Julington Creek Animal Hospital & Julington Creek Animal Walk

12/04/2024

Missing Dog - Mandarin

07/10/2024

06/27/2024

Our very own Dr. Maria !!

MARIA
What made you decide to volunteer at the St. Augustine Wild Reserve?

As a veterinarian, I have always loved new challenges and opportunities to learn and better myself personally and professionally. One of the St Augustine reserve volunteers worked in the kennels at the veterinary hospital where I am employed. She approached me one day to see if I was interested in going to the reserve to treat a sick lioness since the veterinarian at the time was out on vacation. I didn't even know the reserve existed. Of course I took the challenge. My first patient was Serabi, a Barbaray Coast lioness. I treated her for vomiting and lethargy. I was hooked and since then I have been volunteering my time to treat all the animals at the reserve.

What is your favorite job at the Reserve?

My favorite job is making sure that all the animals at the reserve are healthy and that they get the best care possible.

Tell us about your favorite animal rescue story at the Reserve.

I would have to say the story of Cozy the Bear. She was owned by some evil people who tried declawing her as a baby, tied to a table with no anesthesia and a kitchen knife. Stories like this always remind me of how cruel the world is, and how forgiving and loving the animal population is.

What’s your favorite memory from volunteering at the Reserve?

All the memories are dear to me. I would say the most memorable one was taking care of baby wolves at home. I took care of them since they were only a few days old, until they were able to go out in an enclosure. It was a big learning experience for me as I thought wolves and dogs would be about the same. Oh boy was I proven wrong !!!

How has volunteering at the Reserve impacted your life?

It has helped me become a more rounded veterinarian and has made me study and learn things that are incredible that I would have never learned otherwise. It has also taught me about how many incredible people are out there in the world. Meeting and interacting with the volunteers at the Reserve and seeing how hard they work and how compassionate they are, helps me work harder to be a better person.

Which animal is your favorite at the Reserve?

Kali the African crested porcupine. She is the most challenging animal to sedate at the reserve and she is feisty, like myself!

What would you say to anyone interested in volunteering at the Reserve?

You will meet the most amazing people who will inspire you to become a better version of yourself while helping incredible, majestic animals. Where and how else would you want to spend your free time ?

12/21/2023

THANK YOU to everyone that came out this year to get their dog (and cats) pictures taken!!!
Because of your donations we raised $683 and will be able to donate $336.50 to each rescue Ana's Angels Animal Rescue and Papillon Pals Rescue, Inc. We had a great turn out and appreciate your donations to these wonderful local rescues.
If you haven't yet, check out their pages. You may just find your new best friend!!