Frances Hulst graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 1983. She worked for a number of years, both in Australia and the UK, in domestic and exotic small animal practice before spending a brief period in clinical research.

She commenced a veterinary internship at Taronga Zoo in 1991 during which she completed a Masters’ degree in Wildlife Medicine and Husbandry. After working as a veterinary locum at several zoos in Eastern Australia, Frances joined Taronga Zoo as Veterinary Officer in 1995.

She is responsible for maintaining the health and welfare of the Zoo’s animal collection; together with treatment of wildlife brought into the Taronga Wildlife Hospital and participation in conservation, research and education programs. Advice and veterinary services are provided to wildlife conservation and recovery programs, both in situ and ex situ, internal and external TCSA approved research projects, and marine animal stranding/rescue events.

Frances has been the veterinary representative on the TCSA animal care and ethics committee since 2001.