"Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER"…
IS DR. SUSAN KELLEHER OF DEERFIELD BEACH, FLORIDA. FVMA member, Dr. Susan Kelleher of Deerfield Beach, Florida, is the latest reality TV star. Cable TV aficionados have been excited about a new show running on Nat Geo Wild, which features “Dr. K” as she is fondly known by her colleagues and clients at her exotic animal hospital. “Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER” is the name of the television show, and it started a six-show run on Nat Geo on October 4, 2014. “Anything can happen in a place that is so wild, every story is an adventure and the viewer’s imagination is allowed to run wild,” says Nat Geo Wild. All reports are that by joining the cast, Dr. K has provided some of the most riveting images of exotic animals as they are cared for by a dedicated veterinary team. Dr. Susan Kelleher treats exotic pets along with Dr. Santiago Díaz, at Broward Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital in Deerfield Beach. Broward Avian is a full service animal hospital that takes emergency cases, and attends less urgent medical, surgical, and dental issues as well. The doctors are experienced in all types of conditions and treatments, and offer other special resources to clients that teach them to take care of their exotic pets. Originally from Buffalo, New York, the doctor received her Bachelor’s degree with a dual major in Chemistry and Biology from Alfred University in 1990, and went on to veterinary school 10 | FVMA ADVOCATE
at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She has lived and worked in Florida since August, 1995. She lives in Loxahatchee with her family which includes a cat, an African Spur Thigh tortoise, a Macaw, and an English Budgie. She and her husband, Greg, are proud parents of daughters Elba and Claire, and son, Myles. The FVMA Advocate asked Dr. Kelleher to tell us how the show materialized, and describe her experience as a cable television personality. Dr. K: (Dr. Susan Kelleher) I've been asked by many colleagues how I wound up with a show on Nat Geo Wild and what it was like filming with them and what it is like since the show premiered. Here's the story: Nat Geo Wild wanted to do a show based on avian and exotic animals in a veterinary setting. They found us via our website and contacted my office manager, Jeanine Busto. When she asked me if I was interested, I initially was vehemently against this idea. My job is stressful enough without cameras following my every move. She worked on me for a while, convincing me that it would be a great opportunity to educate people about the care that is needed and available for avian and exotic pets. After that, a team from Nat Geo Wild interviewed me and my whole staff via Skype.