Mobile vets make house call to Kyabram Fauna Park

By Contributed

Feb 23, 2023

Conducting checks: Veterinarian Mel Panayiotou and vet nurse Jodi Seivwright check an albino Darwin carpet python at Kyabram Fauna Park. Photo: Zoos Victoria.

Fourteen species of reptiles and amphibians at Kyabram Fauna Park have received a special visit while they wait behind the scenes for the completion of their new digs.

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A collaboration between RSPCA Victoria and Zoos Victoria has enabled a wildlife veterinarian and vet nurse from Melbourne Zoo to travel to Kyabram Fauna Park in the purpose-built RSPCA Mobile Animal Care Unit, which is equipped with a mobile surgical theatre.

Kyabram Fauna Park director Lachlan Gordon said drawing upon Zoos Victoria’s wildlife specialists’ expertise meant the park’s animals were set up for success when the time came to move them into the new Reptile House.

“By conducting comprehensive health checks at this early stage, we are able to establish a welfare baseline,” Mr Gordon said.

“Having this kind of medical data allows us to monitor how the animals settle into their new habitats and ensure they continue to thrive.

“Zoos Victoria’s team of wildlife veterinarians and keepers also have a strong history of developing proactive healthcare training programs for the species in their care, which helps to minimise unnecessary handling that can be potentially stressful for an animal.

“This is a great opportunity for Kyabram Fauna Park’s zoo-keeping team to collaborate with animal welfare specialists so they can continue to support the best welfare outcomes for the species at the park.”

The reptile and amphibian review is the second in a sweep of health checks across different species and animals at Kyabram Fauna Park, with veterinarians from Werribee Open Range Zoo having recently visited the park’s meerkats for a general health check. The park’s mammals and avian species will be next in line, with a visit from the Healesville Sanctuary team in the coming months.

Construction of the new Kyabram Fauna Park Reptile House is expected to be completed in April.