Zoo Consultancy and Veterinary Physiotherapy for Wild Animals

We are specialist Veterinary Physiotherapists providing expert consultation and treatment for exotic and zoo species worldwide. Drawing on extensive experience in zoo management, animal behaviour, and veterinary physiotherapy, we offer a comprehensive, full-team approach to musculoskeletal and neurological health.

Specialist expertise

Our services are backed by unparalleled credentials in the zoo and veterinary sectors:

Extensive zoological treatment experience: We have worked with a large number of zoo collections both across the UK and internationally
Academic leadership: Matthew is a Lecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy and Zoo Sciences at Harper Adams University
Published authors: We are co-authors of a specialist book chapter, Physiotherapy and Management of the Musculoskeletal Health of Ageing Wild Animals in Human Care
Research and speaking authority: Active research into identifying lameness and gait in species like the Komodo dragon (supporting major collections worldwide), coupled with Matthew being a regular guest speaker at major veterinary and zoo conferences (e.g., BVZS, RVC)
Industry recognition: Delivers BIAZA certified training and CPD on functional enrichment and lameness identification for professionals (Keepers, Vets, RVNs), and exotics treatment for Veterinary Physiotherapists
Active membership: Associate Member of the British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) and Clinical Advisor for the Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance (VOA)

Our holistic consultation focus

Traditional hands-on treatment alone often fails to address the root cause in exotic species. We offer a tailored approach by collaborating closely with keepers and vets to assess four key variables:

Environment and management: Assessment of enclosure design, substrates, heating, and fixtures to maximise musculoskeletal health and aid recovery (relevant to endotherms and ectotherms).
Behaviour and training: Evaluation of enrichment and training protocols to aid recovery and ensure behaviours are protective, not detrimental.
Activity and functionality: Evaluation of whether physical activity is beneficial or contraindicated based on the animal’s pathology and anatomical adaptations.
Signalment: Considering age, species, social behaviours, and other variables to provide appropriate long-term management advice

What is considered?

Environment and management

Assessment of numerous variables such as enclosure design, fixtures and fittings, seasonal changes, substrates/surfaces. This helps maximise animals’ musculoskeletal and neurological health, and aid recovery from pathology/maintain health in both endothermic and ectothermic species.

Behaviour and training

Evaluation of the animal’s behavioural adaptations and how management/enrichment and training protocols could be utilised to aid recovery or maintain health. For example, the adaptation of enrichment devices or trained behaviours may become protective rather than potentially detrimental.

Signalment

The animal’s condition and other variables (age, sex, species, social behaviours) potentially predispose the animal to secondary conditions, or slowed recovery. We evaluate the management considerations which are important for the maintenance and recovery of the individual animal.

Activity and functionality

Rather than just encouraging activity and movement of the animals in our care, we consider whether the activity we are shaping is beneficial to health, or potentially contraindicated in relation to an animal’s behavioural and anatomical adaptations, or currently pathologies.

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Service options

We provide flexible services tailored to your collection’s location and needs:

On-site consultation and treatment (UK):

Full evaluation, report, environmental adaptation guidance, and on-site treatment (exercise regime/manual therapy if indicated) for current conditions.

Online consultation (Worldwide):

Remote consultation via online platforms to discuss cases, requiring detailed supporting materials (images, protocols, history) for treatment guidance.

Consultancy and education clients:

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Ready to enhance your collection's functional health and welfare?

Whether you require on-site rehabilitation or an immediate online consultation, we are ready to assist.

Contact us today for a free, confidential discussion about your cases, long-term mobility strategy, and the simple veterinary referral process.

Next steps: arranging consultation or treatment

Step one: Initial enquiry and discussion

Please contact us directly via phone or email to discuss your collection's needs, whether you are interested in: An assessment to maintain health or prevent disease. Arranging treatment for a current condition.
Step two: Veterinary referral

For all treatment cases, we will discuss the specific veterinary referral and consent process with you directly during your initial enquiry to ensure compliance and seamless communication with your on-site or registered veterinary team.
Step three: Session confirmation

Once the required paperwork is complete, we will confirm a time and date for your first session. Initial sessions typically last at least two hours to allow for a full initial assessment and treatment.