Mariana Fragoso, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr Mariana Fragoso grew up in Lisbon, Portugal, by the ocean, where she spent her childhood captivated by wildlife documentaries and dreaming of living among fascinating animals. She led the Exotic and Wildlife Student Chapter at university and graduated with an Integrated Master’s in Veterinary Medicine from Lisbon University, with research focused on dolphin conservation in Chilean Patagonia. Dr Mariana has contributed to sea turtle nesting research in Cape Verde and Florida, completed a sea turtle medicine and rehabilitation internship in Florida, USA, and volunteered as a veterinary surgeon at a sea turtle rescue centre in Greece. Following her graduation, she joined a wildlife NGO in Bolivia, where she worked closely with all jungle animals particularly big cats, another of her lifelong passions. Dr Mariana completed the SeaVet Clinical Training Course at the University of Florida and an Aquatic Animal Medicine course in Mexico. From 2020 to 2022, she worked in small animal and exotic hospital in the UK and served as Veterinary Advisor and Communications Lead for the Sea Turtle Rescue Alliance (STRA). From 2022 to 2024, Dr Mariana worked as the Veterinary Surgeon for the Olive Ridley Project in the Maldives. In 2025, she transitioned to a remote role as a Conservation Medical Researcher, focusing on developing and refining rehabilitation protocols, analysing medical data, and advancing sea turtle healthcare. She is currently STRA’s Programme Manager. Working remotely has also enabled her to continue her academic development. Dr Mariana has completed a postgraduate degree in Wildlife Conservation Medicine and is currently pursuing one in Exotic Animal Medicine. She enjoys diving, snorkelling, trekking, and gardening.