Ambassador / Joshua

Ambassador Profile – Joshua Howell, University of Glasgow, Scotland.

Hi, I’m Josh – Glasgow Ambassador and Committee member of GUVZS.  I have been a part of The Expedition Project Ambassador team since 2021.

Since working with The Expedition Project I have been helping develop opportunities for students at Glasgow University including online courses with the help of Wildlife Vets like Dr Peter Rogers, and fellow ambassadors from around the world.


WHEN DID I FIRST REALISE I WANTED TO BE A VET?

I first realised I wanted to be a vet when I first went to Scotland as a kid and after walking around the wonderful countryside and seeing all the animals my grandparents took me into their local vet with our pet. Being exposed to what vets do at an early age combined with my love for animals made me realise that I wanted to be a vet. Then watching documentaries and shows about wildlife made me realise my passion is to help wildlife and endangered species. 

WHAT IS MY MOTIVATION TO BECOME A VET?

I have always loved the outdoors and being immersed with our environment. Having a golden Labrador now and always trying to figure out what happened whenever he went to the vet, inspired me to learn the aetiologies, anatomy, processes and how this made him the way he was. Then maturing and seeing wildlife, more severe cases and conservation has inspired me dive into the world of wildlife medicine. 

MY BIGGEST TIP IF YOU WANT TO STUDY TO BECOME A VET IS…

Never hesitate to ask a question, ask away!! Ask for experience, ask for help, ask to know what is going on in a procedure, ask for opportunities to learn and develop as an individual. Even if you may think it may not be right or something you should know, we have all been in your shoes and are willing to help. Do your research on preferred universities, what they need, organise yourself to meet and exceed the requirements and never give up, it will all be worth it in the end. 

THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A VET IS…

Being unable to treat an animal. With the plethora of knowledge we have along with the ever progressing and improving technology, procedures, and drugs there are always some cases where ultimately there is nothing you can do, and the best way forward is euthanasia. As veterinarians we acknowledge this and strive to provide the upmost care and prevent any suffering any way we can. Ensuring appropriate preparation where possible as well as being empathetic and having a good support group help you, the animal, and the owner through the procedure. 

WHAT IS MY FAVOURITE ANIMAL?

Elephants.

MY FAVOURITE ANIMAL-RELATED STORY IS…

My favourite animal related story happened while I was on placement at a falconry, getting to learn and understand the personalities of these birds, some of them being quite cheeky while cleaning out their pens and helping out weigh them was an experience itself but when I was able to fly a Harris Hawk and a Siberian Eagle Owl around the grounds and forests of the falconry for exercise was extraordinary, watching how elegantly they fly and come to the glove was lifechanging 

MY FAVOURITE ANIMAL PHOTO I HAVE TAKEN IS…

Find out more about Josh here.

Contact Josh here

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