Robert Johnson

What animals do you work with?

I work in Taronga Wildlife Hospital, so all animals!

How long have you been working as a vet?

I have worked in a Clinical veterinary practice  for 31 years and have worked with Taronga Zoo for nearly 3 years

How did you get into being a vet as a profession?

From 8 years of age all I have ever wanted to be is a vet. It really helps to have a focus from an early age. After years of study at school and university I achieved my boyhood dream.....fantastic!

What do you love most about your job?

I love the unpredictability of being a zoo vet. Every day brings a new challenge. The people and animals that I meet on a daily basis are also amazing. The thrill of seeing animals being born still enthrals me after many years of practice.

What has been the wildest moment of your career so far?

The wild moments are almost too numerous to mention or recall; however one recent one does stand out. Not so long ago while attempting to anaesthetise a chimpanzee there was a battle as to who would anaesthetise whom first. Fortunately I won the battle of the wits that time, but have certainly retained a healthy respect for the intelligence and manual dexterity of our closest relative.