Dr Ian Ashpole

I had previously worked as a full-time veterinarian at Chester Zoo for 12 months before accepting the role of ECZM Veterinary Resident in Zoo Health Management, a specialist training programme.

I have been fortunate to carry out clinical veterinary work in zoos around the world, such as Johannesburg Zoo in South Africa, Wildlife Reserves Singapore and Taronga Zoo, Australia. I have also carried out clinical field work with gorillas in Gabon and the Republic of Congo, as well as a completing a clinical one-year internship in ‘Wildlife and Conservation Medicine’ at Tufts University, MA, USA.

In October 2016, I started a three-year ‘European College of Zoological Medicine’ Residency position in Zoo Health Management, based at Chester Zoo, which will result in me gaining ‘Specialist’ status. This position involves clinical work and formal study, as well as a scientific research component and is funded by Chester Zoo and the University of Liverpool.

I am currently reviewing the causes of morbidity and mortality within the European mountain chicken frog (Leptodactylus fallax) population. Alongside this, I am undertaking an MSc in ‘Veterinary Professional Studies’ with an emphasis on zoo animal medicine.

Supervisors

Dr Gerardo Garcia (Chester Zoo)

Dr Hanspeter Steinmetz ( European College of Zoological Medicine)

Dr Julian Chantrey (Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool)

Dr Javier Lopez (Chester Zoo)

Dr Steve Unwin (Chester Zoo)