In the summertime of 2022, I had the chance to review overseas for a few months at each the Australia Zoo (dwelling of the Irwin household), and the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary in Calga, Australia. Some issues that I realized whereas there have been 1) the best way to navigate a roundabout from the left aspect of the highway, 2) why it’s advisable to keep away from the phrase “shrimp on the barbie” round locals and three) that cassowaries are actually modern-day dinosaurs. I additionally realized quite a bit about wildlife conservation, zoo administration, and comparative anatomy. Throughout my time interning, I labored on ethograms to doc captive dingo habits, realized the best way to carry out a necropsy on a wallaby, and dissected some stingrays (who occurred to be pregnant with some infants too). My expertise in Australia highlighted the nice range of unique species native to the area and introduced me to many areas the place wildlife and people dwell in shut proximity. As somebody fascinated by all points of public well being, it was memorable to witness the efforts of koala rescue organizations, engineers constructing arboreal “fauna” bridges over busy highways, and native veterinarians collaborating with public zoos. The One Well being ideas lined at school turned real-life conditions unfolding on the intersection of public staff, discipline conservationists, and veterinary professionals. Considered one of my favourite animals that I had the prospect to work with was the grey-headed flying fox. As my ultimate venture, I talked to employees on the Australia Zoo about grey-headed flying foxes and their pollinator position on the intersection of human land utilization, environmental topography, and animal habits throughout the OneHealth framework. Greater than something, this journey taught me that there’s simply a lot that veterinarians can do. Though it’s inconceivable for a single particular person’s profession to embody each side of veterinary drugs, it’s thrilling to have the ability to contribute to such a vastly rewarding discipline.
Nicholas Wang
Nicholas (Class of 2029) is a first-year veterinary pupil right here at Cornell’s veterinary faculty, and he’s fascinated by any side of veterinary public well being. He grew up in Sacramento, California and enjoys cooking, taking part in guitar, and the occasional run after an examination.
