Shackleton - Veterinary Physiotherapy

26/01/2026

Exotic vet physio workshop – 11th & 12th April – Tickets have sold fast on our last two cohorts.

We had a lot of interest at the IRVAP and NAVP conferences, and a lot of requests for a weekend date. So thought we would trial a weekend this year.

Book here -https://shackletonvetphysio.com/product/veterinary-physiotherapy-for-exotic-animals-workshop/

Hear from one of our past attendees!
'I really enjoyed what felt like just scratching the surface in a massive new field; the application of veterinary physiotherapy for exotic species, and overall the course is very thought provoking. The practical skills that we gained are invaluable and applicable to all species. I have found that in particular the behavioural and environmental considerations - and what we can do with these aspects - have really enhanced my equine and small animal practice allowing me to think outside the constraints of standard practice which can often leave some of our patients, particularly those that won’t tolerate a lot of hands-on treatment and management, overlooked. I highly recommend the course and will be looking out for more to come from Shackleton veterinary Physiotherapy.'
- Ruth C. 2024 - Exotics VP Course 2024

Why enroll on our course:
Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy
As well as working as zookeepers and having a wealth of experience in teaching zoo sciences and Veterinary Physiotherapy at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, we have delivered zoo consultancy, physiotherapy, and CPD services to several major UK zoos, and beyond. As well as delivering CPD to zoo vets, nurses, Zookeepers and organisation, including Chester ZOO, London Zoo, Whipsnade Zoo, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Melbourne Zoo, Singapore Zoo, Crocodiles of the World, Detroit Zoo (USA), The American Association of Zookeepera and Crocodile Bank (India). We regularly treat a variety of exotic species ranging from great apes, rhinos, giraffe, large carnivores and Komodo dragons, to pet exotics such as Parrots, Rabbits, and bearded dragons. We also hold a number of unique memberships and clinical positions in zoological and veterinary organisations such as the BVZS, British Association of Zookeepers, and Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance.

The Venue:
Askham Bryan is considered one of the leading educational zoological collections in the UK, has a passionate team of experienced zookeepers, and welcomes over 20,000 visitors annually. As well as being an educational collection for delivering courses from college to university level, it actively participates in research and conservation projects from the UK and worldwide. It is an active member of The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It boasts a contemporary animal center, with high-quality interpretive/education design, and well-themed enclosures to enhance animal welfare and the visitor experience (that is an expectation of the modern zoological collection).

Guest lecturers and industry experts:
This new course has been a long time in the making, and is delivered by 4 experts from their respective fields, Between them they have worked within major zoological collections, and have been actively involved in research, conservation, veterinary care, training, husbandry, education and the mentorship of zoological and veterinary professionals. Our two guest lecturers were chosen not just because of their reputation and success in their respective industries, but because of their passion and drive for the continued improvement of animal welfare.

Some more of our amazing feedback from our cohorts:
"This was an amazing course! I have learnt so much and it was a perfect mix of practical and theory. The lecturers were exceptionally knowledgeable. I only wish it could have been longer. I’ll be back for the next instalments!!"

"This was an incredible course, never heard off and full of interesting and mind-blowing information. Matthew and the whole team (Louise, Lauren and Caitlin) were incredibly knowledgeable and experienced. We managed to work with a great variety of species who all had different needs and requirements. I cannot wait till I am able to come to another course with the Shackleton team!!!! Such an exciting CPD!!!! Many thanks Greta C."

"Great introduction into the implementation of physio and its uses for exotic animals. Was informative and interesting. Also has a great element into widening how to address physiotherapeutic techniques in potentially more nervous animals that require more outside the box thinking. Would love to attend further courses!"

24/01/2026

Really looking forward to speaking at this event next week. Im very passionate about the role of lifestyle and enrichment, in pain and arthritis management. We will look at how approaches in medical sciences are being emulated in contemporary veterinary research, and how enrichment can fill an important role in are pathological and geriatric animals, as help to maintain health in or pets and zoo animals.

🐾 White Rabbit Academy: Animal Professionals Networking Evening 🐾
Are you an animal professional looking to connect with like-minded peers and expand your expertise? Join us for an evening of networking and high-level professional development!

We are thrilled to welcome Matthew Shackleton, a leading Veterinary Physiotherapist, for an insightful presentation on Enrichment for Physical Health.

🗓 Event Details
When: 28th January | 6.45 PM
Where: Business centre (Coleg Cambria), Holywell Road, Northop, Mold CH7 6AA
Cost:
White Rabbit Members: FREE
One-off Tickets: £20

🎙 About the Speaker: Matthew Shackleton
Matthew brings industry-leading knowledge to the field of veterinary physiotherapy. Based in Chester, he and his team at Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy are renowned for their evidence-based, individualised approach to animal care.

Why you won’t want to miss his talk:

Expertise in Exotics & Zoo Species: Matthew is one of the few Veterinary Physiotherapists uniquely qualified and insured to treat specialist zoo species both nationally and internationally.

Academic & Published Authority: As a lecturer and published author (contributing to scientific texts on geriatric captive animals), Matthew bridges the gap between advanced university research and practical, real-world treatment.

Evidence-Based Enrichment: Learn how to move beyond basic welfare to "Functional Enrichment"—understanding how environment and husbandry adjustments can actively support musculoskeletal health, rehabilitation, and the prevention of mobility issues.

