Massey Uni Wildlife Ward - Brett Gartrell, director
Brett Gartrell - Director of the New Zealand Wildlife Health
Centre
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Vets by clicking here.
What animals do you work with?
1. New Zealand native fauna (mostly birds, reptiles,
occasionally bats and marine mammals)
2. Pet birds and reptiles
Why did you become a vet?
I grew up in rural Australia and vets were the only scientists I
met while I was growing up. I have always felt a very strong bond
with animals and this seemed like a good idea at the time.
Your funniest/most memorable animal story?
My most memorable animal encounter so far would be either the first
time I met a kakapo in the wild. It was on Codfish Island and we
were tracking it down by the signal from its radiotag. The kakapo
made a break for it and I had to run after it and rugby tackle the
bird in a muddy stream. Not the way I had envisioned meeting one of
the most endangered parrots in the world.
What made you want to become a vet?
I was a keen fan of the James Herriott books as a kid
Any memorable stories from the vet clinic?
Every day brings a new story and a new challenge. The most
memorable cases are not always the ones that end well. It's the
cases that you lose after you have put your heart and soul into
them that stay with you. It makes you more determined to learn more
and do better the next time around.
What animal would you like to have in your
backyard?
I already have 3 dogs, 4 parrots and lots and lots of bees. We hope
to get some chickens soon.
What animal would you most like to see in the
wild?
I am heading over to South America soon to see macaws in the wild,
but the animal I most want to see is a blue whale, they must be
tremendously awe-inspiring just to be near an animal so
large.
Where in the world have you worked and what animals did you
treat there?
I have worked mostly in Australia before coming to New Zealand and
worked with all sorts of Australian wildlife including snakes, sea
turtles, kangaroos and koalas. My favourite Australian wildlife
patients were the goannas ( a big lizard) but I really like wedge
tailed eagles as well.
Which animal do you relate to the most?
I've always thought of myself as a sleepy lizard.
What do you love most about your job?
The animals and the constant challenges and variety. I work with
some good people too.
What would you change about your job?
We need a bigger hospital to work in. We have been busting at the
seams now for the last 5 years and its starting to really limit
what we can do.
If you could make one change to help save endangered
animals what would it be?
I'm lucky enough that I don't have to choose. We get to help
endangered animals everyday!
Advice for future vets?
Go for it. It's a great job that means you can work anywhere in the
world.
Tell us an animal joke
No. None of my jokes are clean enough
