We're thrilled to introduce you to Dr. Charlotte Wambura! A veterinary surgeon based in Kilifi, Kenya, she's a licensed wildlife veterinarian with the Kenya Wildlife Service and a member of the Kenya Marine Mammals Standing Network, which means that in addition to seeing cats and dogs, she is also the go-to in the coastal region for wildlife and marine life! We met up to chat about her love for animals, and how a greater awareness about wildlife conservation goes hand-in-hand with economic development.
What sparked your interest in animals and why did you want to work with them?
There is not any one event, I do not remember not wanting to be around animals. I loved school holidays because I got to visit my favourite aunt whose home was full of animals and I would wake up in the middle of the night with her to go meet all the new lambs during lambing season. Then followed my deep love for cats, there were always cats at our house, strays came for food and I'd try and clean their wounds. I'd collect injured birds too and try and nurse them back to health. The ones who got better I released and the ones who did not make it I buried in our yard with the help of my best friend, we would have little ceremonies for them. According to my older sister I always said I wanted to be "a animal doctor" whenever anyone inquired about what I'd like to be when I grew up. And when I did grow up it was clear that I wanted to take care of animals.
What's it like working with wildlife and marine animals? Is there a particular experience that stands out to you?
Working with wildlife including marine mammals is fun, it's exciting, no one day is the same. All cases whether on big or small wildlife are so special, so fulfilling. Sometimes I'll think about the animals long after the treatment because in most cases I never get a chance to review the patient. From surgical hernia repair in a 300kg Eland, to limb amputation in a bush baby, to treating a dental abcess in a black mamba, or celulitis in an elephant, to conducting several autopsies on various dolphin species. They are all experiences that I am so thankful for, they have made me realise how lucky I am to do what I love everyday.
What's your favorite spot in Kilifi and why?
Kilifi has so many hidden gems, my favorite place to sit and have a coffee, while working away from the office is Indigo Vibe Cafe. It has great ambience, beautiful uplifting art, the staff are professional and welcoming and the food is amazing, always fresh and crisp.
What makes Kilifi such a special place?
It is a small quiet town, the beaches are breathtaking and always a source of calm and grounding despite the kind of day you've had. There is a strong sense of community depending on one's interests but overall, it feels rooted in culture, wellness and art in all it forms.
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