Scope of Job
Jorge Luis Mercado Ortega, a distinguished graduate of FMVZ-UNAM in Mexico, has built a remarkable career in veterinary and wildlife medicine.
After earning his degree in 2018, Jorge immersed himself in diverse experiences, including volunteering at Dolphin Discovery in Mexico and the Parque Jaime Duque Zoo in Colombia. He spent additional time banding blue-footed boobies and engaging in field courses on wildlife medicine.
Following his graduation, Jorge enhanced his expertise in small animal clinics across Mexico and completed a 10-month externship at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) in Florida.
His leadership skills shone as he served as the head vet at the Belize Raptor Center in 2021 and facilitated online avian and wildlife medicine courses.
Jorge joined Toucan Rescue Ranch in mid-2022 as a Clinic Intern and quickly advanced to head vet at the Release Site. He manages emergency intake from various regions, oversees triage and rehabilitation, and mentors global vet students, ensuring they receive exceptional training and experience.
Biography
At Toucan Rescue Ranch, Jorge Luis Mercado Ortega plays a pivotal role as the head vet at the Release Site. Since joining in mid-2022, he has managed the intake and triage of emergency cases from regions such as Limón, Alajuela, and Sarapiquí. Jorge oversees the stabilization and rehabilitation of wildlife, focusing on preparing them for release back into their natural habitats. In addition to his clinical duties, he is dedicated to mentoring aspiring veterinarians from around the world, providing them with invaluable hands-on training and insights into wildlife medicine. His expertise and commitment are crucial to the Ranch's mission of rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife.