Dr Izidora Sladakovic
BVSc (Hons I), MVS, DACZM - Board-certified specialist (ZCA), FFCP
Dr Izi is the owner and director of AVES. She 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 rigorous 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 both Australia and USA.
Izi has owned exotics most of her life (her first pet was a budgie) and is committed to equal care of all pets. Izi is also a Fear Free Certified® Professional.
Izi sees all exotics, from health checks to complex referral cases, and has diverse clinical interests including rabbit and guinea pig dental diseases, critical care, endoscopy, pain management, and preventive medicine. She has a soft spot for geriatric patients needing extra TLC.
Izi has published numerous journal articles and book chapters, undertaken various research projects, and regularly presents at veterinary conferences. 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 NAO TSUJIOKA
BVetBiol, DVM, GPCert(ExAP), PgC(EAS)
Dr Nao graduated from the University of Sydney in 2019 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She started working in a busy general practice and after a few years, joined Sydney Exotics and Rabbit Vets as an associate.
In 2023, Nao moved to the UK for further training in exotics, completing a Certificate in Exotic Animal Practice through Improve International, and obtaining a Postgraduate Certificate in Exotic Animal Studies through Harper Adams University, while working in various small animal and exotics practices.
In 2025, Nao returned to Australia and joined the AVES team.
Nao enjoys working with all exotics, but as a bunny owner, has a particular interest in rabbit medicine and surgery and a soft spot for all things bunny!
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 AVES 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.
Graziella Subloo
Certificate IV Veterinary Nurse
Graziella has been in the veterinary industry since 2010, having worked at various general practices on the Northern Beaches. Ella has always had a passion for exotics and wildlife. She has completed a number of courses on wildlife care, and has volunteered with WIRES, Birdlife Australia and in a sperm whale field study in the Mediterranean Sea surrounding Italy.
Ella joined AVES in January 2025 and is enjoying nursing of exotic pets and expanding her already impressive clinical skillset.
In her spare time, Ella enjoys the beach, pilates and spending time with her family and pets.
Alicia Huskic
Certificate IV Veterinary Nurse
Alicia began her veterinary nursing career in 2019, starting in a busy general practice before joining the AVES team in 2025 to pursue her interest in nursing exotic pets.
She has a strong interest in avian species, particularly parrots, and surgical nursing. Alicia also volunteers with Sydney Wildlife Rescue whenever she can.
Outside of work, Alicia loves spending time at the beach, snorkeling and camping. At home, she shares her life with her cockatiel Lemon, her betta fish Ponzu and an aquarium full of crystal red shrimp.
Susan Smith
BA (Marketing), MA (Psych) - Reception & Admin
Susan has vast experience in client services and information systems, having worked as an IT consultant and manager in the human healthcare field. Although she almost went down the road of becoming a psychologist, the animal calling was too strong!
Susan loves all animals and has been a volunteer with Sydney Wildlife for many years. She was integral in upgrading the Kukundi Flying Fox Rehabilitation Centre in Lane Cove National Park.
As a pet owner and wildlife rehabilitator, Susan deeply understands the impact of a human-animal bond and the importance of communication within a clinical veterinary setting. Susan is excited to join AVES and meet our wonderful clients and their adorable exotic pets.
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
Izi has undergone extensive training and examination in all areas of zoological medicine, and is available for project work relating to zoo, aquatics and 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.
