Gareth Zeiler

I qualified as a veterinarian in 2006 (University of Pretoria; South Africa) and went into private practice for one year before joining the SPCA (welfare veterinarian). In 2014, I qualified as a South African specialist in veterinary anaesthesiology from Onderstpoort (Faculty of Veterinary Science; University of Pretoria). I am enrolled as an ECVAA candidate and PhD student.

Currently, I am a senior lecturer and clinician in veterinary anaesthesiology and research supervisor to master level students. Onderstepoort attracts many different types of species of animals (predominantly African species) which has helped me gain clinical experience in anesthetising healthy and compromised wildlife and zoo animals. The most common species presented are: impala, sable antelope, roan antelope, wildebeest, savannah buffalo, cheetah, lion and leopard. Furthermore, white rhinoceros, giraffe and hippopotamus have occasionally been presented for clinical management. I have also had numerous opportunities to work with local zoological and wildlife veterinarians in the field (zoo or game farm), mainly anaesthetising animals for prolonged surgical procedures, often in very demanding environments with limited equipment. I am actively involved in various wildlife research projects and interest groups at a national level and hope to make opportunities available (postgraduate studies, externships and residencies) to the international community. My interests are long-term anaesthesia techniques in ungulate, cheetah and mega herbivores (rhinoceros and elephant).

Special interest group info

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