Program Overview

Introduction to the Auckland Zoo Residency Program

The Auckland Zoo - Wildlife and Conservation Medicine Residency/Professional Doctorate program is based within the Veterinary Services team at the New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine – Auckland Zoo. This program offers the opportunity to work at additional locations, including Kelly Tarlton's aquarium, and related wildlife conservation and fieldwork opportunities.

Program Details

• The program commences in July, with the next resident to be appointed in July 2028.
• The Veterinary Hospital provides animal health services to Auckland Zoo, including preventative medicine, surgery, nutrition, reproductive management, quarantine, biosecurity, transaction health management, zoonoses, and disease investigation, and emergency animal care.
• The team aims to provide the highest possible levels of health care, welfare, husbandry, species management, and exhibit design for the animals under their care.

Focus Areas

• The program focuses on native species conservation, conservation medicine, ex-situ breeding, health and disease monitoring, and triage and treatment of native species.
• Focus species include kākāpō, takahē, kiwi, little penguin/kororā, and other New Zealand native birds, as well as native reptiles such as sea turtles, skinks, and gecko species.

Team Collaboration

• The team works in close collaboration with other organisations, such as the Department of Conservation (DOC) and MPI (Ministry of Primary Industries), on projects related to native species conservation.

Program Structure

• The three-year residency commences in July.
• A merit-based selection process is initiated in April, requiring applicants to have a veterinary degree registrable in New Zealand, a minimum of 2 years' experience in veterinary practice, and be a New Zealand citizen, or a resident or citizen of Australia.

Applicant Requirements

• Applicants should have a logical and evidence-based approach to clinical case investigations, a strong academic background, and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• They should also demonstrate good time-management skills, have the ability to work well in a team, and a strong commitment to the fields of zoo, wildlife, and conservation medicine.

Research Focus

• The residency has a strong research focus alongside clinical work, requiring the applicant to have previous experience in research or professional veterinary investigation.

Funding and Support

• Auckland Zoo's contribution covers the scholarship and project costs.
• A work uniform, personal protective equipment, and a workspace are provided by Auckland Zoo.
• The School of Veterinary Medicine and the Graduate Research Office (GRO) co-fund the tax-free scholarship of $43,500 p.a. over the three-year period.

Professional Doctorate

• The Professional Doctorate involves coursework delivered through Murdoch University in epidemiology and One Health and a significant research dissertation up to 60,000 words or the equivalent of 3-4 research papers.