Dr. SARA PLATTO,

D.V.M., Ph.D

Secretary-General of Biology and Science Ethics (BASE) Working Committee, and the Lead Scientific Consultant of Wildlife Rescue Expert Group of CBCGDF

Associate Professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences Jianghan University

Post-Doctoral Fellow, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R.China.

Advisor: Prof. Wang Ding

Thesis: Whistle Exchange between bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens).

PhD in Psychobiology (Curricula Biology of Behaviour), Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of the Studies of Milan, Italy, and Dolphin Reef International Lab, Eilat, Israel.

Advisors: Profs. Emanuela PratoPrevide, Marco Poli

Thesis: Evaluation of the quantity and quality of the trainer-dolphin interaction in a semi-confined facility. Implication for animal welfare.

Master, University of the Studies of Milan – Universidad de La Laguna joint program in parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Studies of Milan, Italy, and Faculty of Pharmacology, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.

Advisors: Profs MariaTeresa Manfredi, Fenando de Armas

Thesis: The parasitic infections affecting cetaceans of the Canary Islands

Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Studies of Milan, Italy

Final score: 106/110

PROFESSIONAL COURSES

October 2018 May2010

Animal Abuse: Identification and Knowing What to Do, College of Veterinary Medicine, CityU Hong Kong - UFAW

Somatic Orientation Model: Helping Kids Through Somatic Approaches. Held by the “United Families Hospital” Beijing (China).

Sara Platto, D.V.M., Ph.D.

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March 2005

September 2004

July 2003

July 2002

September 2002 September 2002 February 2001 September 2000 February 2000 November 1999 March 1999 September 1998

April 1998

Principles of Zoo Design, Zoolex, and Parco Natura Viva Zoological Park, Bussolengo, Italy (Workshop).

5th European Seminar on Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation, U.I:M.P. (International University Mendez Pelayo), Valencia, Spain.

Veterinary Emergency, Israeli Veterinary Association of Pet Animal, Tel Aviv, Israel.

Marine Pollution, University of Oviedo, Gijon, Spain (Summer course).

Bio-Sonar and Cetacean Communication: Models and Social Behavior, Campus del Mediterraneo, Barcellona, Spain (Summer Course).

4th European Seminar on Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation, U.I:M.P. (International University Mendez Pelayo), Valencia, Spain.

Veterinary Dermatology Course, Italian Society of Veterinary Dermatology, Reggio Emilia.

3rd European Seminar on Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation, U.I:M.P. (International University Mendez Pelayo), Valencia, Spain.

Veterinary Medicine in Marine Mammals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Valencia, Dept. of Animal Biology, Valencia, Spain.

Veterinary Medicine in Raptors Birds, Veterinary Faculty of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.

Parrots and Reptiles Veterinary Medicine, AVEPA, Veterinary Faculty of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.

2nd European Seminar on Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation, U.I:M.P. (International University Mendez Pelayo), Valencia, Spain.

Veterinarian Medicine of Exotic Animals, Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.

HONORS AND AWARDS, FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

  Jianghan University - 2018 Excellent Foreign Expert Award (December 2018).

  Chinese Academy of Sciences - Merit scholarship in Acoustic and Animal Behavior (2010-

2013).

  Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre - Veterinary Fellowship in Marine Mammal Veterinary

Medicine (2006).

Sara Platto, D.V.M., Ph.D.

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 University of the Studies of Milan - Merit Scholarship in Biology of Behavior (2001-2006).

 International University Mendez Pelayo - Merit Scholarship for Marine mammal biology

and Conservation course (2002 and 2004).

 European Union - Merit Scholarship for Veterinary Medicine (1998).

WORK EXPERIENCE

January 2020 - present

December 2018 - present

November 2017 - present

2014 – 2017

2013 – 2014

2010-2013 2010 -2011

2007 – 2012

2007 – 2008 2006

2005

Secretary-General of Biology and Science Ethics (BACA) working group; Lead Scientific Consultant of Wildlife Rescue Expert Group, China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) (Beijing, China).

UFAW-Link at College of Life Sciences, Jianghan University (Wuhan, China). Development of animal welfare programs for college students.

Associate Professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Jianghan University (Wuhan, China)

Senior Lecturer Animal Behavior and Welfare, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China).

Foreign Expert for Animal Behavior and Training, The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology (Wuhan, China).

Post-Doctoral Fellow, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R.China.

External consultant for pet animals’ behavior and shelter-dogs management, International Fund of Animal Welfare (IFAW-China) (Beijing, China).

Consultant for Behavioral Medicine and Training in Pet Animals. Collaboration with Beijing veterinary hospitals. (Beijing, China).

Animal Behavioral Medicine, Training and Environmental Enrichment in Zoo, Golden Bird Foundation (Beijing, China).

Senior Veterinarian for marine mammal medicine and husbandry, Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre, Salt Spring Island (Vancouver, Canada).

Marine Mammals Medicine and Husbandry, North Coast Marine Mammal, Crescent City (California, USA)

Sara Platto, D.V.M., Ph.D.

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2004 2002-2004 2001-2006

2000-2001 1999-2000

FIELD EXPERIENCE

Assistant to the CEO of Parco Natura Viva Zoological Park S.R.L. (Verona, Italy).

External Consultant for marine mammal husbandry, Parco Natura Viva Zoological Park S.R.L. (Verona, Italy).

Ph.D. Student, University of the Studies of Milan and Dolphin Reef International Lab. Advisor: Prof. Emanuela PratoPrevide (Animal behavior), Marco Poli (Psychology) (Milan, Italy).

Pet Animals’ Veterinary Medicine, Boldini Veterinary Clinic (Brescia, Italy).

