Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital

Our Veterinary Staff
	Dr Dorianne Elliott Dr Elliott is the owner of the Clinic and has been working specifically with Exotic Animals since 2003. Dorianne has a special interest in surgery but as our most experienced vet is hands on with all our cases. She is one of the few vets in Gauteng qualified to handle and treat venomous snakes. Dr Elliott lectures extensively both to the undergraduate veterinary students at Onderstepoort as well as to other veterinarians and Exotic Animal interest groups. She enjoys speaking on the radio and is often to be heard on 702 as well as other stations educating the public about the responsibilites of owning exotic pets. Dorianne has kept numerous non-traditional animals including parrots, reptiles, fish, invertebrates, monkeys, chinchillas etc and also enjoys helping with rehabilitation work on wildlife, which the clinic sponsors. Dorianne keeps a large number of animals, most of them rescues.
	Dr Werner Odendaal Dr Odendaal joined our team in 2007. He has a special interest in Primate Medicine but is equally experienced in other aspects of Exotic Animal Care. Werner has a cockatiel named "Arty" and a rescued Amazon parrot that needed extensive surgery to correct his deformed legs. "Lurch" can now walk almost normally and can sing Happy Birthday.
	Dr Francois le Grange Dr le Grange is the most recent addition to our team. He keeps and breeds parrots and has a special interest in Zoo animal medicine and surgery as well as in enrichment for exotic and zoo animals. Francois was instrumental in developing a program whereby Vet students volunteer at the Pretoria Zoo to gain exposure to the specialised field of Zoo animal care. Francois has a very naughty lory called "Tikko" who he says talks too much.

Our Support Staff
	Mrs Meisie Malatse Meisie has been with us for 7 years. She is in charge of caring for our hospitalised patients as well as the day to day management of the clinic. Meisie assists with surgeries and procedures and is excellent with our (sometimes difficult) patients. Meisie has several ringneck parakeets that rule the house and chase her visitors.
	Mrs Dorah Motau Dorah is responsible for the biosecurity of the clinic. She makes sure all rooms and cages are properly disinfected between patients. Dorah has attended a special Biosecurity course in thes regard. She is also responsible for feeding our patients and assists with procedures. Dorah has a ringneck parakeet that she taught to speak Sotho.
	Mrs Carol Hartzenberg Carol is the first person you will speak to at the Clinic. As our receptionist she will make appointments, co-ordinate bookings between different departments, assist you with financial matters and advise you on food and merchandise sales. Carol runs the Phoenix Memorial Rescue Centre for primates and wildlife. This centre caters for abused and abandoned primates and injured or orphaned wildlife. Carol has extensive knowledge regarding the care and feeding of exotic animals and will advise you on the care of your pet.