Interview with Dr. Nikhil ( Wildlife Veterinarian )
Q1. You have extensive experience working with cheetahs, leopards, and tigers. So what are some of the unique aspects of these species and what are some of the differences?
"Cheetahs, leopards, and tigers have distinct characteristics. Cheetahs rely on speed and agility, whereas leopards and tigers rely on strength. Physically, cheetahs are more slender, while leopards and tigers have a more muscular build. Behaviorally, cheetahs have a "flight" response and tend to flee when threatened, whereas leopards and tigers are more likely to attack. This also affects how they respond to anesthesia—tigers and leopards handle it well and often require higher doses, while cheetahs are highly sensitive, prone to hyperthermia, and frequently experience respiratory depression, requiring close monitoring. Cheetahs also have lower stress tolerance compared to leopards and tigers. While tigers and leopards can endure stressful situations, such as being trapped overnight, cheetahs are more prone to stress-induced secondary infections. Diet is another key difference. Leopards and tigers are adaptable hunters and can consume a wide range of foods, even in human-dominated landscapes. Cheetahs, however, have specialized dietary needs due to their high energy expenditure, requiring precise protein and energy intake. Overall, working with these species requires different approaches—cautious and precise for cheetahs, and careful but assertive for tigers and leopards."
Q2. You have worked a lot with reptiles, specifically snakes. What are some things to keep in mind while working with reptiles and snakes, especially venomous ones?
"Working with snakes is both rewarding and challenging because they are highly misunderstood and often persecuted out of fear. Many people kill snakes without knowing whether they are venomous or not, which is a major injustice to these creatures. Each snake species has unique behavior—cobras are intelligent, vipers are fast, and kraits may appear calm but are highly venomous. Unlike mammals, snakes are cold-blooded, so their physiology and medical treatment are entirely different. Understanding their venom type (neurotoxic, hemotoxic, or non-venomous) is crucial for proper handling and treatment. Many snakebite deaths occur due to fear-induced heart attacks rather than actual venom. Additionally, in human-dominated landscapes, snakes often suffer injuries like spinal fractures, broken jaws, and crushed tails. However, they are remarkably resilient, and with proper knowledge of reptile medicine—a specialized field separate from general veterinary or even wildlife medicine—many injuries can be successfully treated. Ultimately, working with snakes requires respect, expertise, and an understanding of their unique physiology and behavior."
Q3. Since you worked at both rescue centers and as a vet for government forest departments, what are some of the key differences in working in both of these places?
"The main difference is that rescue centers primarily handle captive wildlife, while forest departments deal with free-ranging wildlife. Both play crucial roles in conservation but involve very different challenges and responsibilities. Rescue centers focus on immediate medical care, rehabilitation, and permanent housing for animals that can’t be released back into the wild due to injury, age, or disability. They operate wildlife hospitals where critically injured animals receive treatment, sometimes with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. In contrast, forest department work is field-based and often involves long hours or even months tracking a single animal, such as a tiger or leopard. A major part of the job involves handling human-wildlife conflicts, conducting post-mortems in the wild with limited resources, and identifying potential disease outbreaks that could threaten entire populations. The stakes in free-ranging wildlife medicine are high, and a single mistake can have serious consequences. The scale of responsibility also differs. In a rescue center, vets focus on individual animals, managing treatments according to a set schedule. In the forest department, emergencies are unpredictable, and vets must be prepared for sudden rescues without always having the right equipment on hand. Public interaction is another key difference. In rescue centers, teams are small and familiar, while in forest department work, vets deal with different people every day, including officers who may not always appreciate their efforts. Both roles require strong decision-making skills and the ability to handle emotional challenges, but free-ranging wildlife work demands greater adaptability and resilience."
Q4. So, if students are aspiring to become a wildlife vet, whether in a zoo, forest department, or rescue center, what can they do in their university years, including internships, volunteerships, and other preparations?
"The journey to becoming a wildlife vet doesn’t begin after graduation—it starts the moment you realize you want to work with wild animals. It’s not just about treating animals; it’s about understanding ecology, behavior, conservation science, and crisis management. University years should be a training ground, but not just through books. Books provide theoretical knowledge, but real learning happens in the field. Hands-on experience is essential—internships, volunteering, and practical exposure should be a priority. You should be so persistent in seeking opportunities that the people you approach for internships get tired of giving you tasks. Aspiring wildlife vets should intern at wildlife rescue centers, assist zoo and wildlife veterinarians, and, if possible, work with the government forest department. This exposure helps determine where they fit best—whether in surgery, medicine, policymaking, administration, public relations, or human-wildlife conflict mitigation. These experiences help shape career paths and clarify long-term goals. Field experience is crucial. You must become comfortable in the wilderness, participate in wildlife surveys, field trips, and conflict mitigation cases, and learn survival techniques and first aid. Experiencing real-world scenarios helps you understand if you truly want to pursue this field. A strong theoretical foundation is also necessary. Many students only study for marks, but understanding wildlife-specific topics—such as free-ranging wildlife, conservation policies, and illegal wildlife trade—is vital. A wildlife vet must also know relevant laws to avoid unintentionally supporting illegal activities, like treating trafficked species. Developing specialized skills provides a competitive edge. A good wildlife vet should have the expertise to assess an animal’s condition quickly and efficiently. Additionally, attending wildlife conferences, writing research papers, and networking with experienced professionals can help expand knowledge and opportunities. Passion, dedication, and a willingness to go beyond a veterinary degree are essential. If someone is truly committed to wildlife medicine, they have the chance to be among the few in the world who specialize in this field. I highly encourage anyone passionate about wildlife to pursue it."
