Dr. Marc Silpa

Hailing from Georgia and Florida, Dr. Marc Silpa discovered his profound love for exotic animals at the age of 14. He pursued his passion at the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, graduating in 2014. Dr. Silpa is proud to be a Royal Dick Vet; after all, his veterinary school was named after one of the founders of veterinary medicine, William Dick. Remaining in Scotland post-graduation, he honed his skills as an emergency and critical care veterinarian by night while dedicating his days to marine mammal veterinary work as a whale vet for whales that beached in Scotland. This unique experience led him to a role as a Marine Mammal and Aquatic Veterinarian at the Miami Seaquarium.

Life then took Dr. Silpa to El Paso, Texas. In a region where marine mammals are admittedly a bit out of their natural habitat, he seamlessly transitioned into mixed animal general practice, quickly becoming the resident “exotics doc.” It seemed no matter the locale, interesting animals, and their equally interesting owners, found their way to his door. When his partner was offered a professor position at Moorpark College’s esteemed Animal Care and Training Program, Dr. Silpa and his vibrant family, including a non-fur baby, six fur babies, one blind African Grey Parrot, and a two-legged box turtle, relocated to California.

A diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Dr. Silpa is board-certified in Exotic Companion Mammals and has also published numerous articles on exotic and wildlife medicine. While he sees all species, he holds a particular affinity for the unique needs of small mammals and reptiles, animals that consistently fascinate him with their complexity. He also thoroughly enjoys performing surgery, finding immense satisfaction in the precision and positive outcomes it brings, especially when it means restoring health to even the tiniest of patients.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Silpa has a passion for teaching. He serves as the director of EAVC’s veterinary internship program, where he delights in mentoring the next generation of veterinarians. In addition, he regularly guides visiting veterinary students with a blend of expertise and occasionally well-timed humor.

In his spare time, Dr. Silpa cherishes hiking with his family, indulging in the theater, and embracing the simple pleasure of being barefoot. His passion for combining chemistry and art birthed “The Sloth Soapery,” his small, cold-processed soap company, a unique blend of science and serenity. His most recent creative endeavor involves learning the intricate art of cheesemaking, finding immense satisfaction in crafting something truly delectable from scratch.