Laia Sánchez Golobart | Wildlife Veterinarian

I am Laia Sánchez Golobart, a wildlife veterinarian and educator at the Zoo del Pirineu.
I am responsible for the health and rehabilitation of rescued animals, the training of future professionals, and the legal management of the centre.

Education: Degree in Veterinary Medicine at the Autonomous University of Barcelona

Member of: EAZWV

Teaching: Practical training course for veterinary students

What I enjoy most: hiking in the mountains, walking by the sea, birdwatching, and discovering new places through travel.

What I don’t like: disorder. I get nervous when someone doesn’t understand my way of organising things (I admit, I’m a bit of a perfectionist…). I also don’t like tomatoes.

My personal challenge for 2025

Every year we receive animals in critical condition: road accidents, electrocutions, shootings, or cases of abuse. To provide them with the best veterinary care, we urgently need an X-ray machine.

Estimated cost: €23,000. With your support, we will be able to diagnose with precision and save many more lives.

Make your donation for the X-ray machine

Laia Sanchez’s life before the Zoo del Pirineu

From childhood to vocation

From an early age, I felt fascinated by every kind of animal: domestic, wild, and farm animals. That passion led me to dedicate my life to becoming a wildlife veterinarian.

Childhood

Laia petting a farm animal as a child showing her early passion for animals A wildlife veterinarian from the very beginning

Since I was a child, I have always loved animals – whether domestic, wild, or farm animals.

University

During my university years, I completed my training on a pig farm: they are great fun, but they squeal a lot!

Internship in the USA

Wildlife veterinarian intern at seaworld texas Gaining international experience in wildlife care

After finishing university, I carried out an internship at SeaWorld Texas.

Internship in Spain

Wildlife veterinarian intern at the oceanogràfic of valencia working with a beluga Specialising in marine wildlife

Internship at the Oceanogràfic of Valencia.

Work in the Philippines

Wildlife veterinarian handling a bat at a wildlife rescue centre in the philippines First professional experience in conservation and rescue

My first job as a veterinarian was at the wildlife rescue centre in the Philippines, Wildlife in Need Foundation.

England

Laia sanchez golobart with raptor chicks during wildlife rehabilitation work

My second role as a veterinarian was at the RSPCA, the largest wildlife rescue centre in England.

My work at the Zoo del Pirineu

Today, I am the head wildlife veterinarian at the rescue centre of the Zoo del Pirineu, where every animal has a unique story. My main responsibilities are:

Veterinary care, nutrition, and welfare

Wildlife veterinarian performing surgery on an injured genet in the rescue centres operating theatre

I operate on animals that arrive at the rescue centre with severe injuries.

Wildlife veterinarian examining a fox at the zoo del pirineu ensuring its health and wellbeing

I am responsible for the health of the inhabitants of the Zoo del Pirineu rescue centre.

Wildlife veterinarian examining faecal samples under a microscope to prevent diseases

I spend a lot of time analysing faeces (yes, poo!) to detect health threats to animals in time.

Wildlife veterinarian supervising the feeding of a wild boar at the rescue centre designing appropriate diets

I design and supervise the diet of all species.

Professional training in wildlife veterinary medicine

Wildlife veterinarian delivering practical training courses for veterinarians and veterinary nurses in animal care

I teach specialised courses for veterinarians and veterinary nurses.

Veterinary course

Wildlife veterinarian guiding students during their internship while they care for an animal at the rescue centre

I supervise internships where students gain hands-on experience in the care of wild animals.

Internships at the Zoo del Pirineu

Wildlife veterinarian leading a continuous training session for the rescue centre staff

Continuous team training
I lead internal animal welfare programmes to maintain the highest standards of care at the Zoo.

Wildlife veterinarian explaining to visitors during educational and awareness activities at the rescue centre

Education and awareness: I guide visitors through educational activities and school visits.

Legal compliance

Wildlife veterinarian reviewing documents and working on the computer for the management of the rescue centre

I take care of the complex legal side of working with wildlife: permits, registrations, and official regulations. It is a demanding task, but essential to ensure animal welfare and maintain transparency at the Zoo del Pirineu.

Conservation

I coordinate conservation and research projects developed by the Zoo del Pirineu Foundation, always with one goal: to protect native wildlife and contribute to scientific knowledge about nature.

Construction

Wildlife veterinarian with the zoo del pirineu team in the forest working together for the animals

When new facilities are needed for the animals, we build them ourselves as a team. Each member contributes their effort and knowledge, turning the lack of resources into an opportunity for unity and commitment.

Laia sanchez golobart inspecciona una cria de zorro que fue ingresado en el centro de rescate

Join my mission

Being a wildlife veterinarian is not just my profession – it is my commitment to nature.
But I cannot do it alone: every day, animals arrive who depend on our help.

Donate now to support veterinary work at the Zoo del Pirineu

With your support, I will be able to provide faster diagnoses and save the lives of hundreds of wild animals.