Community, one health, and leading the path for women wildlife vets with Dr. Sharon Mulindi

In this month's episode of the WIW podcast we explore the journey of Dr. Sharon Mulindi, a dedicated wildlife veterinarian from Kenya. She shares her experiences working in remote areas, facing challenges as a woman in the field, and engaging local communities in conservation efforts. Dr. Mulindi's story highlights the importance of representation, community involvement, and a holistic One Health approach in wildlife conservation.The episode begins with Sharon's childhood inspiration from Nairobi National Park, which sparked her early interest in wildlife medicine. She discusses her journey through vet school and her specialization at Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Sharon provides insights into the realities of working as a wildlife vet in remote and sometimes dangerous areas, emphasizing the vital role of local communities and traditional knowledge in conservation. Sharon shares strategies for building relationships, safety, and trust in challenging environments, whilst also emphasising the importance of representation for women, especially African women, in wildlife careers. We also chat about how having a One Health approach links wildlife, human, and ecosystem health, with Sharon recounting memorable cases, including elephant rescues and translocations. The episode concludes with practical advice for young women aspiring to enter conservation and veterinary fields, offering inspiration and guidance for the next generation. You can follow Dr Sharon on Instagram @sha.ron_mulindiAny questions or queries contact womeninwildlife@outlook.comLinks to our resources:Website: https://women-in-wildlife.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women.in.wildlife/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077369770841Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womeninwildlifeMusic by Thomas Hagen from SLAUX