Vila completes vet training in Melbourne

PORT Moresby Nature Park’s wildlife officer Epe Vila has completed a week-long practical veterinary training at Melbourne Zoo, Victoria, Australia.
The basic veterinary training included learning about parasite testing and identification and other preventative treatment that would ensure good health of the park’s 350 animals.
He was supervised by Dr Kate Bodley, who visited the Nature Park last year as part of the park’s sister relationship with Zoos Victoria that includes three sites – Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary.
“Since undertaking the training we can easily monitor and improve on the health, safety and welfare standards of our animals,” Vila said.
Port Moresby Nature Park will be assessed for major welfare accreditation in September by the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australiasia, with the aim of being the first wildlife facility in a developing country to pass this internationally recognised accreditation.
On the accreditation, Nature Park’s general manager, Michelle McGeorge said, “This is a major assessment for the park and when we pass, our name will be added among the top zoos and aquariums of the world in terms of animal welfare.”