Shackleton - Veterinary Physiotherapy

08/10/2025

Looking forward to supporting/supervising the future phd candidate for this project.

Exciting funded PhD opportunity at Harper University.

Thinking, Playing, Connecting: Evidence-Based Enrichment for Cognitively Advanced Social Species in Zoos
Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Holly Vickery, Matthew Shackleton, Lucy Stratford, Jemma Dias

More information here:

Dr Ellen Williams

12/09/2025

Exotic vet physio workshop – 27th & 28th October – Tickets have sold fast on our last two cohorts.

Book here - https://www.shackletonvetphysio.com/event-details/the-safe-and-ethical-treatment-of-exotic-species-veterinary-physiotherapy-2

Hear from one of our past attendees!
'I really enjoyed what felt like just scratching the surface in a massive new field; the application of veterinary physiotherapy for exotic species, and overall the course is very thought provoking. The practical skills that we gained are invaluable and applicable to all species. I have found that in particular the behavioural and environmental considerations - and what we can do with these aspects - have really enhanced my equine and small animal practice allowing me to think outside the constraints of standard practice which can often leave some of our patients, particularly those that won’t tolerate a lot of hands-on treatment and management, overlooked. I highly recommend the course and will be looking out for more to come from Shackleton veterinary Physiotherapy.'
- Ruth C. 2024 - Exotics VP Course 2024

Why enroll on our course:

Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy
As well as working as zookeepers and having a wealth of experience in teaching zoo sciences and Veterinary Physiotherapy at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, we have delivered zoo consultancy, physiotherapy, and CPD services to several major UK zoos, and beyond. As well as delivering CPD to zoo vets, nurses, Zookeepers and organisation, including Chester ZOO, London Zoo, Whipsnade Zoo, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Singapore Zoo, Crocodiles of the World, Detroit Zoo (USA), The American Association of Zookeepera and Crocodile Bank (India). We regularly treat a variety of exotic species ranging from great apes, rhinos, giraffe, large carnivores and Komodo dragons, to pet exotics such as Parrots, Rabbits, and bearded dragons. We also hold a number of unique memberships and clinical positions in zoological and veterinary organisations such as the BVZS, British Association of Zookeepers, and Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance.

The Venue:
Askham Bryan is considered one of the leading educational zoological collections in the UK

03/09/2025

Exotic vet physio workshop – 27th & 28th October – Tickets have sold fast on our last two cohorts.

Book here - https://www.shackletonvetphysio.com/event-details/the-safe-and-ethical-treatment-of-exotic-species-veterinary-physiotherapy-2

Hear from one of our past attendees!
'I really enjoyed what felt like just scratching the surface in a massive new field; the application of veterinary physiotherapy for exotic species, and overall the course is very thought provoking. The practical skills that we gained are invaluable and applicable to all species. I have found that in particular the behavioural and environmental considerations - and what we can do with these aspects - have really enhanced my equine and small animal practice allowing me to think outside the constraints of standard practice which can often leave some of our patients, particularly those that won’t tolerate a lot of hands-on treatment and management, overlooked. I highly recommend the course and will be looking out for more to come from Shackleton veterinary Physiotherapy.'
- Ruth C. 2024 - Exotics VP Course 2024

Why enroll on our course:

Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy
As well as working as zookeepers and having a wealth of experience in teaching zoo sciences and Veterinary Physiotherapy at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, we have delivered zoo consultancy, physiotherapy, and CPD services to several major UK zoos, and beyond. As well as delivering CPD to zoo vets, nurses, Zookeepers and organisation, including Chester ZOO, London Zoo, Whipsnade Zoo, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Singapore Zoo, Crocodiles of the World, Detroit Zoo (USA), The American Association of Zookeepera and Crocodile Bank (India). We regularly treat a variety of exotic species ranging from great apes, rhinos, giraffe, large carnivores and Komodo dragons, to pet exotics such as Parrots, Rabbits, and bearded dragons. We also hold a number of unique memberships and clinical positions in zoological and veterinary organisations such as the BVZS, British Association of Zookeepers, and Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance.

