The Mail asked Claire a few questions to mark World Vet Day on Saturday 27 April.
What is something people don’t know about you?
I own The Healesville Health Hub, the local gym in town.
It has been a great venture to get to know the Healesville community and I love being able to offer something back for the locals to enjoy.
How did you first get involved with caring for animals?
I became a volunteer wildlife carer when I was 14 for WildCare, an organisation on the Gold Coast.
What would your last meal be?
Wine and cheese – my favourite combination.
What event, past, present or future, would you like to witness?
Past – I would love to have seen my dad kick the winning goal for Torquay Football Club that saw them win the premiership for that year. One of my dad’s proudest sporting moments.
Present – I would love to see a wild pod of orcas.
Future – It would be a dream to see the release of captive-bred Leadbeater’s possums.
What drew you to work as a vet?
It sounds very cliche, but it has always been a childhood dream of mine to work with animals.
I started my career as a zoo keeper which was such a gratifying job, however I love the science and research, which is what drew me to go back to study and complete my veterinary degree.
How did you end up working at Healesville Sanctuary?
Initially, I came to Healesville on a three-month locum/causal position.
I fell in love with Healesville the town, but was blown away by the amazing conservation commitment Zoos Victoria has.
What is your favourite television show?
Big Brother?! I don’t tend to watch much TV, I prefer to listen to podcasts.
What six guests, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?
David Suzuki, Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Birute Galdikas, someone who can cook and, lastly, someone who can clean up after the cook.
What has been your most embarrassing moment?
I don’t tend to get embarrassed easily, however I’m sure my friends and family have stories they could share.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I love being able to influence the next generation of conservationists.
We have a future vets section at the vet hospital where kids can dress up like a zoo vet and interact with equipment, re-enacting what the vets and nurses do every day.
All kids have an innate passion for animals – some kids grow out of this, and some kids do not.
I love being able to interact with kids and try to inspire them to hold onto their passion and love for animals.
What’s the worst part of your job?
The failures – unfortunately as a vet not all cases go to plan.
What was the first or best concert you attended?
I love going to the (Melbourne Zoo) Twilights concerts.
It is great to see some of my favourite bands in an outdoor setting and knowing my ticket purchase is contributing to conservation.
