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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)
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Application (Vet Student)
Volunteer/Student Profile
Name: Ellen Liddle
Where are you from? Walsh River, FNQ
Which University are you studying at? University of Queensland
When did you start your practical? 9 September 2007
Why did you choose the Australian Wildlife Hospital 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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