The Venue:
Askham Bryan is considered one of the leading educational zoological collections in the UK, has a passionate team of experienced zookeepers, and welcomes over 20,000 visitors annually. As well as being an educational collection for delivering courses from college to university level, it actively participates in research and conservation projects from the UK and worldwide. It is an active member of The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It boasts a contemporary animal center, with high-quality interpretive/education design, and well-themed enclosures to enhance animal welfare and the visitor experience (that is an expectation of the modern zoological collection).
Guest lecturers and industry experts:
This new course has been a long time in the making, and is delivered by 4 experts from their respective fields, Between them they have worked within major zoological collections, and have been actively involved in research, conservation, veterinary care, training, husbandry, education and the mentorship of zoological and veterinary professionals. Our two guest lecturers were chosen not just because of their reputation and success in their respective industries, but because of their passion and drive for the continued improvement of animal welfare.

Some more of our amazing feedback from our 2024 cohort:
"This was an amazing course! I have learnt so much and it was a perfect mix of practical and theory. The lecturers were exceptionally knowledgeable. I only wish it could have been longer. I’ll be back for the next instalments!!"

"This was an incredible course, never heard off and full of interesting and mind-blowing information. Matthew and the whole team (Louise, Lauren and Caitlin) were incredibly knowledgeable and experienced. We managed to work with a great variety of species who all had different needs and requirements. I cannot wait till I am able to come to another course with the Shackleton team!!!! Such an exciting CPD!!!! Many thanks Greta C."

"Great introduction into the implementation of physio and its uses for exotic animals. Was informative and interesting. Also has a great element into widening how to address physiotherapeutic techniques in potentially more nervous animals that require more outside the box thinking. Would love to attend further courses!"

17/08/2025

Well deserved, just one of the reasons I chose this as a venue, the amazing staff and their passionate approach to education and conservation.

Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park has won a gold award from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, for its hosting of a…

13/08/2025

Attention all FE and HE lecturers!

Are you currently planning the coming academic year and looking for something to help engage students with modules such as rehabilitation, Health, Anatomy and Physiology, Adaptation, Behaviour and Zoo management. Or simply want them to gain high level industry skills and knowledge, that will enhance their CV and time in industry. All our workshops can be booked in-house, or at major UK collections, such as Chester Zoo, ZSL, and Yorkshire Wildlife Park. We can deliver a bespoke day, to adapt to your students and programmes needs.We will also provide students with a cpd certificate/of attendance.

Available workshops:

Functional Enrichment: Supporting physiological and behavioural health
A look into elements such as disease, life stages, fitness, tissue adaptation, Behaviour, anatomy and taxonomic differences. These areas are then discussed in relation to the design and implementation of enrichment devices for the long term physical and behavioural health of animals.

Identifying and Supporting Lameness in Zoo Animals Workshop (Mammals, birds and reptiles)
Develop an understanding of disease, biomechanics, lameness, assessment techniques and the importance of management in the prevention, management and treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological disease.

For more information visit: https://lnkd.in/esMFCnPD

Reviews:

'Highly recommend this workshop (Identifying and support Lameness) to all animal care professionals. Held earlier in the year as an internal workshop and what the team learnt was invaluable to the animals in their care.’
Lisa Britton,
Head of Conservation Services,
Wild planet trust - Paignton Zoo
From the BIAZA certified Lameness course

'Amazing course, second we've done with Shackleton Vet physio' and they are incredibly information and interesting. Very informative and helpful towards my job role, the instructors are warm and friendly.'
​Anon - 2024
Yorkshire Wildlife park

‘I attended Louise and Matthew’s first BIAZA certified ABWAK training day about recognizing lameness in Zoo species. Many exotic species have evolved to hide all signs of pain to ensure their survival and so this goes massively undiagnosed and untreated. Shackleton’s workshop effectively gives zoo keepers, veterinary professionals and enthusiastic hobbyists basic tools to identify changes in body movements that indicate underlying musculoskeletal problems which will cause the animal pain. Recognizing these problems allows for early detection and more effective treatment and this will have a huge positive impact on animal welfare. As an exotics vet with a special interest in chronic pain I highly recommend this workshop.’
Dr Krissy Green
CertAVP (Zoomed), CertSCVA (Acupuncture),
RCVS recognized Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine
HEV’N and Exotic Animal Acupuncture
From the BIAZA certified/ABWAK Lameness course delivered at Chester Zoo

23/07/2025

Thank you to the UKACT council for inviting me to deliver a talk to the conference on the importance of pain and lameness in animal sciences teaching. As well as a workshop on lameness to a number of attendees. Thank you to all those who came, and look forward to seeing UKACT continue to grow and be a force for good in the FE and HE sectors.

