The Team
Meet your Exotic Surgical team
Dr Bernice van Huyssteen
Veterinarian
Dr Bernice grew up on a farm surrounded by every animal you can think of, and from that a love for all things weird and wonderful were born (to her joy, and her parents dismay!). After completing an Animal Biotechnology degree and Honours in Genetics at the University of Stellenbosch, she proceeded to complete her Veterinary degree at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Upon finishing her undergrad degree she completed an Internship in Surgery at the Animal Referral Hospital in Sydney, and stayed on as a Surgical Registrar. In 2011 she returned to South Africa, and opened the first Bird and Exotic Clinic in the Western Cape in 2014. Over the years her love for surgery persisted, and finally the decision was made to fully live that passion by opening a purpose-built Exotic Surgery clinic. When she is not doing surgery she has the immense privilege of serving as the Head Sea Turtle Veterinarian at the Two Oceans Turtle Concervation Centre
Sr Brigitte Bohmer
Veterinary Nurse
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Brigitte grew up on a farm in the Transvaal and qualified as veterinary nurse from Onderstepoort in 2007.
She started out her nursing career at a specialist centre in Durban whereafter she continued to work at various mixed animal practices throughout South Africa. Her passion for wildlife and exotic pets have led her to join Dr Bernice’s Exotic Clinic in 2017.
At home she has one husband, two daughters, two furry daughters and one feathered son. She has a newly acquired interest in Aquatic Nursing and enjoys spending time in nature and with family.
Blessing Gome
Hygeine Queen
Blessing is originally from Zimbabwe. She has been working alongside our exotic team for 4 years and have been key to making sure our practice is kept sterile, ordered and our little animals fed and loved.
Merline Haarhoff
Bookings manager
Merline loves seeing all her exotic patients walk through the door, even though she is secretly a cat lover! She shares her home with her husband and three cats - Milkshake, Cuddles and Fluffy. Her dream is to one day open an animal sancutary!
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"Be the change you want to see in the world"
