Program Overview

The Perth Zoo - Zoo and Wildlife Residency

The Perth Zoo – Zoo and Wildlife Medicine Residency is a Professional Doctorate program based within the Veterinary Services team at Perth Zoo and undertaken in conjunction with Murdoch University's School of Veterinary Medicine. The program offers the opportunity to undertake clinical work at additional locations, including Rottnest Island and Yanchep National Park.

Program Structure

The Professional Doctorate involves coursework delivered through Murdoch University in epidemiology and One Health, and a significant research dissertation of up to 60,000 words or the equivalent of 2-3 research papers.

Admission Criteria

• Applicants must have a veterinary degree registrable in Western Australia, Australia.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in veterinary practice is required.
• Applicants must be a resident or citizen of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen.

Scholarship and Funding

• The Graduate Research Office (GRO), School of Veterinary Medicine, and Perth Zoo will co-fund the tax-free Strategic Partnership Scholarship of $43,500 p.a. over the three-year period.
• Perth Zoo's contribution will also cover project costs.
• A uniform, personal protective equipment, and a workspace will be provided by Perth Zoo.

Residency Details

• The three-year residency will commence in July 2026.
• A merit-based selection process will be initiated in February 2026.
• 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, and therefore, the applicant should have previous experience in research or professional investigation.

Veterinary Services Team

The Perth Zoo Veterinary Services team provides the animal health service to Perth Zoo, including:

• Preventative medicine
• Surgery
• Nutrition
• Reproductive management
• Quarantine
• Biosecurity
• Transaction health management
• Zoonoses and disease investigation
• 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 to enable Perth Zoo to achieve its operational and strategic objectives.

Collaboration and Outreach

• The team works in close collaboration with the Perth Zoo Science and the Native Species Breeding Program to provide ex-situ breeding health and disease monitoring, triage, and treatment, and wild population health management for focus threatened species.
• The veterinarians provide expert advice in zoological and wildlife matters through consultancies, media engagement, lectures, and written material.
• The veterinary services team contributes to Perth Zoo's research outputs by providing research design expertise, as well as sample collection, storage, and advice.
• The team provides training in wildlife, zoological, and conservation medicine to veterinary students at Murdoch University.
• Collaboration with Parks and Wildlife in state wildlife emergency response, such as marine mammal strandings and entanglements, is also a key aspect of their work.