18/07/2025

Reptile enrichment - It's back - 4th November 2025 - Crocodiles of the World

'Really good information from angles that are often missed or dismissed towards animals, especially reptiles. Really, really important step in the right direction for animal keeping. 10/10 would come again’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024

After a very successful event last year, we will be running the event again this year.
We will be taking a deep dive into contemporary research and looking at enrichment in a way that is rarely considered. – It’s important role in fitness, pain and disease management. whether you have very young or geratric animals, how we present, design and utilise our enrichment can have lasting effects on the animals in our care (the research is starting to highlight its importance). We will also be looking at the highly applicable information of reptile specific disease, pain, physiology and tissue adaptation, and there importance on enrichment for this taxonomic group.
There will be a mix of theory and practical skills, that culminates with us working with a variety of species, such as Galapagos Tortoises, Komodo dragon, Crocodiles and a variety of other lizard species.

https://www.shackletonvetphysio.com/event-details/reptile-enrichment-its-role-in-functional-behaviour-and-tissue-health-2

Here is some of the amazing feedback we got:

'Really good information from angles that are often missed or dismissed towards animals, especially reptiles. Really, really important step in the right direction for animal keeping. 10/10 would come again’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024

‘Matthew was really engaging and clearly passionate about the topic. Gained both theoretical and practical skills that I can take back to my role and apply it to more than just behaviour.’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024

‘Really helpful workshop to connect the dots between the physical health of our animals, and how enrichment can influence joint and muscle usage.’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024

‘I thought that the workshop was excellent, the information provided was informative and presented well, and I really enjoyed the practical side to it and being able to see the chosen animals interact with the enrichment we made.’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024

The workshop was hugely informative and has helped me get a better understanding of specific ways to look at enrichment from several angles – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024

I thought that the workshop was excellent, the information provided was informative and presented well, and I really enjoyed the practical side to it and being able to see the chosen animals interact with the enrichment we made – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024

24/06/2025

Was good to catch up with on of exotics clients in Cheshire last week, the largest group of aldabra tortoises in the UK

23/05/2025

What an amazing two days! I feel very lucky to of become involved with an amazing organisation like VOA. I delivered three talks (zoo rehab, rabbit and rodent rehab & developing a foundation of support for Arthritis clients) at this year's massive VOACON. There were soo many amazing talks from experts in their field, and loads of amazing, passionate people to meet. I feel extremely proud to have been asked to be on the clinical advisor panel and look forward to being involved with the amazing VOA going forward.

Check them out: https://vet-oa-com

Russell Chandler Nichi Cockburn Stuart Carmichael Greg McGarrell Keller

29/04/2025

We ran our second exotic animal physiotherapy workshop, we had an enjoyable two days meeting a variety of VP’s from across a variety of associations and backgrounds, across the UK. It was lovely to have such a friendly and passionate cohort, that led to some interesting conversations and scenarios across the course. We covered a variety of areas and practical skills with a range of species and taxonomic groups, and had some amazing feedback from our attendees. I’d also like to thank our guest lectures, who are senior professionals from across the behavioural and zoo industries for helping to bring each workshop to life. As well as the amazing collection and team at Askham Bryan Conservation and Wildlife Park, who continue to get rated excellent in their educational and zoo inspections, which helps to enhance the experience of our attendees, by learning at a collection which strives for the highest of welfare standards.

