Our vet nurses are the ultimate jack of all trades – they’re anaesthetic monitors, surgical assistants, scrub nurses, infection control officers, administrators, nutritionists, teachers and so much more.

Their skill, dedication and expertise put them at the heart of our veterinary hospital at the Zoo.


To celebrate Vet Nurse Day, we asked our team to reflect on some of the incredible life-saving cases they’ve worked on this year.  

These cases are diverse and can be challenging; requiring extensive skill, a can-do attitude and plenty of passion.
 

Blood draw training                   

Vet nurse Cathy works with Sumatran Tiger, Jaya, to help him take a proactive role in his own healthcare.

While Jaya enjoys meat treats from his keepers, Cathy gently reaches through and simulates the procedure (minus the needles!).

This positive reinforcement training helps Jaya stay calm and enables our teams to keep a close eye on his health in a stress-free way.  

Raising wildlife

Unlike other jobs, a career in animal care does not abide by business hours of 9-5, and that’s something nurse Maddie knows all too well!

After losing his mum, wild baby Quokka Oliver came to Perth Zoo’s Vet Hospital needing round the clock care and plenty of TLC.

Maddie hand-reared this little native marsupial, taking him home at night and monitoring him during the day as he grew.  

Now, she works with our Australian Fauna keepers to support his continued growth and health.

Working with critically endangered species

Vet nurse Peta performs regular check-ups on Western Ground Parrot Mingko’s under general anaesthetic to keep a close eye on his leg.

The general anaesthetic ensures a stress-free experience for Mingko, enabling the team to take radiographs and gather any other health data needed to ensure he’s getting targeted care.

Working with critically endangered animals comes with pressure, but our nurses are always ready for the challenge. Protecting every individual matters when caring for critically endangered species.

Healthcare beyond our gates

Vet nurse Izzy has accompanied a number of our animals to external hospitals for specialist treatment, most recently for Spotted Hyaena Sabi.

She had the challenging role of monitoring Sabi under anaesthetic, constantly checking his heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and so much more. This critical role ensures Sabi stays safe throughout the entire journey.

Hyenas hold a special place in Izzy’s heart, making this particular case a career highlight.

Preparing for wild release

Vet nurse Michelle has extensive experience in recovery and rehabilitation practices for black cockatoos.

When a Carnaby’s Cockatoo didn’t respond to standard antibiotics, Michelle and the team discovered an alternative effective medication.

Her expertise and innovative ways ensured the bird’s recovery, setting it up for the best chance at release back into the wild.

As the quiet force behind every recovery, procedure and success story we are so grateful for all of our vet nurses tireless work and unwavering care.

To our incredible team of vet nurses, thank you for everything you do!