Women Vets | Womanity

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Kaylin du Plessis, a veterinarian at the Pretoria Zoo whose work combines exotic animal medicine, complex surgery, conservation, and compassion. From the outset, Dr du Plessis reveals that her journey into veterinary science was driven by a childhood love of animals and a deeper calling to advocate for beings who cannot speak for themselves. This sense of purpose has shaped a career defined by resilience, precision, and an unwavering commitment to animal welfare, particularly within the highly specialised and demanding world of exotic veterinary medicine. Inside the World of Exotic Animals Dr du Plessis unpacks what “exotic” truly means, clarifying the distinction between domestic animals, wildlife, and non-native species. From primates, wild cats, antelope and birds to reptiles, crocodilians, fish, and even venomous snakes, her work spans an extraordinary diversity of species, each with its own anatomy, physiology, behavioural traits, and medical risks. She explains why surgery on exotic animals is vastly different from domestic practice: tiny, fragile patients; highly sensitive responses to anaesthesia; slow healing processes; specialised equipment; and the ever-present risk of stress-induced complications. In this world, there is no formula—every case is handled individually, with meticulous attention to detail. Memorable Cases and Life-Saving Decisions The interview brings listeners into the operating theatre through unforgettable cases: A red kangaroo saved after the removal of a massive cancerous tumour once deemed inoperable A lioness brought back from the brink after emergency surgery for a life-threatening uterine infection A Cape vulture revived through swift tele-guided intervention Surgeries on a gorilla, gibbon, capuchin, and even a forest cobra with facial cancer These moments underscore a powerful philosophy that defines Dr du Plessis’s work: every life deserves a chance, regardless of species, size, or public perception. The Hidden Realities of Veterinary Medicine Beyond the remarkable cases, Dr du Plessis speaks candidly about the less glamorous realities of the profession, such as its emotional toll, physical demands, financial pressures, and exposure to zoonotic diseases such as tuberculosis. She highlights the importance of emotional resilience and support in a field where burnout is common. She also addresses widespread misconceptions about owning exotic pets, warning that they are neither low-maintenance nor inexpensive, and that many animals suffer due to inadequate knowledge, improper care, and delayed medical attention. Women, Science, and Breaking Stereotypes As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated and physically demanding field, Dr du Plessis reflects on gender bias, recounting moments where her expertise was questioned simply because she is female. Rather than deterring her, these experiences strengthened her resolve—fuelling a career built on competence, discipline, and consistency. She speaks passionately about the growing opportunities for women in exotic medicine, conservation, research, academia, and zoo practice, and emphasises that empathy, communication, and attention to detail are strengths—not weaknesses—in veterinary science. Balancing Career, Motherhood, and Identity One of the most resonant parts of the conversation is Dr du Plessis’s honest reflection on motherhood and work. Rejecting the myth of perfect balance, she reframes success as finding fulfilment in both career and family, supported by boundaries, self-care, and strong support systems. “Recharge is not a luxury,” she reminds listeners; it is a necessity. Perseverance, Mentorship, and Purpose Dr du Plessis shares her own story of perseverance, initially failing to gain entry into veterinary school, persisting through years of study, and succeeding against steep odds in one of South Africa’s most competitive academic fields. She highlights the importance of mentors, community, and choosing the right tribe, as well as contributing to the global knowledge base through research and publishing. A Message to Women and Girls Closing the conversation, Dr du Plessis delivers a powerful message to women across the continent: You belong in science. You belong in medicine. You belong in specialised fields. Success may not follow a straight line, but with discipline, curiosity, and belief in yourself, it is achievable. Tune in for more

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February 13, 2026

Dr Kaylin Du Plessis – Exotic Vet: Pretoria Zoo – Limitless

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Kaylin du Plessis, a veterinarian at the Pretoria Zoo whose work combines exotic animal medicine, complex surgery, conservation, and compassion. From the...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Dr Claudia Cardoso from the University of Pretoria. Dr Claudia Cardoso’s interest in veterinary science was ignited when she was 10 years old, watching a local veterinarian diagnose and treat her sick dog, an ordinary consultation that, for a young girl, revealed something extraordinary. In that moment, she witnessed “knowledge in action”— a spark that would shape her life’s path. Dr Cardoso shares what it meant to rebuild her career after immigrating to South Africa without speaking English, navigating professional scepticism in a male-dominated production environment, and persevering Veterinary Science Beyond the Clinic With nearly two decades of experience, Dr Cardoso offers a window into the diverse realities of veterinary work beyond companion animals. Her expertise spans animal health, reproduction, and production systems — areas critical to food security and rural livelihoods. Through university-led outreach programmes, she worked directly with underserved rural communities, providing veterinary care where access is limited or non-existent. She recounts memorable cases where timely intervention, education on nutrition, and preventive health measures helped farmers preserve entire herds, safeguarding both animals and household livelihoods. These stories underscore the vital role veterinarians play in development, sustainability, and social impact. Gender, Expertise, and Earning Trust Veterinary production systems are still widely perceived as male-dominated spaces, particularly at farm management level. Dr Cardoso speaks about moments when her expertise was questioned or her advice challenged, not because of its scientific merit, but because of who she was. Rather than internalising these experiences, she explains how she learned to navigate them with technical rigour, clarity, and evidence-based outcomes. By presenting facts, outlining consequences, and allowing results to speak for themselves, she asserts a powerful lesson: credibility is built through consistency, confidence, and measurable impact. Animal Production, Ethics, and Feeding the World Dr Cardoso demystifies animal production for listeners, explaining why it is central to global food systems. With a growing global population, the challenge is not simply producing more food, but doing so ethically, sustainably, and with respect for animal welfare and environmental limits. She explores how genetics, nutrition, disease prevention, and welfare standards must work together for animals to reach their full potential, and why productivity without care is neither viable nor ethical. Her insights reveal the delicate balance between profitability, responsibility, and long-term sustainability in modern livestock systems. One Welfare: An Interconnected World Central to Dr Cardoso’s philosophy is the One Welfare framework, the understanding that animal welfare, human wellbeing, environmental health, and food security are inseparable. She explains how farmers’ livelihoods are directly tied to the health of their animals, and how crises affecting livestock often place people at personal risk as they attempt to protect what sustains them. Lessons in Resilience, Curiosity, and Purpose Dr Cardoso closes the show with a message to girls and women to remain curious, pursue the education or career that calls to you, and trust that your contribution matters — not only to yourself, but to society at large. Tune in for more…

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February 5, 2026

Dr Claudia Cardoso – Animal Production Veterinarian: University of Pretoria – Remain Curious

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Dr Claudia Cardoso from the University of Pretoria. Dr Claudia Cardoso’s interest in veterinary science was ignited when she was 10 years old, watching a loc...

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Dr Kaylin Du Plessis – Exotic Vet: Pretoria Zoo – Limitless

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Dr Claudia Cardoso – Animal Production Veterinarian: University of Pretoria – Remain Curious

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Tag: Women Vets

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Dr Kaylin Du Plessis – Exotic Vet: Pretoria Zoo – Limitless

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Dr Claudia Cardoso – Animal Production Veterinarian: University of Pretoria – Remain Curious

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