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Katelin Hartzheim - Veterinary Technician
Wednesday was our day to visit Symbio Wildlife Park, but the morning began with a trip to the Yallah TAFE campus. Compared to the other campuses we’ve seen, Yallah felt more remote and peaceful, surrounded by open views and designed with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. My first class was in Block A, where I met several staff members from TAFE. There was a small hiccup at the start, the instructor who was supposed to meet me had to take unexpected medical leave, so the staff weren’t aware I was coming. Thankfully, they resolved the mix‑up quickly, and I was able to join an imaging class.
The class itself was fascinating and very hands‑on. We worked with directional terms and practiced placing x‑rays correctly, which was easier for me thanks to some prior knowledge. The students and staff were friendly and helpful, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. It was interesting to see how similar, yet different the learning environment is compared to what we’re used to back home.
After class, we took the bus to Symbio Wildlife Park, and the moment we arrived, the scenery was stunning. The weather was perfect, and the park was full of vibrant greenery and wildlife. As a veterinary student, this visit was especially meaningful for me. I had the chance to participate in a koala encounter, which was an unforgettable experience. I was able to get incredibly close to the koalas, petting them, feeding them, and taking plenty of photos. Their fur was surprisingly dense but incredibly soft.
As we continued through the park, we saw a variety of animals before reaching the kangaroo and wallaby area. I was shocked by how calm and friendly they were. They didn’t mind being pet or fed at all, and I got some of my favorite photos of the entire trip there. Being able to interact with these animals up close was something I’ll never forget.
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