by Dr Panayiotis Azmanis

Introduction by Dr Constantinos Antoniou, Exotics, Small Animals & Wildlife Vet, Conservationist, Clinical Associate, UNIC School of Veterinary Medicine

BRIEF SUMMARY

This session introduces the evolution and main branches of zoological medicine and outlines related postgraduate and career opportunities. It then examines how veterinarians contribute to wildlife conservation, clarifying key concepts and the main areas of veterinary involvement, illustrated with examples from over 20 years of professional experience.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Panayiotis (Panos) Azmanis DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECZM (Avian) is a Specialist in Avian Medicine and an expert in exotic, zoo, and wildlife veterinary care. He has served as a raptor/avian and wildlife veterinarian at Dubai Falcon Hospital and Wadi Al Safa Wildlife Centre in Dubai, UAE, since 2015.

Dr Azmanis graduated in 2006 from the Veterinary Faculty of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. During his studies, he was actively involved in vulture/avian conservation projects in Greece, working as a field ornithologist and wildlife rescuer/rehabilitator. Following graduation, he completed a rotating internship in small animal surgery and exotics at the same university while also practising as a freelance avian and exotic veterinarian.

He earned his PhD from the Clinic for Exotic Pets, Zoo Animals and Wildlife at the University of Zurich (Vetsuisse Faculty), focusing on surgical techniques for avian stifle luxation. He subsequently worked in small animal and exotic medicine in private practice in Athens before undertaking a three-year residency at the Clinic for Birds & Reptiles, University of Leipzig.

In 2014, Dr Azmanis completed his board examinations and was awarded Diplomate status by the European College of Zoological Medicine (Avian), becoming a European Specialist in Avian Medicine. In 2023, he was formally recognised as a Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and as a Specialist by the American College of Exotic Pet Medicine.

He actively contributes to the profession through committee and advisory roles, including the ECZM Education and Scientific Committees, the AAV Wildlife Conservation Committee, the International Union for Conservation of Nature Wildlife Health Specialist Group, as well as the Vulture Specialist Group and Pelican Specialist Group. He also serves on the Welfare and Biodiversity Committees of the IAF and the Board of the Association of Hellenic Falconry, while providing voluntary consultancy to multiple Greek rehabilitation centres and wildlife NGOs.

Dr Azmanis additionally works pro bono as a veterinarian for the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, based at the iconic Burj Al Arab. He is a frequent speaker at major American and European avian and exotic animal conferences and has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters covering avian medicine, exotic animal care, wildlife diseases, and vulture and raptor conservation.

His academic contributions include guest lecturer and instructor appointments in exotic and wildlife medicine at the Leipzig Veterinary Faculty (2010–2013), University of Helsinki Veterinary Faculty (2012), and University of Nairobi Veterinary Faculty (2024–present).

Beyond clinical and academic work, Dr Azmanis has been deeply involved in the development, administration, and implementation of conservation projects in Greece and the UAE, serving in multiple supervisory roles alongside his veterinary consultancy.

In his free time, Panos enjoys practising falconry, birding and nature observation, diving, horseback riding, and nature trekking.