Whether you work with domestic dogs and cats or specialist exotic species, Matthew’s "individualised approach" offers invaluable insights into helping animals achieve their best movement and long-term health.

🤝 Why Attend?
Network: Build relationships with other professionals in the Flintshire and Chester animal care community.

Learn: Gain CPD-level insights from a zoo consultancy expert.

Grow: Share experiences and collaborate on ways to improve animal wellbeing across the industry.

Secure your spot now and join the conversation!

Sign up to membership:
www.whiterabbitacademy.co.uk

One off ticket:
https://buy.stripe.com/28E00jcqF7cEczBcJfgw005

14/01/2026

Reptile enrichment workshop.
Last year we hosted our reptile enrichment workshop at Crocodiles of the world. We covered modern research on health, fitness and pain, and the important role of enrichment in the health and longevity of animals in our care. We looked at other areas, such as anatomy and how our choices and enrichment designs can positively or negatively impacting welfare.

Attendees were able to use case studies from around the collection and trial different materials, and enrichment designs, and apply their new knowledge.

We will be running it again this year, but workshops are also available to book in house or at collections, for students, veterinary and zoo professionals

09/01/2026

It was a pleasure to deliver a lecture to the amazing professionals at in December. I delivered some cpd on how behaviour and pain are inextricably linked, and often underestimated in our care and rehabilitation of all animals.

It was attended by their keeping and veterinary teams (from their numerous sites across asia), who have been establishing a rehabilitation program for their bears.
Also, we throughly enjoyed our Christmas present and card from them.

08/01/2026

Happy New Year! It was a pleasure to be invited to deliver a talk for the BWRC on ethical and clinical considerations for rehabilitation in the wildlife setting.

06/11/2025

I'd like to the thank # .uk and for inviting me to speak at their conferences over the last two years. It was such an honour to speak at all three events, and meeting so many kind passionate and professional individuals from all three associations. Really made me feel very enthusiastic about the future of our industry. I was lucky to speak on a variety of topics including - role of behaviour in pain management, the role of environmental management in rehab, lessons from the zoo, contraindications in exotic Animal treatment, and lessons from the zoo in our domestic cases.

03/11/2025

Had a lovely morning helping Ghosts owners with his wheelchair fitting today. He is a very big chap and required a very big chair, and a lot of adjustment for his large frame. He was a lovely lad and wish them all the luck going forward.

03/11/2025

Tomorrow! One ticket left!

https://www.shackletonvetphysio.com/event-details/reptile-enrichment-its-role-in-functional-behaviour-and-tissue-health-2

27/10/2025

Just over a week to go, if you're interested in our reptile workshop at Crocodiles of the world. Last few tickets available.

https://www.shackletonvetphysio.com/event-details/reptile-enrichment-its-role-in-functional-behaviour-and-tissue-health-2

20/10/2025

I'd like to thank for inviting me to speak (lessons from the zoo), and run a workshop on environmental modification at this years conference it was a pleasure, and amazing to meet so many passionate therapists from across the UK. I was also great to represent the on their stand, and talk to therapists about the great work th4 VOA is doing.

15/10/2025

A little over 3 weeks to go. Tickets selling fast.

Reptile enrichment - It's back - 4th November 2025 - Crocodiles of the World

'Really good information from angles that are often missed or dismissed towards animals, especially reptiles. Really, really important step in the right direction for animal keeping. 10/10 would come again’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024

After a very successful event last year, we will be running the event again this year.
We will be taking a deep dive into contemporary research and looking at enrichment in a way that is rarely considered. – It’s important role in fitness, pain and disease management. whether you have very young or geratric animals, how we present, design and utilise our enrichment can have lasting effects on the animals in our care (the research is starting to highlight its importance). We will also be looking at the highly applicable information of reptile specific disease, pain, physiology and tissue adaptation, and there importance on enrichment for this taxonomic group.
There will be a mix of theory and practical skills, that culminates with us working with a variety of species, such as Galapagos Tortoises, Komodo dragon, Crocodiles and a variety of other lizard species.

https://www.shackletonvetphysio.com/event-details/reptile-enrichment-its-role-in-functional-behaviour-and-tissue-health-2

Here is some of the amazing feedback we got:

'Really good information from angles that are often missed or dismissed towards animals, especially reptiles. Really, really important step in the right direction for animal keeping. 10/10 would come again’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024

‘Matthew was really engaging and clearly passionate about the topic. Gained both theoretical and practical skills that I can take back to my role and apply it to more than just behaviour.’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024

‘Really helpful workshop to connect the dots between the physical health of our animals, and how enrichment can influence joint and muscle usage.’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024

‘I thought that the workshop was excellent, the information provided was informative and presented well, and I really enjoyed the practical side to it and being able to see the chosen animals interact with the enrichment we made.’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024

The workshop was hugely informative and has helped me get a better understanding of specific ways to look at enrichment from several angles – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024

I thought that the workshop was excellent, the information provided was informative and presented well, and I really enjoyed the practical side to it and being able to see the chosen animals interact with the enrichment we made – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024

08/10/2025

Looking forward to supporting/supervising the future phd candidate for this project.

Exciting funded PhD opportunity at Harper University.

Thinking, Playing, Connecting: Evidence-Based Enrichment for Cognitively Advanced Social Species in Zoos
Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Holly Vickery, Matthew Shackleton, Lucy Stratford, Jemma Dias

More information here:

Dr Ellen Williams