Norman Mukarati

Norman Mukarati, B.Vsc., M.Sc., is a wildlife veterinarian with 11 years of experience in the field, most of which was acquired in Zimbabwe.  A 1991 graduate of the University of Zimbabwe, Dr. Mukarati then became a Resident Veterinary Surgeon (Intern) there with the University Veterinary Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science.  This 10-month position focused mostly on small animal surgery.

In 1993, Dr. Mukarati joined the Wildlife Unit of the Department of Veterinary Services, Zimbabwe. This position provided intensive hands-on wildlife veterinary training. Duties included: wildlife veterinary medicine and surgery (disease investigation, medical and surgical treatments); disease research; capture and translocation exercises, including those involving endangered species such as rhinoceroses; coordinating implementation of official regulations related to wildlife keeping and movement; as well as assisting with the administration of the commercialised Wildlife Unit. During this time, Dr. Mukarati travelled extensively within and outside of Zimbabwe on duties that included consultancies in Nigeria, Swaziland, and Zambia. He also organised training of veterinarians in wildlife medicine, with a focus on ostriches. From January 2002 to September 2002, Dr. Mukarati was a lecturer teaching wildlife sciences at Bindura University, Zimbabwe. He continued to be active in wildlife practice as an independent consultant for the private sector, NGOs, and government. In October 2002, he joined the Botswana Department of Wildlife & National Parks as their Wildlife Veterinary Officer. Future aspirations include attainment of a PhD, and more international experience through professional association activities and fieldwork.