Jonas Spruyt gets sick animals back on their feet
In 'Stream of Consciousness', we give the floor to someone from the UAntwerp community. Our speaker today is Jonas Spruyt. He obtained his Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine in 2011, and became the new vet at Antwerp ZOO and Planckendael ZOO in March 2023.
What drives you?
Practising modern zoo medicine and science, with the ultimate goal of keeping the 7,000 animals of Antwerp ZOO and Planckendael ZOO happy and healthy. In our science centre, the CRC (Centre for Research and Conservation), we conduct academic research in key areas such as conservation of endangered species, conservation genetics, ethology and veterinary medicine.
What is your motto?
A healthy mind in a healthy body, for animals and veterinarians. But above all: stronger together!
What trait do you admire most in your best friends?
Sense of adventure, a good work ethic and empathy!
Which professor impressed you the most?
André Weyns (in memoriam), professor of anatomy in the first and second year of my bachelor. He was very inspiring and quite intimidating, but that’s how he always managed to push you to study hard. I had never been so happy with a 12/20 on my exam (organ anatomy).
Do you have any advice for prospective students?
Invest in yourself (university, courses, internships, experiences, refresher courses, etc.), think out of the box to raise your profile and believe in yourself. A good mentor and a strong dose of perseverance will also come in handy.
What is your favourite memory of your student days?
My internship abroad in South Africa in the second year of my master. There I first came into direct contact with clinical veterinary medicine of wild and endangered species. That’s when I knew that’s what I wanted to do in my career. Since then, I have tried to develop and express my competences to the best extent possible with as many different species as possible. With anaesthesia first!
What is the most important lesson you learnt at university?
Having good theoretical knowledge is the basis of everything!
How did your friends and family react to your career choice?
Very excited, they know it was a childhood dream of mine to work for ZOO one day.
How does your job give you satisfaction?
Giving the animals of ZOO and Planckendael the best care, making a science-based diagnosis and participating in scientific research by working together as a team! Helping a sick animal get back on its feet is a fantastic feeling. Working together in team also gives me a lot of energy, so I am very happy that the KMDA (Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp) is such a social company.
What would you still like to achieve?
In time, I would like to start another PhD at the CRC, simultaneously with my work as a veterinarian for Antwerp Zoo and Planckendael ZOO. I would like to do so a topic related to anaesthesia of endangered species and/or okapis. We are studbook keepers for several species, including okapis. As a result, KMDA plays an important role in the development of scientific knowledge at European and global level. I am happy to contribute to this. The more scientific knowledge we can gather, the better we can provide care for the animals here with us or in the wild. That’s what it’s all about in the end!
City or countryside?
Countryside
Ardennes or the sea?
Ardennes
Cycling or going for a walk?
Cycling
Fiction or non-fiction?
Non-fiction, except if there are rings and hobbits.
Working from home or at the office?
Stable
City or countryside?
Countryside
Ardennes or the sea?
Ardennes
Cycling or going for a walk?
Cycling
Fiction or non-fiction?
Non-fiction, except if there are rings and hobbits.
Working from home or at the office?
Stable