Alessandra Kalantonis

Background

Passionate about wildlife conservation and driven by a childhood surrounded by the landscapes of the Maritime Alps, my early  encounters with wildlife instilled a deep-rooted desire to contribute to the preservation of nature and its creatures. This dedication led me to pursue a degree in Veterinary Medicine, which I completed in 2018 at the University of Turin, Italy.
During my academic years, I actively engaged with wildlife, transitioning from a young observer to a devoted volunteer at wildlife sanctuaries in Italy, including C.R.A.S. Bernezzo and Centro Tutela Fauna Monte Adone Bologna.

Upon completing my degree, I gained valuable experience in clinical practice, treating a diverse range of patients, both wild and domestic. My initial role was as a Wildlife and Exotics Veterinarian at C.A.N.C. Veterinary Hospital (Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Torino, Italy). Here, I was responsible for the clinical evaluation and therapeutic setting for wildlife patients rescued in the Metropolitan City of Turin, as well as caring for privately owned exotic animals brought to the hospital. This role also involved supervising undergraduate students and interns, allowing me to impart knowledge and guide the next generation of veterinarians.
Following this experience, I pursued training as a Freelance Veterinarian in various locations across Northern and Central Italy. In this capacity, I provided comprehensive care to a diverse range of animals, including internal medicine consultations, profilaxis, and therapy for both exotics and conventional pets. I actively participated in small animal basic surgery procedures and gained invaluable experience in necropsy and diagnostic sampling, specializing in mammals, avian, and reptiles.
Living in Rome during the COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point, leading to a significant change in my perspective. The pandemic heightened my awareness of the delicate balance between wildlife, the environment, and human health, prompting me to consider my role as a veterinarian in this context. Armed with the knowledge and experience gained through my educational and professional journey, I decided to shift my focus towards projects involving wildlife health. This transition led me to pursue a scholarship from the University of Naples Federico II, allowing me to engage in a crucial international project investigating the role of wild migratory birds in the spread of vector-borne diseases. This invaluable experience provided insights and honed my skills in parasitology detection and identification through extensive fieldwork.
Currently, as a WildCoM intern, I am eager to gain valuable tools in the field of wildlife conservation and research studies. This internship presents an opportunity to further develop my expertise and contribute to the conservation and well-being of wildlife.