To be part of our next cohort: https://lnkd.in/e_4sn-Jd

‘The speakers enthusiasm for the topic and animal welfare in general was infectious. Not only has this opened up the possibilities of other species that could benefit from rehabilitation but it will undoubtedly improve the way I approach my day to day cases too. If you're looking to treat more than just dogs, cats, and horses as a vet physio, I couldn't recommend this workshop highly enough.’

‘This was an excellent course and I would highly recommend it to any Vet Physio even if you do not plan on directly treating exotics. The knowledge gained on this course was both applicable to exotics and other species (dogs etc.). This course helped me to expand my knowledge as a Vet Physio and open my eyes to new ways of thinking of cases and new treatment techniques that could be applied to any animal or species.’

29/04/2025

We ran our second exotic animal physiotherapy workshop, we had an enjoyable two days meeting a variety of VP’s from across a variety of associations and backgrounds, across the UK. It was lovely to have such a friendly and passionate cohort, that led to some interesting conversations and scenarios across the course. We covered a variety of areas and practical skills with a range of species and taxonomic groups, and had some amazing feedback from our attendees. I’d also like to thank our guest lectures, who are senior professionals from across the behavioural and zoo industries for helping to bring each workshop to life. As well as the amazing collection and team at Askham Bryan Conservation and Wildlife Park, who continue to get rated excellent in their educational and zoo inspections, which helps to enhance the experience of our attendees, by learning at a collection which strives for the highest of welfare standards.

To be part of our next cohort: https://www.shackletonvetphysio.com/subscribeevents

‘The speakers enthusiasm for the topic and animal welfare in general was infectious. Not only has this opened up the possibilities of other species that could benefit from rehabilitation but it will undoubtedly improve the way I approach my day to day cases too. If you're looking to treat more than just dogs, cats, and horses as a vet physio, I couldn't recommend this workshop highly enough.’

‘This was an excellent course and I would highly recommend it to any Vet Physio even if you do not plan on directly treating exotics. The knowledge gained on this course was both applicable to exotics and other species (dogs etc.). This course helped me to expand my knowledge as a Vet Physio and open my eyes to new ways of thinking of cases and new treatment techniques that could be applied to any animal or species.’

22/04/2025

New workshop!
Training for Life: Life stages, Innovation, Function and Enrichment. This two day event will combine theory and practical, working with a variety amazing species from Wildwood Trust.
This new workshop has been developed through a collaboration between Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy & Shaping Behaviour, bringing two unique perspectives to the lifelong care of captive species. Through a combination of theory, demonstrations and practicals with the amazing species at the Wildwood Kent.

Book now: https://www.shackletonvetphysio.com/event-details/training-for-life-wildwood-trust

About the event
Nicky Plaskitt a zoo consultant and certified zoo animal training professional (Shaping Behaviour) with over 20 years of experience, will be combining her knowledge and expertise with Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy (Zoo consultants, Veterinary Physiotherapists and University Lecturer), to bring you a new unique workshop based at the ground-breaking Wildwood Trust, home to a variety of historically native, keystone species.

Nestled in 40 acres of enchanting woodland in the heart of Kent, Wildwood is home to over 200 fascinating British species. Their animals live in spacious, natural enclosures that mirror their habitats in the wild. Home to species such as Brown bears, wolves, bison, elk, badgers, arctic foxes, wild boar, deer, lynx, wildcat, owls, storks, and snakes. Here we hope to deliver a workshop that helps to demonstrate the link between behaviour and health, and how fundamental duties of a keeper such as training, enrichment, and environmental management are often overlooked in their importance both throughout life, to support life-long health and longevity.

Training for life will combine both theoretical teaching, demonstrations, and practicals to help cover such areas as:

Life stages: The importance of behavioural and physiological changes throughout an animal's life stages, and how this may influence learning, training and management decisions.

Innovation: The importance of creativity and innovation within both environment and management, can help to positively influence our training, continual assessment, and management of welfare.

Function: The importance of considering function in relation to our training goals, as well as the animal's adaptation and physical health, and how that may cause us to reflect on how we influence behaviours and activity.

Enrichment: How our goals with enrichment design should be influenced by not just increased activity, but species innate behaviours, individual behaviour, physical fitness and health