Media Release
1 October 2012

Avian experts spread their wings at Wellington Zoo

Wellington Zoo is excited to welcome a second avian medicine expert to the Veterinary Team at The Nest Te Kōhanga.

Dr Baukje Lenting joins Veterinary Science Manager, Dr Lisa Argilla, as a full time veterinarian at the Zoo. Their combined experience cements Wellington Zoo as the regional centre of excellence and expert knowledge in the care of native wildlife, having both completed additional training as avian medicine experts at Massey University.

“The Nest Te Kōhanga at Wellington Zoo is the only zoo facility in New Zealand that trains wildlife vets in zoo medicine, in partnership with Massey University through the Wildlife and Zoo Medicine Masterate programme. This programme helps to ensure that native animals can receive expert hospital care in a state of the art veterinary facility,” said Chief Executive, Karen Fifield.

“With Dr Lenting and Dr Argilla working together at Wellington Zoo expert knowledge in the care of native and exotic wildlife is strengthened. Together, Lisa and Baukje can increase our veterinary science research and conservation work and contribute even more to the body of veterinary knowledge in New Zealand. Having a second veterinarian is a very exciting extension of Wellington Zoo’s expertise and capability.”

“Having The Nest Te Kōhanga as a teaching hospital means that more vets have experience treating our native wildlife and are well prepared to deal with rarer native species who require our care,” Ms Fifield explained.

“It’s a testament to the success and hard work of the team at The Nest Te Kōhanga that we have brought another full time Veterinarian into the team. In 2011, we provided care for nearly 1000 native animals from 54 different species. Already in 2012, we have treated over 200 native and exotic animals. The procedures can be viewed by our visitors, who can engage with the team at The Nest Te Kōhanga by asking questions and learn about how they can help native animals in their own lives.”

Dr Baukje Lenting and Dr Lisa Argilla (Wellingtonian of the Year 2011- Environment) will be available this week for interviews.

Wellington Zoo is a charitable trust principally funded by the Wellington City Council
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