This joint initiative between the Wildlife Disease Association (WDA), the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZWV) and the European Association of Avian Veterinarians (EAAV) aims to promote the sharing of knowledge and skills and help maintain strong connections between the professionals of our organisations.

Wild animal health, a broad scientific field, can be competitive and hard to navigate, making it difficult for students and recent graduates to find opportunities or identify the right steps to advance in their careers.

The objective of this programme is to connect students and recent graduates with professionals of the free-ranging and captive wildlife field so they can receive guidance on their early careers.

As well as providing members of the three associations with mentorship from already-established professionals, the project also aims to motivate these new professionals to take a more active role in their fields and their associations, creating positive feedback that encourages communication and scientific exchange.

The first edition of the 2022/23 program will begin with a trial cohort of about 20 to 30 pairs across the organizations. Following the pilot program, numbers will increase.

How can I join?

We are looking for members of the EAAV who want to join the program either as mentors or mentees. This is a competitive programme and, to be accepted, mentees must demonstrate their motivation to become professionals in the field of zoo and wildlife health.

Similarly, mentors are expected to show a high level of commitment to help the mentees to get the most out of this project. The pairs will be expected to meet for one to two hours every four to six weeks for a 12-month period.
Please find below all the information about the programme and how to apply for it.