Helen Schwantje

Helen was the wildlife veterinarian for British Columbia until 2021. Following graduation from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, she worked in mixed animal and zoo medicine practice for a few years before obtaining a Master of Science degree in veterinary pathology (focused on bighorn sheep health in the East Kootenay region of BC). Over three decades, Helen established the BC Wildlife Health Program and developed a first-hand understanding of the conservation challenges that caribou face and the solutions to ensure their survival into the future. She continues her involvement as a founding member of the Caribou Conservation Breeding Foundation (now Caribou Conservation Alliance) to create awareness and partnerships, exploring innovative approaches to caribou recovery.