Dr Izidora Sladakovic
BVSc (Hons I), MVS, DACZM - Board-certified specialist (ZCA)
BVSc (Hons I), MVS, DACZM - Board-certified specialist (ZCA)
BVSc (Hons I), MVS, DACZM - Board-certified specialist (ZCA)
Dr Izidora graduated from the University of Sydney in 2007 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (First Class Honours). After working in both exotics and general practices for several years, Izi completed a rotating internship at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) in Sydney and then joined Sydney Exotics and Rabbit Vets as an associate. She also obtained a Master of Veterinary Studies from Murdoch University.
In 2017, Izi completed a three-year zoological medicine residency, with a focus on exotic pets, at the University of Georgia, USA. She became a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine in 2017, passing the sub-specialty examination in zoological companion animals (ie. exotic pets). Izi is currently the only veterinarian in Australia to hold this qualification, and is a Registered Specialist in Zoological Medicine in both Australia and USA.
Izi is a Fear Free Certified® Professional.
BVSc (Hons I), MVS, DACZM - Board-certified specialist (ZCA)
BVSc (Hons I), MVS, DACZM - Board-certified specialist (ZCA)
Izi has published numerous journal articles and book chapters, undertaken research projects on diagnostic techniques in exotic pets, presented at various exotics conferences, and regularly contributes to the continuing education of vets and vet nurses. She was also integral in the development of an antibiotic policy for exotics.
Izi volunteers with the Sydney Wildlife Mobile Care Unit, providing veterinary care to injured and orphaned native wildlife.
Dr Alexandra Berry
DVM - Veterinary Intern
Alex graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Neuroscience. After working as a veterinary assistant in both small animal and exotic animal medicine, she undertook her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Sydney, graduating in 2021. Throughout vet school she spent time at various exotic practices for placement and worked as a veterinary nurse in small animal and equine practices.
After graduation, she completed a rotating internship at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) in Sydney and then went on to work as an emergency veterinarian. Alex joined the AVES team in August 2023 and is very excited to further her training in exotics medicine. Her goal is to one day become a Zoological Companion Animal specialist! When she is not at AVES, you can find Alex at the beach, snorkeling, scuba diving, horse riding or hiking.
Tori Allen
Certificate IV Veterinary Nurse, AVNAT Accredited, APVN (Avian)
Tori has been working in the veterinary industry since 2015. Tori loves working with all animals, but has a particular interest in exotics and Australian wildlife.
Tori joined Avian & Exotics Service in February 2022 to further her nursing skills in the exotics field, which is where her real passion lies. Tori has also volunteered for wildlife rehabilitation groups since 2018 and recently completed a veterinary professional course with Taronga Zoo focusing on the treatment and care of native wildlife. In 2024, Tori successfully completed the Advanced Programme in Veterinary Nursing of Avian Species.
In her spare time, you will find her birdwatching, bushwalking, studying, spending time with her pets and gardening.
Janie Goodyer
Inventory Manager and Social Media Coordinator
Janie started her animal care career at Waratah Park in 2006 and then Taronga Zoo, where she worked primarily in the Herpetofauna and Free Flight Bird Show departments.
In 2015, Janie made the move to vet nursing, but it wasn't long before Janie's many talents were discovered! Whether it's inventory management, product research, photography and social media content creation, Janie's organisational skills and creativity make her an invaluable part of the AVES team.
When Janie isn’t working, she enjoys wildlife photography, bushwalking and spending time with her horse.
What is Zoological Medicine?
Contrary to popular belief, zoological medicine is not equated with zoo animal medicine, but encompasses the following major areas:
- Exotic pets
- Zoo animals
- Aquatic animals
- Wildlife and conservation
Izidora has undergone extensive training and examination in all areas of zoological medicine. Please contact Izi directly for services relating to zoo, aquatics or wildlife.
The American College of Zoological Medicine is currently the only college in the world to provide specialist certification in ALL exotic pets, a qualification that is held by a small number of veterinarians worldwide.
