possible. I then started a full-time maternity cover position at Howletts and Port Lympne wild animal parks, which later transitioned into a part-time permanent position. At the same time, I started an additional part-time role working at the British wildlife hospital Folly Wildlife Rescue as the lead veterinarian.

In addition, I have been fortunate enough to work on several conservation projects with Wildlife Vets International and publish research articles and case reports in the field of zoo and wildlife medicine.

I have now been working full-time as a zoo and wildlife vet for more than four years and absolutely love my jobs. I am aiming to complete my CertAVP (ZooMed) later this year and am working towards achieving specialist status in zoo and wildlife medicine through the ACZM experiential route. 

What has been a career highlight so far?

I am very fortunate in that there have been many highlights, but one that stands out was successfully removing a sarcoma from a giraffe using local anaesthesia and behavioural restraint. This avoided the need for general anaesthesia, which is high risk in this species. We achieved clear margins around the tumour and the giraffe continues to do well several years later. 

What advice would you give to a current student who wants to work with free-ranging or captive wildlife species?

Pursue your passion! I initially believed that this field was too competitive to break into, but I now firmly believe that with hard work, dedication and passion there are plenty of opportunities to succeed in this sector. I would also stress there is no standard route to becoming a zoo and wildlife vet and you should take any opportunity available to you to learn and gain experience. 

Thank you, Ashley, for helping us celebrate World Wildlife Day by taking the time to tell us about your career so far.

 

If you would like to connect with Ashley, you can find her on LinkedIn.

ULVAA also have a new LinkedIn Group so come and connect with your inspiring and supportive alumni community by joining the group.