Mel Richardson

Mel Richardson was a captive wild animal health consultant and had over 40 years of experience from zookeeper to veterinarian. He cared for animals in zoos, circuses, drive-thru wildlife parks, and private animal owners. He was Mountain Gorilla Veterinarian from September 1992 until March 1993 when war forced an evacuation from Rwanda. He was Project Director for the Brazzaville Gorilla Orphanage in the Republic of the Congo from December 1995 until July 1996. He was veterinarian with Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in San Andreas, CA. He acted as Project Veterinarian for Animal Defenders International's Bolivian Circus Lion Rescue from December 2009 through February 2011, working to inform and educate the public to the reality of the suffering endured by captive wildlife. He assisted groups and like minded individuals by reviewing records, site visits, and expert testimony where needed.