Dr. Guthrum Purdin
Director of Veterinary Medicine, Cariño Veterinary Program
Pronouns: he/him
Dr. Guthrum Purdin began his career with wildlife as a volunteer at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA, where he was active for 18 years. To expand his knowledge of wildlife rehabilitation, he started working with birds, reptiles, and land mammals at several California wildlife shelters. After making his living as a professional jeweler and then a movie propmaker in Hollywood, he decided to pursue a full–time career in veterinary medicine and wildlife rehabilitation.
Since receiving a BS in Marine Biology from San Francisco State University and a DVM from the University of California, Davis, he has provided medical care for a myriad of animal species, both wild and domestic. Dr. Purdin is currently the Director of Veterinary Medicine at the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network, which treats over 4000 patients each year. Dr. Guthrum was drawn to the SBWCN after meeting several long time caregivers there who introduced him to the amazing work the organization does. The location in Santa Barbara County amidst the beautiful surrounding hills, towns, and coast, as well as the area’s Southern California culture, were likewise too tempting to resist.
