The exotic species team

Michelle qualified from Glasgow University in 1998 and obtained her RCVS Certificate in Zoological Medicine in 2003 and her Diploma in Zoological Medicine in 2011.

Michelle has always worked in zoo and exotic animal practice and spent 7 years at Johannesburg Zoo in South Africa, before taking up her current position as Head of Veterinary Services at Bristol Zoo in October 2010.

Michelle has a particular interest in avian and reptile medicine.

Rowena is a RCVS Diplomate in Zoological Medicine and therefore one of the most highly qualified veterinary surgeons in her field in Europe.

Rowena holds the RCVS Diploma in Zoological Medicine and the MSc in Wild Animal Health and is currently working as the Staff Vet at Bristol Zoo Gardens, responsible for the care of over 350 species (mammals, reptiles, birds, fish and invertebrates).

Richard qualified from Liverpool University in 1994, obtained his Certificate in Zoological Medicine in 2001 and his Diploma in Zoological Medicine in 2010.

Having previously worked in small animal, avian and exotic first opinion practice, Richard is currently the RWAF Senior Clinical Training Scholar in Zoo and Rabbit Medicine at Bristol Zoo and Langford, University of
Bristol.

Richard has lectured and written articles on rabbits and exotics, co-authored "Notes on Rabbit Internal Medicine" and has a particular interest in chinchillas, rabbits and birds of prey.

Polly qualified from Bristol Veterinary School in 1997 and joined Highcroft in 1999.

In July 2006 Polly gained the General Practitioner Certificate in Exotic Animal Medicine and holds regular clinics for exotic species such as rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets (and other small mammals), all non-venomous reptiles and birds.

Polly is a member of the British Veterinary Zoological Society and Veterinary Advisor to Bristol City Council.

Jemma qualified from Bristol University in 2007 and joined Highcroft in 2009. In February 2011, Jemma gained the GP Certificate in Exotic Species, her area of special interest.

She is an important member of our Zoo and Exotic Species referral team at the Whitchurch hospital, where she sees a range of species from small mammals to birds and reptiles.

Kati joined Highcroft in 1999 and qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2002.

Kati has a City and Guilds Certificate in Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Species. She works closely with Polly, Jemma, Michelle, Rowena and Richard and runs regular nurse clinics.

Janine qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1986 and joined Highcroft in 2006 as the Head Nurse at Keynsham Veterinary Centre.

Janine also works with the exotic species team at our Whitchurch hospital.

Janine is particularly interested in hand-rearing orphaned animals, many of which have been rescued by members of the public and brought into the surgery - she has hand reared owls, squirrels, hedgehogs, rabbits, kittens and puppies before finding new homes for them.