Meet the Team at the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital

Dr. Lisa Argilla, Wildlife Veterinary and Operations Manager, is the visionary behind the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital. She has been leading the veterinary team since the hospital was established in 2018 thanks to the enormous contribution of co-founder Jordana Whyte and the many others who have helped make the hospital’s mahi possible.
Lisa's veterinary training was completed at Massey University where she also completed a 3 year Residency in Avian, Zoo and Wildlife Health, during which time she gained her Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Surgeons by examinations in Avian Medicine and Surgery. She also completed a Masters of Veterinary Science degree where she researched health issues in hoiho/yellow-eyed penguins. She spent 5 years in the role of Veterinary Science Manager at The Nest Te Kōhanga Veterinary Hospital at Wellington Zoo before establishing the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital.
Her fieldwork with hoiho was the initial inspiration behind establishing a world-class wildlife hospital on the lower South Island.
In 2021, Lisa was recognised with a Queen’s Honour, being made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her contributions to Conservation and Animal Welfare.

Dr. Elizabeth (Lizzie) Thomas, Wildlife Veterinarian, joined the Hospital team in 2019.
Lizzie completed her veterinary training at the Royal Veterinary College in London, and worked first as a veterinary surgeon in a mixed practice in Wales. After relocating to New Zealand in 2013, Lizzie worked as a large animal vet with experience in dairy, sheep, beef and deer, and was a member of her practice’s Senior Management Team.
Lizzie is studying for entry to the Membership of the Australian and NZ College of Veterinary Surgeons in Avian Health.

Angelina (Gina) Martelli is our Senior Wildlife Vet Nurse and Practice Manager. She is a founding member of our veterinary team and has been with the organisation since its inception in 2018.
Gina studied vet nursing at the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, as well as completing a range of specialty courses and training to further her skills in multiple areas, including pain and wound management. She worked in a range of small animal practices before being employed as a vet nurse at Wellington Zoo.
In 2022, Gina completed her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at the Otago Polytechnic (Level 6).

Dr. Samantha (Sam) Howarth, Wildlife Veterinarian, joined the Hospital team in 2026.
Sam completed her veterinary training at Onderstepoort in South Africa and has worked as a veterinary surgeon in mixed practice across South Africa, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
In 2022, Sam completed the Avian Wildlife Healthcare Certificate and subsequently joined our Hospital team briefly as a locum veterinarian. Since then, she has also completed a Diploma in Wildlife Management through the University of Otago.
Sam is currently undertaking a Master’s degree, with her research focusing on diphtheritic stomatitis in hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins).

Suzanne Stephenson, General Manager, joined the Wildlife Hospital Trust in July 2025.
Suzanne has a background in Management, Brand, Marketing and Communications, and has held senior management roles in some of New Zealand’s largest organisations.
Suzanne has also held governance positions at a number of not-for-profit community organisations.

Emily Brewer, Wildlife Vet Nurse, joined the Wildlife Hospital team in 2018 shortly after the facility opened.
She completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at Massey University. During her studies, Emily pursued placements and volunteer opportunities that offered hands-on experience with avian health in both native and exotic species.
Emily was named as Covetrus Vet Nurse of the Year in 2022.