
My name is Dr. Fabiola Quesada, and my journey as a wildlife veterinarian has been shaped by a deep commitment to conservation and a multifaceted career that spans across fieldwork, education, and organisational leadership. As the founder of Wild Spirit Vet and Wild Spirit Foundation, my work is divided into three main areas: coordinating and managing conservation initiatives, leading hands-on wildlife veterinary programs, and advocating for conservation through global outreach.

A Multifaceted Role in Wildlife Conservation
My year is a dynamic blend of diverse responsibilities:
Office Work: Planning and Coordination
A significant portion of my time is dedicated to managing the Wild Spirit Foundation and Wild Spirit Vet. This includes preparing project proposals, coordinating logistics, conducting data analysis, and engaging in crucial networking to secure funding and collaborations. Running a foundation involves meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every initiative aligns with our mission to protect wildlife and ecosystems.

Fieldwork with Wild Spirit Vet Students
The hands-on aspect of my work is one of the most rewarding. Training veterinary students and professionals through our Wild Spirit Vet programs in South Africa allows me to share my expertise while making a tangible impact on wildlife health. From anaesthetising rhinos for health checks to treating injured cheetahs, the fieldwork is challenging and inspiring. Witnessing students gain confidence and develop their skills in real-world conservation scenarios is a privilege.

Visiting Foundation Projects and Global Advocacy
Visiting the field projects supported by the Wild Spirit Foundation gives me the opportunity to witness our impact first-hand. Whether it’s monitoring the health of wild gorillas, the rewilding of chimpanzees in Gabon or assessing water accessibility for Maasai communities in Tanzania, these visits are vital for ensuring the sustainability of our efforts. Additionally, I participate in international conferences to share insights from our work and to advocate for holistic approaches to wildlife conservation.

A Typical Day in My Life
Each day is as varied as my role. In the office, I might spend hours preparing for an upcoming expedition or analysing data from field studies. In the field, my mornings often begin before sunrise, tracking wildlife or leading veterinary procedures. Evenings are spent debriefing with the team and planning for the next day’s tasks.

Challenges and Rewards
Balancing these responsibilities comes with challenges, such as coordinating across different time zones, managing limited resources in the field, or addressing the complexities of human-wildlife conflict. However, the rewards are immense. From the joy of seeing students thrive to the satisfaction of contributing to conservation efforts that safeguard biodiversity, every aspect of my work reinforces my passion.

Advice for Aspiring Wildlife Vets
For those aspiring to follow a similar path, my advice is to embrace both the scientific and human aspects of conservation. Build a strong foundation in veterinary science, seek hands-on experience, and develop an understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Wildlife veterinary medicine is not just about treating animals; it’s about contributing to the greater cause of protecting our planet.

Working with Wild Spirit Vet and Wild Spirit Foundation allows me to combine my passions for animal health, education, and conservation. Each day is a reminder of the impact we can make when science, dedication, and collaboration come together.
Join Dr. Fabiola and the Wild Spirit team on the Safari Vet Internship in South Africa!
Limited placements are available!
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