Q5. So, what are some of the exciting advancements or innovations in wildlife veterinary medicine?
"Wildlife veterinary medicine is a unique and constantly evolving field that requires adaptability, innovation, and a deep understanding of species-specific care. Unlike domestic veterinary medicine, where standardized protocols work, wildlife cases demand flexibility and novel approaches. In recent years, several groundbreaking advancements have revolutionized wildlife diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. For example, DNA-based diagnostics have become a powerful tool for wildlife medicine, helping in disease detection, population management, and conservation breeding by ensuring genetic diversity. AI and machine learning are also transforming the field. With camera traps, GPS tracking, and drone technology, veterinarians can monitor wildlife health remotely, detect injuries, and assess stress levels in animals. Today, drones play a critical role in spotting and assessing animals in the wild, making conservation efforts more efficient. Another major innovation is in wildlife anesthesia and pain management. While ketamine remains widely used, newer, safer anesthetic drugs have been developed, reducing risks associated with overdose, underdose, and side effects. These advancements improve the safety of wildlife sedation during medical procedures. GPS tracking and biotelemetry are also game-changers, enabling real-time health monitoring and behavioral studies. By tracking an animal’s movements, scientists can better understand habitat use, migration patterns, and potential health risks. Stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine are emerging as promising treatments for injured wildlife. Additionally, 3D printing has made it possible to create prosthetic limbs for animals, improving their quality of life. Other advancements, such as drone-assisted wildlife rescue and bioengineered vaccines, are helping prevent disease outbreaks and improve survival rates. Ultimately, technology is the driving force behind these innovations, and wildlife veterinarians must evolve with the times. Staying updated on new techniques and embracing technological advancements ensures better conservation outcomes and improved animal welfare."
Q6. What advice would you give young aspiring wildlife vets?
"First, let me say that I’m not an expert—I’m still learning and always will be. Wildlife veterinary medicine is a lifelong journey of discovery. If you’re feeling restless, constantly looking beyond your classrooms, and dreaming of making a real impact, that’s a good sign. But dreaming alone isn’t enough—you have to act on it. Many people watch documentaries and think, I want to be a wildlife vet. But few actually take the necessary steps to gain real-world experience. Knowledge alone won’t make you a wildlife vet. Yes, understanding anatomy, pathology, and pharmacology is essential, but wild animals don’t follow textbooks. You won’t find a tiger in distress calmly waiting for you to apply your theoretical knowledge. When you’re leading a rescue operation, that tiger won’t ask how many research papers you’ve published. It’s about adaptability, field experience, and problem-solving. To truly prepare, you have to get out of the classroom. Volunteer, intern, and immerse yourself in wildlife work. As a wildlife vet, you’re not just treating animals—you’re solving problems. Communities will come to you with concerns about wildlife, and your ability to educate and mediate can prevent conflicts and protect animals. Be ready for isolation and learn to love it. Imagine working in a remote tiger reserve, with no network, no electricity—just you, the forest, and your mission. Your daily routine might consist of waking up, monitoring animal behavior, collecting data, eating, and doing it all over again. To some, that sounds boring. But if you love understanding animals, every moment is exciting. You’ll miss family gatherings, festivals, and social events. Wildlife work is demanding, both physically and emotionally. If you’re only interested in building a good resume, you might miss out on developing real skills. Focus on mastery, not just credentials. For example, when performing a post-mortem, don’t just dissect organs for research papers. Approach it as an art—learn to analyze cause of death at a glance, extract samples efficiently, and provide insights that truly contribute to conservation efforts. Most importantly, respect every creature, not just the charismatic ones. If you love big cats but a monkey is brought to your clinic, you don’t refuse treatment just because it’s not your specialty. Every species plays a role in the ecosystem. Trust the process, push yourself, and be prepared for setbacks. There will be moments of doubt, but if you stay committed, your efforts will pay off—not in months, but in years. Stay patient, stay passionate, and never stop learning."
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