Zoo Vets & Vet Nurse
It's a big job looking after over 1200 animals!
Our zoo vets and vet nurse are responsible for ensuring the health and wellbeing of all the zoo's animals - a typical day could include everything from vaccinating a cheetah, wombat dental checks, snake and bird faecal examinations, and even performing an ultrasound on rhinos and giraffes!
Every animal undergoes an annual health check, as well as regular vaccinations and microchipping. What an awesome job!
Melanie cuddles up to one of our spiky little echidnas.
Melanie
Zoo Vet
Melanie has forever dreamed of being a Zoo Vet, and has always had a passion for wildlife conservation and welfare. She graduated from the University of Melbourne Veterinary School in 2008, after completing externships at Taronga Zoo, Adelaide Zoo, and the Wildlife Care Centre in Florida, USA.
After graduating Melanie continued to study, and worked in private practice as well as at Healesville Sanctuary where she gained experience with wildlife care, rehabilitation and release. In 2010 she graduated with a Masters degree in Veterinary Conservation Medicine, part of which was completed at the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme.
Melanie joined Australia Zoo as the Veterinarian in 2011, and enjoys working with the huge variety of native and exotic animals within the Zoo.
Tara hanging out with our gorgeous SE Asian Elephants!!!
Tara
Zoo Vet Nurse
Tara started her nursing career in 1999 when she was employed by her work experience placement at a small animal practice, and put through her nursing studies. Working with animals had always been her dream, so veterinary nursing was the perfect choice.
Tara has recently returned from 6 years working and travelling abroad and in this time worked for the Royal Veterinary College in London and the University College of Dublin, helping to train Veterinarian and Veterinary Nurse students. Working with exotic pets and zoo animals made her realise that she was ready for a new adventure and challenge. She then moved to Dubai and worked for an exotics specialist and was extremely lucky to work with a huge variety of species, from lions, tigers and primates to sharks, and the list goes on.
Tara joined the zoo team in 2011 and loves getting to work with all the amazing animals here at the zoo, so much so that she still can't pick a favourite.
The Departments
With thousands of visitors from all over the world passing through the gates daily, all team members understand the importance of making a lasting impression to our patrons. A job at Australia Zoo is more than a vocation, it's a lifestyle - just ask any of our team members. Australia Zoo employees love animals and conservation, have an exceptional self-drive attitude towards work and of course, wear the world famous khaki uniforms with pride! You just have to walk around the Zoo to feel the electricity in the air. The atmosphere creates an exciting experience for all visitors and a dream workplace environment for all employees.
- Accounts
- Admissions
- Africa
- Artists
- Audio Visual
- Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital
- Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
- Australiana Shop
- Big Cats
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- Building Services
- Bus & Coach
- Cleaners
- Croc Lair
- Crocoseum Boutique
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- Elephantasia Shop
- Elephants
- First Aid
- Graphic Design
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- Group Bookings
- Human Resources
- Kids Zoo
- Koalas
- Management
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- Photography
- Properties
- Reptiles
- Rescue Team
- Retail Warehouse
- Roving Entertainment
- School Based Trainees
- Steve's Safari Shuttle
- Technical
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- Website Team
- Zoo Vets & Vet Nurse
Check out our Hall of Fame and Zoo Crew Legends
