From sharks to chimps to moon bears: tales of a supervet

Romain Pizzi, who pioneered keyhole surgery for animals, is arguably the most versatile and inventive vet in the world

In 2012, the conservation charity Free the Bears approached Romain Pizzi, one of the most innovative wildlife surgeons in Europe, with an unusual patient. A specialist in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery - until recently rare in veterinary medicine - Pizzi has operated on giraffes and tarantulas, penguins and baboons, giant tortoises and at least one shark, and maintains a reputation for taking on cases others won't. If you're in possession of a tiger with gallstones, or a suspiciously sickly beaver, you call Pizzi. As Matt Hunt, CEO of Free the Bears says, "We have other vets who are incredibly talented. But Romain is one of a kind."

Pizzi has operated on giraffes and tarantulas, penguins and baboons, giant tortoises and at least one shark