In the Media 2005

Young Naturalist
Volume 5 No.3 2005
Where Earth Matters: The Hemispheres, pages 20-21

Gail Gipp did not complete high school, but her love for native animals and compassion for conservation persevered her to become the hospital manager of the Koala & Wildlife Hospital in Australia. She shares her thoughts with the Hemispheres.

TH: What is your educational background?
GG: I left school early, but have been caring for native Australian animals, in particular the koalas and kangaroo species for 28 years. I have also been heavily involved with different organizations and government based committies on wildlife conservation and changing legislation for many years.

TH: Why and when did you join the Koala and Wildlife Hospital?
GG: I was offered the job of Hospital Manager in October 2003 and not only absolutely loved what I saw but more importantly loved what I heard. Few people get to live their dream but I am definitely doing that.

TH: You have operated on a small green tree frog, and improvised to put a pin to fix its broken leg! What other strange things have you done to fix up animals?
GG: Overall, I cannot pinpoint an event as we often improvise to suit the animal such as making anesthetic masks for birds from dish washing detergent bottles. Our vet Dr. Jon Hanger did however give an enema to a large cockroach!

TH: How was your first experience like operating on an animal?
GG: Scary and fascinating at the same time.

TH: Is it true that doctors operating on humans seem easier compared to veterinarians?
GG: Yes that is true. But I also think because the vet has to be everything such as a surgeon, general practitioner, orthopedic surgeon, x-ray technician and much more. A human doctor can just specialize in one field.

TH: What are some of the things we need to know to become a vet?
GG: I think one of the most important things you can have is compassion and commitment to the animals, but you also need good grades in school.

TH: What happens to wild animals that you have operated? Do they go back to the wild or to the zoo?
GG: Our aim when we care for an animal is to return it to the wild; very rarely does this happen, but when it does, the animal then goes on a species management programme. They are then placed on a website for zoos and fauna parks in this state where interested parties can apply for the animal. After which the board will decide which facility the animal will go to. So no they don’t go into an Australian Zoo.

TH: Why do you do what you do?
GG: I have loved native animals all my live. It was only through them I developed a passion for conservation. We also see some wonderful and yet we see some horrible things everyday, and from that I decided if I could change even one persons mind about what they do to our natural environment and the animals that exist in it then for me that’s a good thing if I can provide a positive influence to others.

TH: Many of our readers would love to keep pets but don’t live in big houses to take care of them. Do you have any advice?
GG: If they have a true love for animals there are so many organizations that need volunteers. You can help all areas such as from looking after the animals to education and fundraising. This also provides great experience if you decide to be a vet, vet nurse or involved in the animal industry.