We welcome Elena Barrio as Country Manager
The Spanish team is very pleased to welcome Elena Barrio as a new Country Manager. As a former Veterinarian at our headquarters The Donkey Sanctuary in UK, Elena has been responsible for providing advice, which shapes the best veterinarian donkey practices, and supervising the new intake of donkeys into the sanctuaries in UK since 2005.
She qualified as a vet from the University of Zaragoza (Spain) in 2003. After spending two years getting hands-on experience in Equine Clinics and Hospitals, she started working at The Donkey Sanctuary in 2005, where she was responsible of the new intake reception farm and the admissions of donkeys.
In 2012, she gained a certificate in Advance Veterinary Practice and she is currently working towards a Phd on Equine Veterinary Medicine.
During the last year, she has worked as Veterinary Adviser at The Donkey Sanctuary; during that period, she helped developed several welfare and biosecurity guidelines. She is also coordinator at the AVEE (Asociacion de Veterinarios Especialistas en Equidos), an Equine Expert Veterinarian Union in Spain, and actively participates in several other equine welfare groups.
To get to know her a bit better, we have asked a couple of questions :)
1. How long have you been working at The Donkey Sanctuary?
I have been with The Donkey Sanctuary over 15 years now; I was offered a 9 months contract to cover a maternity leave and I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn how the charity works and learn more about the donkeys; 15 years later I am still learning and feel very passionate about the work we do and of course I love donkeys.
2. What made you want to come back to Spain and work as a Country Manager for El Refugio del Burrito?
As part of my role in the UK I have been frequently visiting El Refugio del burrito and have tried to be involved as much as possible and support them whenever I got the chance but I have always felt I could do more for the donkey and mule welfare in Spain. I loved living in the UK and will miss my colleagues and friends but I am also very excited to be back and be closer to family.
3. What are three things you’re really looking forward to?
Working with my Spanish colleagues: the farm staff, vets, farriers, dentist (that I met so many years ago in some of my visits), Showing my family and friends the excellent work that El Refugio del burrito does and working towards improving donkey and mule welfare in Spain after so many years working in the UK.
4. Can you give us an interesting fact about yourself?
I am scare of highs but have been rock climbing many times as a hobby. I guess, I have always try to overcome fear, persevere and work towards self-improvement. I also enjoy every sport I try and practice as many as I can.
5. If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?
I asked my daughter and she advised me to choose super girl… I believe she has a few superpowers including flying and super senses which she thinks are very cool. It all sounds very useful to me! Having healing powers would also be amazing although not sure which super hero has those.