Washington Wildlife Wonders

We are excited to share Miranda Sharpe’s experience below, funded by Charlie’s Angels fund.

My trip to Washington state was a rewarding experience that allowed me to learn and experience so many new things. Working at the Woodland Park Zoo allowed me to make new connections, practice my clinical skills, build my confidence and experience once in a lifetime opportunities. I was able to help participate in various appointments with a variety of species. Some of the animals I was able to work with were penguins, giraffes, snow leopard cubs, wallabies and so many more. Some of the exciting procedures were surgeries on a wallaby, penguin radiographs, dental procedures on a Pudu, and a full immobilization on a giraffe. My long term goal is to work with wildlife and this opportunity allowed me to get the exposure that I needed.

During this trip I was also able to help relocate whale bones from a beach to a conservation center. A whale washed on the beach and decomposed naturally over time. The mission of this project was to rebuild the natural anatomy and educate the public about the ocean and the living creatures within. This was an amazing experience to help relocate the bones and learn about the anatomy/physiology of these amazing creatures.

The trip to Washington State was important to me for another reason. I was able to create valuable memories with my mentor Dr. Tag Gornall. Dr. Gornall. Is the individual who introduced me to veterinary medicine, without him I would not be where I am today. We met in 2014 and from then on he became a family member to me. This trip allowed me to spend some quality time with him that I will cherish forever.

I wanted to say thank you so much for the scholarship to help me get to Washington State for my externship. This opportunity allowed me to dive into my passion for Zoo/Wildlife medicine as well as give me resources towards my future. In addition to my externship. I was able to experience other amazing opportunities that I will cherish forever. Again, thank you!