AusLeisure

Former Zoos SA veterinarian, Dr David John Schultz, has received the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in Queen's Birthday Honours in recognition of 54 years of dedicated service to the veterinary care, wellbeing, conservation and research of wildlife.

One of Schultz’s most significant contributions to wildlife conservation and research has been spearheading the active collaboration between veterinarians and biologists to work together in wildlife health and conservation programs.  

Dr Schultz notes “I was surprised when I heard the news. It’s not the sort of thing you think about when you’re just doing your job.

“In fact, it’s a little embarrassing. Especially when I think about the standard that other veterinarians are currently achieving.”

On Schultz having received the prestigious award, Zoos SA Chief Executive, Elaine Bensted commented “I can’t think of a more worthy recipient than Dr David Schultz.

“I’m so pleased that David’s passion and long-serving commitment to the conservation of wildlife through his veterinary work, programming and his role as an educator has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

“Zoos SA is extremely grateful to David for the time and energy he has given us both over the years as our Senior Veterinarian and beyond.”  

Schultz graduated in 1966 from the University of Sydney and quickly began his own practice in his hometown of Adelaide, rapidly developing a large avian and wildlife caseload.  

In 1979, Schultz was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to study Avian Medicine and Surgery in the USA and UK. Soon after his return, he began working at Zoos SA and eventually becoming the Societies’ first full-time veterinarian in 1986. Working as Senior Veterinarian for over two decades, Schultz semi-retired in 2006 but continued to work part-time at Zoos SA until as recently as 2018 where he regularly mentored up-and-coming veterinarians.  

Actively involved in wildlife conservation and research, Schultz has been published in both national and international journals and has led conservation programs that have seen the reintroduction of many native animals including Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies, Brush-tailed Rock Wallabies, Mainland Tamar wallabies, Black-flanked Rock Wallabies, Woma pythons and Western quoll.

A popular and much sought-after presenter on the conference circuit, Schultz has coupled his great communication skills with being an excellent teacher, mentor and supervisor.  

In his role as Director of the Schultz Foundation, he has overseen the disbursement of thousands of dollars support Honours and PhD research projects in wildlife conservation, marsupial reproductive biology, wildlife ecology and wildlife health and veterinary medicine as well as funding conservation projects for a number of threatened species.

The recognition as Member of the Order of Australia (AM) builds on his reputation as a true leader in the field. His previous awards include a Churchill Fellowship (1979), Life membership of Wildlife Disease Association (Australian Chapter, 2001) and Wildlife Disease Association (International) Emeritus Award (2015).

Zoos SA would also like to extend its congratulations to long-term associates Mr Manfred Ernst Heide, who received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to native animal welfare and conservation and Mr Peter Ross Wadewitz, who received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the organic recycling industry.

Related Articles

8th June 2020 - Industry figures recognised in 2020 Queen’s Birthday honours

2nd June 2020 - Zoos SA unable to reopen under current suggested restrictions

27th May 2020 - Adelaide zoo otter pups pass first health check on World Otter Day

25th May 2020 - Australian Marine Conservation Society would welcome additional support for reef tourism sector

23rd May 2020 - Aussie Ark commits to turtle conservation on World Turtle Day

21st May 2020 - Successful conservation program ensures Bandicoot survival

3rd May 2020 - National Heritage areas receive new conservation funding

7th April 2020 - Adelaide Zoo announces birth of three otter pups

3rd April 2020 - Zoos SA launch live streaming keeper talks

23rd January 2020 - Zoos SA plans wildlife recovery strategies following bushfires

13th January 2020 - Burnt animals recover at Adelaide Zoo as wildlife toll increases to over one billion

17th December 2019 - Adelaide Zoo keep animals cool through summer heat

13th December 2019 - New Sydney Zoo opens with committment to support wildlife conservation and education

12th December 2019 - Conservation groups call for action on Australia’s endangered sharks

24th November 2019 - Giant Pandas to remain at Adelaide Zoo for another five years

16th November 2019 - Taronga Conservation calls for urgent funding to address emerging koala crisis

9th November 2019 - Adelaide Zoo secures South Australian Major Tourism Attraction of the Year award

30th September 2019 - Adelaide Zoo launches new Variety Children’s Zoo

29th September 2019 - ZAA-accredited zoos and aquariums highlight their activities through Conservation Week

11th August 2019 - Adelaide Zoo now home to two pig-nosed turtles

22nd May 2019 - Jane Goodall visits Adelaide Zoo and shares her thoughts on climate change

1st May 2019 - Adelaide Zoo otter breeding program continues to be successful

9th April 2019 - Adelaide Zoo to keep pandas Wang Wang and Fu Ni

14th February 2019 - Zoos SA look to keep giant pandas in Adelaide

30th January 2019 - Taronga Zoo Director recognised for commitment to wildlife conservation

29th October 2018 - 120th birthday sees Perth Zoo celebrate changing conservation role

24th December 2016 - Adelaide Zoo the first in Australia to roll out iBeacon technology

20th February 2015 - Zoos SA releases plans for new wildlife experiences at Adelaide and Monarto Zoos

18th August 2014 - Zoos SA reverses decision to end selling palm oil free ice cream

14th February 2013 - Zoos SA to close Warrawong Sanctuary

17th October 2011 - Zoos SA halts plans for African safari experience

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.