Our Staff

Associate Professor David Phalen

DVM PhD Dipl ABVP (Avian Speciality)
Director

David Phalen is a veterinarian and the Director of the Avian, Reptile and Exotic Pet Hospital. He graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University in 1983 and received a Doctor of Philosophy from Texas A&M University in 1992. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners Avian Specialty.

David worked in private practice before returning to complete his PhD. Over the last 17 years he taught wildlife and zoo medicine and surgery to veterinary students at Texas A&M University in the classroom and in the clinic. During this time he worked closely with wildlife carers and has regularly spoken to them and wildlife veterinarians.

David is fascinated by all species of animals, but he is obsessed with birds. David has studied several viral, bacterial and fungal diseases of wildlife and has contributed to projects involving the Po’ouli, the most endangered bird in the world, and three other endangered species, the Attwater’s prairie chicken, the white-winged duck, and the orange-bellied parrot.

More information on A/Prof David Phalen

Jayne Weller

BVSc, Bsc, BA
Veterinarian

Jayne has spent most of her professional career working with wild and exotic animals. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Bachelor of Arts in Music and English Literature, Jayne became a zoo keeper and cared for a range of animals including small and large carnivores, primates, hoofed stock, birds and reptiles.

Jayne has had experience working in South Africa and Nepal with wildlife species in rehabilitation centres and now uses her extensive experience to treat exotic pets and Australian Wildlife as the Clinical Veterinarian at the Avian, Reptile and Exotic Pet Hospital. Jayne is also involved in several conservation projects including a Chimpanzee rehab centre in the Democratic Republic of Congo and tries to spend time working on these projects as much as possible.

Jayne has special interests in nutrition and husbandry of captive animals and enjoys the challenge of emergency and critical care of all species.

Melanie Hammond

Veterinary Nurse

Melanie has been a veterinary nurse for seven years. While always working with exotics and wildlife she has worked with cats and dogs as well.

Melanie is passionate about all animals and their welfare as well as having a keen interest in conservation and animal behaviour.

Neil Loomes

Administrative Assistant

Neil has experience as a pet and aquarium store owner and worked at Taronga Zoo for over 16 years as a Zookeeper and in the marketing Department.

Neil’s knowledge of animal husbandry and care is extensive, making him a valuable source of information. He is the new face and voice of the Avian, Reptile, and Exotic Pet Hospital as he will be the first point of contact for the public. Neil also plays an important role in the care of hospitalised animals.