Our Trustee, Dr Fieke Molenaar, checks out the Elephant Hospital

Staff at the STEF Veterinary Centre were put under the spotlight in a recent visit by one of our Trustees, Dr Fieke Molenaar, who is an RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. As well as getting to know the staff working at the STEF-funded elephant hospital, Dr Molenaar was able to do a thorough examination of their working practices and the safety of their working environment, and to consider risk assessments, veterinary protocols, record keeping, and general management of the site.

Dr Molenaar’s visit coincided with a particularly busy time at the hospital, as there were three elephant patients on site.  Treatments and procedures that had to be carried at night during this time were often done by torch light because of the inconsistent electricity supply.  This brought home to Dr Molenaar just how vital and urgent it is for the veterinary centre to secure a reliable mains electricity supply to the site.  Please see our campaign to raise funds for electricity.

Dr Molenaar also had the opportunity to provide some help with the veterinary volunteer programme, to ensure that it complies with EMS qualifications for veterinary students.

[please click on the photos below to enlarge and to read captions]