Barbara Bonner's love of "herps" (amphibians and reptiles) dates back 36 years,
to when she was a small child. Although there were intervals during which she
vowed to become a "normal person," they did not last. It was never long before
her Tupperware would be reappropriated as water dishes, her windowsill space
occupied with assorted reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, and all her
resources devoted to the care and well-being of her menagerie.
Bonner says she is fortunate to have a devoted and understanding husband who
joins her in the conservation and welfare issues undertaken by the Turtle
Hospital. She will currently take in and treat any ill or injured herp; if
clients cannot pay, they can donate the patient to the Turtle Hospital, and it
will receive appropriate veterinary treatment. Space limitations occasionally
limit their capacity to treat certain animals.
In addition to the Turtle Hospital, Bonner participates in the revitalization
of the Franklin Park and Stone Zoos. There she serves as consulting
veterinarian to the herp collection of the zoos, where she works closely with
veterinarians Dr. Becky Chafel and head veterinarian Dr. Haley Weston to ensure
the health of the zoo herps.
