Dr. Claire Madden’s amazing life
When it comes to having a mission in life, Dr. Claire Madden’s is simple.
Save all animals.
It’s no small feat. But with passion, determination, and dedication, she is well on her way to accomplishing this goal. Dr. Claire always knew she wanted to work with animals. But who could have guessed this little girl would one day go on to land her dream job?
Now, she is Head Veterinarian at Sea World Gold Coast Australia.
Recently, Vet Candy spoke with Dr. Claire Madden.
Today, she shares how she went from working at a local pet shop to specialising in Australian Wildlife Medicine with extensive experience in rehabilitation, chemical restraint, preventative health programs, zoonotic disease, and threatened species programs in a wide range of species.
So, without further ado…
Introducing, the amazing Dr. Claire Madden!
Fostering a Love of Animals in Children
Children naturally gravitate to animals.
For millions of kids, the family pet is a source of love, comfort, and security. Cats and dogs are often a child’s best friend.
Yet sadly, this affinity for animals sometimes fades over time. In a perfect world, Dr. Claire would like to see this change.
She explains:
“I would love for the youth to not fall out of love with animals. Children are born with an innate love for animals and one reason or another they outgrow this love. We need to nurture the passion from a young age and aspire our next generation to care for our planet long into their lives.”
With dozens of species facing extinction (including tigers, gorillas, rhinos, and many more) she believes that in order to save endangered animals, we must foster a love of them all throughout a child’s life and into adulthood.
One great way to do so?
Support conservation through education. For example, by visiting accredited zoological institutions like Sea World!
In fact, when asked who she admires most, Dr. Claire replied:
“My peers. We achieve some incredible outcomes for marine conservation at Sea World and so frequently I am blown away by the commitment and dedication the team has. The work we do everyday at Sea World allows our visitors a unique connection and appreciation of our incredible marine life but what is more amazing is the work we do everyday equips us with skills and knowledge that can be directly applied to the rescue and research work that we do.”
Together, they are keeping our love for animals (and the animals themselves) alive!
Get Vulnerable with Nature
Furthermore, Dr. Claire Madden encourages people of all ages to connect with nature.
Nowadays, it’s easy to forget where we came from. But the same forests and oceans that animals walk, fly, crawl, and swim in were once our homes, too.
That is why Dr. Claire urges people to get vulnerable with nature.
“Step outside your comfort zone and experience nature in its true and organic form,” she says. “It is an exhilarating vulnerability that deepens the love and appreciation you will have for the world around us.”
Whether traveling, volunteering, or simply going for a hike in the great outdoors, everyone can find ways to appreciate nature.
And the animals who call it home, too!