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Volunteers/Vet Students
Volunteers & Vet Students Please Note:
As of January 2008, 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 mid year. 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)
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Application (Vet Student)
Volunteer/Student Profile
Name: Beren Matthews
Where are you from? I grew up about an hour south of Brisbane in Logan Village, 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 Australian 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: 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: Helen Powers
Where are you from? Beerwah, Queensland
When did you start volunteering here? May 2006
Why are you volunteering here? To do my small part, helping save our wonderful Australian native animals.
What are your goals for the future? To become a wildlife carer for possums, and continue to help out at the Australian Wildlife Hospital in any capacity required.
What is your most memorable moment/patient at the Hospital? The day I helped rescue 47 cattle egrets injured when a storm went through their rookery – they were so helpless. The vets worked so hard to save them all, it took hours and it was amazing.
What is your message to other Wildlife Warriors out there? Don’t just sit there, do something today - there are so many positive ways you can help our wildlife. It’s as simple as planting native food trees.
Hospital Staff thoughts: Helen has the passion and energy of three people and she is always available to help out at a moment’s notice.
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: Stephanie Scott
Where are you from? Narangba
When did you start volunteering here? December 2006
Why are you volunteering here? To gain experience in working with wildlife, as it coincides with my uni course, which is a Diploma of Applied Science in Wildlife and Wilderness Reserves.
What are your goals for the future? To finish and do well in my diploma, and be able to work with wildlife.
What is your most memorable moment/patient at the Hospital? Seeing Zulu, the beautiful big marine turtle, swimming in his pool.
What is your message to other Wildlife Warriors out there? Make it known to as many other people as you can about how precious our environment is, and how important it is in sustaining our country. It’s truly a privilege to enjoy the wildlife we have, so let’s keep it that way.
Hospital Staff thoughts: Stephanie is a lovely young lady who is very passionate about wildlife and the Hospital patients.
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 Australian 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 Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? The Australian 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 Australian 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 Australian 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 Australian 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 Australian 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 Australian 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 Australian Wildlife Hospital for your prac studies? I knew that the Australian 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 Australian 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 Australian 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
Cutest: Hannah the Platypus
Funniest: Ringer the Carpet Python
Most Fun: Turtles, Sea Turtles
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 Australian 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.
