Qualifications: Cert IV Veterinary Nurse, BSc (Wildlife)
Renee’s love of animals has led her down a career path filled with travel, adventure, and plenty of studies! After completing her Certificate II in Animal Studies at Rockhampton Zoo, Renee went on to study her Bachelor of Applied Science major in Wildlife Science at the University of Queensland. After finishing university, she moved to Hamilton Island to assist with running their local wildlife park.
After completing her work on the island, Renee moved back to the mainland, appointed Head Mammal Keeper at the Billabong Wildlife Sanctuary in Nome. She predominantly cared for koalas, wallabies, bilbies and wombats, but sadly, her time there was tragically cut short when she was attacked by a crocodile and almost lost her arm.
Determined to pursue her career working with animals, Renee embarked on a further course of study to fulfil her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinary nurse. She moved to South Australia and worked at a veterinary clinic in the Adelaide Hills while completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
Renee then returned to QLD and worked as a Zookeeper at Magnetic Island Wildlife Park until COVID hit, and the island was subsequently closed down. She moved back home to Rockhampton and resumed nursing at a local vet clinic before successfully applying to High Street Vet Surgery in February 2021.
“I love being a Veterinary Nurse because I love caring for animals. Even though I’ve worked with wildlife for a long time, I always wanted to be a vet nurse.”
Renee is a hard-working, proactive and well-respected team member. She is an excellent listener and enjoys helping people with their pets. We are delighted to have her on our team.
Interests/Hobbies: Renee volunteers as a foster carer, and in her spare time, she enjoys going to the gym and playing sport.
Pets: Renee is Mum to Jack, a 3-year-old rescued German Shepherd dog, and a Bearded Dragon called Peri Peri.
