David graduated from the University of Sydney in 1982 with second class honours. He worked for five years in private practice including companion animal, equine and mixed practices. From 1988 to1990 he taught part-time at Sydney TAFE in the school of biology whilst completing a post-graduate Diploma of Veterinary Wild Animal Medicine and Husbandry at the University of Sydney and Taronga Zoo. He was employed as a clinical veterinarian at Taronga Zoo from 1988 to 1989. At the end of 1989 he moved to Dubbo where he was employed as the clinical veterinarian at Western Plains Zoo. In 1991 he was appointed as the Manager, Life Sciences, Western Plains Zoo.

David was admitted to the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in the Medicine of Zoo Animals in 1992. He became an examiner and mentor for candidates for College examinations in Medicine of Zoo Animals and Medicine of Australasian Wildlife Species from 1992 to 2006.

From 1995 to1998 he was enrolled in the Masters of Business Administration course at the University of New England and graduated in 1999. David was elected as a Director of the Animal Gene Storage and Resource Centre of Australia in 1998. He has been a member of the Australian Veterinary Association since 1983 and a member of the Post Graduate Foundation in Veterinary Science since 1988. He is a member of various organisations including the Wildlife Disease Association, the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, the World Association of Wildlife Veterinarians and the Australian Institute of Management. He has been a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons since 1998.

In 2001, David moved to Sea World, on the Gold Coast where he was employed as the clinical veterinarian, a position which he holds currently. Current interests include artificial reproduction, reintroduction biology and diseases of macropods and cetaceans. 

His interests include football (converted to the round ball game by his children and the postman), running, surf life saving, natural history and conservation.

Last Updated: November 2006