Former Johannesburg Zoo CEO joins Exeter’s City Vets

An Exeter veterinary practice has welcomed the former head of a South African zoo who has treated everything from chimpanzees to penguins as its new exotics vet.

Stephen Vanderspuy has joined Linnaeus-owned City Vets in Exeter, an appointment which coincides with the arrival of practice director Stuart Ford-Fennah from renowned referral centre Cave Veterinary Specialists, in Somerset.

Stephen has an illustrious career in his birth country of South Africa. He moved to the UK several years ago where he says there is a high demand for treating exotic pets.

Stephen said: “I have always had an excited interest in the wonderful natural world we live in, and working with exotic animals makes veterinary science very rewarding.

“There has been an increase in the demand for exotic pet veterinary care in the UK. People are now more aware that vets can treat exotic pets and the science behind keeping and caring for exotic pets has improved.

“Currently I see a lot of birds and rabbits, along with a lot of reptiles, but this changes with where I have worked. Previously it has been African penguins!”

Stephen qualified as a vet at the University of Pretoria before spending five years as the owner and manager of the university’s Exotic Animal Hospital.

He later became general manager of the Montecasino Bird Gardens in Johannesburg before becoming CEO of Johannesburg Zoo and executive director of the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria.

Stephen has also held roles with various charities and organisations, including as chief executive of renowned bird rehabilitation organisation The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds. He was involved in chimpanzee rescues in Sudan, Angola, Central African Republic and Mozambique with the Jane Goodall Institute of South Africa, a charity he was also a trustee of.

With treating so many exotic animals he has had some unusual experiences throughout his career.

Stephen said: “Sometimes the parrots swear at me when I need to administer their treatment. It’s amazing how they associate the word they are going to use with the treatment they are about to receive.”

Stephen’s extensive experience with exotic animals across the globe has been welcomed by new practice director Stuart.

He said: “We’re really pleased to have Stephen on the team. His passion and extensive experience across the world means we can provide the best care for exotic animals right here in Exeter.

Stuart, a qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse, has joined the City Vets team after more than 15 years at Cave Veterinary Specialists, where he worked as head nurse before becoming operations manager.

He achieved a master’s degree in business administration in 2021 and is currently pursuing a postgraduate certificate in coaching and mentoring at senior and executive level.

He added: “Joining City Vets is incredibly exciting and I’m looking forward to being part of the amazing team here.

“There is a true culture of best care and service and, as practice director, I’m hoping to expand on this even further.”

City Vets has four practices across Exeter, in Alphington, Heavitree, St Thomas and Whipton, which are all committed to delivering the highest quality, professional and caring service.

For more information, visit www.cityvets.co.uk or search for City Vets on social media.