are a huge attraction at the market AND more often than
not, a forever home is found for them. The market is also a
great opportunity for accepting donations and to fund raise.
Having a presence at the market each Saturday also presents
us with an opportunity to speak with both locals and tourists,
educating them about the clinic and the fine work that the
volunteers are doing there.
Te Are Manu Manager, Deb and one of our volunteer vets Dr
Harriet recently travelled to the Island of Atiu to de-sex dogs.
Another volunteer Vet Dr Craig also spent some time on Aitu
with the Ministry of Agriculture assessing livestock. There is also
active fundraising afoot to fund more visits to the outer islands.
Air Rarotonga has been very supportive of the clinics work
in the outer islands. This includes a visit to Aitutaki last year
for several volunteers to desex cats, a recent trip to the island
of Atiu and a return trip to Aitutaki. They also fly in cats
from Aitutaki.The cat arrives in the morning, has surgery and
is flown back to Aitutaki in the afternoon. A long day for
the cats! Steph Joseph, a resident on Aitutaki helps with the
island’s cats and other animals, and calls us for assistance.
Te Are Manu has had its doors opened for approx. 18 months.
We are proud of how it has grown from a concept to a full
blown veterinary clinic. The community response has been
very supportive as well. We would like to think that this could
be a success story for other small island groups who are also
trying to establish this type of veterinary service within their
island communities.
Back row (left to right): Tereza Schiffnederova (Czech vet), Natalie Smith (NZ vet
nurse), Laura Doeven (Aus vet), Giulia Roncon (Italy vet), Debbie Topp (NZ manager).
Front row (left to right): Tiare Nicholas Bublick (America volunteer), Sunny (Cook
Islands dog), Vicki Lim (Singapore final year vet student).
Te Are Manu welcomes donations of surgical equipment, drugs,
medical supplies and the expertise of veterinary professionals
wanting to volunteer in the beautiful Cook Islands year round.
If you are interested in helping the animals of the Cook
Islands, please email the Board Secretary at volunteer@
tearemanu.com.
Escape Magazine • 75