Dr Bob Doneley graduated from the University of Queensland in 1982 and worked in veterinary practices in Bundaberg, Brisbane, Toowoomba, and the UK before opening his practice, the West Toowoomba Veterinary Surgery, in Toowoomba in 1988. 

His interest in bird medicine was initially developed shortly after graduation. He pursued this interest through private study, visiting colleagues, and attending conferences. He was awarded his Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (FANZCVS) in 2003, becoming Queensland’s first specialist in bird medicine, the third in Australia. In the same year, he was awarded the College Prize by the Australian College for outstanding contributions to veterinary science in Australia. In 2015 he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award by the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, and in 2018 was named Avian Practitioner of the Year by the Association of Avian Veterinarians. 

In 2010 he sold his practice after 22 years to take up the position of Head of Small Animal Services, Veterinary Medical Centre at the University of Queensland’s Gatton campus. He is now a professor, and Head of the Avian and Exotic Pet Service, a specialist bird practice, as well as treating reptiles, small mammals, and wildlife.  

He lectures to both the University of Queensland and James Cook University veterinary students on bird and exotic animal medicine and has published two textbooks on bird medicine (one of which has been translated into German, Turkish, and Chinese and is about to be re-published as a third edition), written chapters for five other textbooks and has published numerous papers in veterinary journals. 

Bob is married to Maree; they have two adult children and two grandchildren.