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Our Story

About Wandering Wings

A mobile avian & exotic hospital, built to bring advanced medicine to your nest.
Wandering Wings exists because birds and exotic pets deserve the same standard of medicine as any other patient — delivered where they are calmest, in their own home.
Dr. Zonenshine with a hyacinth macaw
Dr. Gabriela Zonenshine portrait
Her Story

From Cornell to the canopy —
and to your living room.

Dr. Gabriela Zonenshine (pronounced “Sunshine”) graduated summa cum laude from Cornell University with a dual degree in Biology and Animal Science, then earned her DVM at Cornell, her Master of Public Health at the University of Minnesota, and her Executive MPA at Columbia University. She is certified in Chinese Veterinary Acupuncture by the Chi Institute.
Her surgical training spans minimally invasive surgery and advanced orthopedics at Guardian Veterinary Specialists and interventional radiology research at the Animal Medical Center. She completed a OneHealth wildlife internship with the Wildlife Conservation Society, served as veterinarian for the Turtle Back Zoo, and completed her residency in Avian Medicine & Surgery at the Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics in July 2026.
She is a published avian-medicine researcher, an AAV conference speaker, a three-time National Geographic book author, and the founder of The Gabby Wild Foundation 501(c)(3) — a career spent protecting exotic species from Jane Goodall’s chimpanzees in Uganda to elephants in Indonesia.
Summa cum laude
Cornell University
DVM · MPH · EMPA · CVA
Advanced degrees & certification
3× author
National Geographic books
Avian residency
Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics
Mission & Pillars

Wandering Wings Veterinary Services: Mobile Avian Concierge Veterinary Care
Exceptional avian medicine delivered with dignity, compassion, and purpose.

Our Five Pillars

01

Dignity

Every Animal Matters.

We believe every patient—whether a beloved budgerigar, a backyard chicken, a rescued pigeon, or a rare macaw—deserves to be treated with respect, compassion, and dignity.

Birds especially are intelligent, emotional beings with unique personalities, preferences, and relationships. We honour their intrinsic value and advocate for their welfare throughout every stage of life.

What this means:

  • Fear-reduced handling
  • Respectful patient care
  • Quality-of-life advocacy
  • Compassionate end-of-life support
  • Individualized treatment plans

Our belief: A bird’s value is never determined by its species, rarity, age, or economic worth.

02

Excellence

Advanced Medicine Without Compromise.

We are committed to delivering the highest standard of avian veterinary medicine through evidence-based practice, continuous learning, and clinical excellence.

Our patients deserve more than routine care—they deserve thoughtful, advanced, and personalized medicine.

What this means:

  • Thorough evaluations
  • Advanced diagnostics
  • Evidence-based decision making
  • Lifelong professional development
  • Collaboration with specialists when needed

Our belief: Excellence is not a destination—it is a daily commitment.

03

Education

Empowered Owners Create Healthier Pets.

The most important member of a bird’s or exotic animal’s healthcare team is often the person who shares their home.

Through education, we empower owners to recognize illness earlier, provide better husbandry, and become confident advocates for their animals.

What this means:

  • Transparent communication
  • Husbandry guidance
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Pet Parent Academy resources
  • Community outreach and mentorship

Our belief: Knowledge is one of the most powerful forms of preventive medicine.

04

Connection

Strengthening the Human-Animal Bond.

Birds & exotics enrich our lives through companionship, trust, intelligence, and joy.

We believe veterinary medicine should nurture not only physical health but also the extraordinary relationships that exist between birds and their families.

What this means:

  • Concierge-level communication
  • Longer appointments
  • Personalized care plans
  • Relationship-centered medicine
  • Emotional support during difficult decisions

Our belief: The bond between a bird and its family is worthy of exceptional care.

05

Conservation

Every Companion Bird Has a Wild Story.

The care we provide at home is inseparable from the conservation of birds in the wild.

As veterinarians, educators, and global citizens, we recognize our responsibility to protect biodiversity and inspire stewardship for future generations.

What this means:

  • Conservation education
  • Responsible aviculture advocacy
  • Wildlife awareness
  • Support of species conservation efforts
  • Inspiring future conservation leaders

Our belief: When people learn to care deeply for one bird, they become more likely to care for the future of all birds.

The Wandering Wings Promise

At Wandering Wings, we deliver veterinary care that honours the dignity of every pet, empowers every family through education, advances health through excellence, strengthens human-animal connections, and inspires conservation beyond the home.

Upcoming Events
Talks, workshops, and appearances are being scheduled now — the calendar lands here soon.

MEDIA & SPEAKING

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BOOKS · TALKS AT GOOGLE · THE NEW YORK TIMES · FORBES · TELEVISION APPEARANCES · CONSERVATION EXPEDITIONS · PUBLIC SPEAKING
⚠ Pending content: National Geographic book photos with links to be provided.
A bird’s value is never determined by its species, rarity, age, or economic worth.
THE FIRST PILLAR · DIGNITY