Page 10 - Paws and Hooves - Autumn 2025

Josh’s journey

into exotics

Josh Henley, a recent RVC attend the placement he so
graduate, was awarded an EMS+ desperately wanted.
grant during his studies, which The experience proved to be
opened the door to a career caring invaluable and, inspired by his time
for wildlife and exotic species. in Cardiff, Josh secured a placement
The EMS+ scheme provides funding at a practice in Broxbourne that
for students to carry out aspiration provides veterinary care for
and career-informing work Hertfordshire Zoo. Josh enjoyed his
placements, which they might experience and volunteered regularly
otherwise struggle to afford. following his placement, learning
Josh shared an update on where more from the keepers about how
this journey has taken him since their residents are looked after.
receiving this grant and graduating.
Josh dedicated a lot of time to his
Drawn to exotic animals from the start, final year research project on
Josh applied for a placement at a leopard gecko disorders, earning a
specialist clinic in Cardiff while distinction. This led to him presenting
studying for his veterinary medicine his findings at the British Veterinary
degree at the RVC. With no student Zoological Society conference,
loan available due to this being his where he even won ‘Best Talk’.
second degree the costs of
travel and accommodation for this Now qualified, Josh has joined Suffolk
opportunity were impossible for him to Exotic Vets, caring for a wide range of
afford. Thanks to the EMS+ grant, species from small mammals to
funded by donations to the RVC reptiles and birds. He is currently
Animal Care Trust (ACT), Josh was completing his RCVS Graduate hopes to pursue advanced
able to meet essential expenses and Development Phase portfolio and qualifications in zoological medicine.

Josh
Josh Henley:
I was very fortunate to
have received the grant for my

exotics EMS placement, which
led to all the positive things that

happened afterwards. It wouldn't
have been possible without the
generous support of people

willing to help those in financial
difficulty. I hope my journey

highlights the real, tangible and
frankly life-changing benefits
this kindness has on others.

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