Dr. Michael Lynch - Veterinarian
Melbourne Zoo
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How did you become a zoo veterinarian?
I studied Zoology before doing a Veterinary Science degree and this helped develop my interest in wild animals. After graduation as a veterinarian from the University of Melbourne, I worked in a rural practice for a couple of years before starting as a Veterinary Resident at Melbourne Zoo. This position was a two-year program where I was trained as a wildlife veterinarian and gained a post-graduate degree from the University of Melbourne. Near the end of this time I was offered a permanent job as one of the Zoo's veterinarians.
What's the best thing about your job?
My work has tremendous variety and I enjoy the chance to work with so many amazing animal species. I do veterinary work with both the Zoo's animals and also animals in the wild, such as koalas and seals, as well some research and teaching. The people here at Melbourne Zoo are great to work with as they are all very committed to doing the best for the animals.
What has been the wildest moment of your career so far?
I guess this would have to be when I was doing field work in Antarctica anaesthetizing Crabeater seals on ice floes. I had a very close face to face encounter with a 300kg male seal who thought I might be trying to steal his girl. While waiting for the ship to return to pick us up, a Minke whale surfaced for a breath in a near-by ice crack.