Program Feedback

Formal feedback indicates that after completing the program most participants are ready to commit to a career with animals. Students rated the ‘hands on’ opportunities very highly and gave very positive feedback on the opportunity to experience the behind-the-scenes life of a Zoo Vet.

Some students comments:
‘I learned new skills and a deeper understanding of career paths and working with animals.’
‘I achieved many things including my decision on being a vet. I learned about sick animals and post mortems, operations, stitching up, and suiting in sterile gear.’
 ‘I learned more about the work of a zoo vet and what other jobs you can get into with animals and pathways of getting there.’

Students in Years 9, 10 and 11 learn the art of ‘suturing’ the safe way on plush toy animals as part of their busy day with the Vets at Healesville Sanctuary. Whether they have decided to follow a career in Vet Science or are keen to work with animals in any of the other numerous fields available to them, students appreciate the opportunity to get up close to some of the many orphaned and injured animals that are treated every year at the Australian Wildlife Health Centre.

Students this year have been prepared to travel from schools as far afield as Bendigo, Geelong, Drouin, Kyabram and Mooroopna as well as from Metropolitan schools to meet up with other like minded animal lovers, and spend a day with the Vets to explore personal professional journeys and learn about the pathways towards a career in caring with animals.