Research Assistant on Cetacean Parasitology, SECAC (Society for the Study of the Cetaceans of Canary Islands), Dept. of Parasitology, Ecology and Genetic of University of La Laguna, Ministry of Environment of Tenerife Island (Canary Island, Spain).

Internships

  Veterinary activities for the rescue and maintenance of a stranded Risso’s dolphin

(Grampus griseus), Fondazione Ceatecea and Oltremare (Riccione, Italy) (August 2005).

  Exotic animals veterinary medicine, Massimo Millefanti Veterinary Clinic, Milan, Italy

(March-May 2001).

  Veterinary medicine and husbandry of zoo animals, Loro Parque, Tenerife, Spain

(February-May 2000).

  Veterinary medicine and husbandry in raptor birds, Parque de Las Aguilas del Teide,

Tenerife, Spain (May 1999-January 2000 ).

  Veterinary medicine and rehabilitation of sea turtles, sea birds and raptor birds, Cientro de

Recuperacion de Fauna Silvestre,Tafira (Gran Canaria, Spain) (March 1998-August 2000.)

  Veterinary medicine of pet animals, Landsberg Veterinary Clinic (Milan, Italy) (1996-1997 ).

  Dolphin husbandry and training, Asociacio’ Dolfi’ Mediterranea (Cadaques, Spain)

(August 1995 ). Residencies

  Animal Physiology, Dept. of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Studies of Milan (Italy) (1994-1996 )

  Veterinary Medicine of Pet Animals, Taco Veterinary Hospital, La Laguna (Tenerife, Spain) (1999-2000).

  Veterinary medicine of pet and exotic animals, Gregorio VII Veterinary Hospital (Rome, Italy) (July 2001-January 2002).

Community Service

 “Dog Bite Prevention Program”for kindergartens in Beijing. Educational program to

teach children basic dog behavior, how to properly interact with pets, and rabies prevention (2010-2012).

Sara Platto, D.V.M., Ph.D.

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  Administrator of Wechat group (social media) China-Pet that delivers information to foreigners regarding veterinary services in China, pet adoptions, and traveling abroad with pets (2015-current) (198 members).

  Organizer of the First Rabies Vaccination Campaign performed in Wuhan (China) during World Rabies Day (1st October 2017), in collaboration with Huazhong Agricultural University, Boehringe-Ingelheim, and Human Animal Interaction Service.

  Administrator of Wechat group (social media) Animal Behavioral Medicine that delivers information about dog and cat behavioral problems for Chinese pet owners (2018-current) (73 members).

  Organizer of the Second Rabies Vaccination Campaign performed in Wuhan (China) during World Rabies Day (22nd of September 2018) in collaboration with Boehringe- Ingelheim, Mars Pet Care, N-Bone, Nice Pet International Veterinary Hospital, Chongqing Animal Disease Control Centre, and Human Animal Interaction Service.

  “Dog Bite Prevention Program” performed at “Beyond Books” bookstore (Wuhan, China) for children and families. Educational program to teach children and parents basic dog behavior and child response during interaction with pets (2019).

  Organizer of the Third Rabies Vaccination Campaign performed in Wuhan (China) during World Rabies Day (22nd of September 2019) in collaboration with Boehringe-Ingelheim, Mars Pet Care, Nice Pet International Veterinary Hospital.

  Organizer of the Fourth Rabies Vaccination Campaign performed in Wuhan (China) in collaboration with Zoetis, and Rui Paihu Min Veterinary Hospital (2nd of November 2019).

PROJECTS COMPLETED

  Food anticipatory activity in a group of false killer whales, (Pseudorca crassidens), measured by passive acoustic monitoring in a controlled environment. Founded by Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology (2012-2013).

  Behavioral laterality in Yangtze finless porpoises. Founded by Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology (2013-2014).

  Chinese farmers' attitudes towards animal welfare. Founded by Huazhong Agricultural University (2016-2017).

ONGOING PROJECTS

  Survey on Chinese Veterinary and Animal Sciences students’ attitude towards animal welfare (2017-in progress)

  Survey on Chinese Life Sciences students’ attitude towards animal welfare (2017 - in progress).

PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS

Zhang C., Zheng Y., Platto S., Hao Y., Wang D (2015). Homosexual and masturbating behaviors in a group of captive Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis). Acta Theriologica Sinica 35 (3): 241-252 (English abstract).

Platto S., Wang D., Wang K. (2016). Variation of the sounds rate in a captive group of false killer

Sara Platto, D.V.M., Ph.D.

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whales (Pseudorca crassidens) during feedings: possible food anticipatory vocal activity. Chinese J. Ocean. And Limnol. 34 (6): 1218.-1237 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00343-016- 5074-5

Platto S., Zhang C., Pine M.K., Irwing A., Wang D (2017). Laterality in Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis). Behavioural Processes Journal. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2017.04.015

Mingpu Q, Wang Q, Tong S, Zhao G, Hu C, Chen Y, Li X, Yang W, Zhao Y, Platto S, Robertson I D, Chen J, Chen H, Guo A (2017). Identification of Atypical Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli O98 from Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys with Diarrhea in China. Frontiers in Veterinary Sciences 4 (217):1-9DOI10.3389/fvets.2017.00217

Platto S, Guo A, Zhu Q., Qighai H., Guo A., Shisun H, Varos A, Irwin A. (2019-in publication). Chinese Farmers’ Attitude Towards the Improvement of Animal Welfare in Their Facilities Animal Welfare Journal.

SUBMITTED MANUSCRIPTS

Platto S, & PratoPrevide E (under review). Evaluation of trainer-dolphin interaction in a semi- confined facility. Anthrozoos .

BOOK

“Matteo in Doggy’s World: How dogs show their mood” (2017) Authored by Sara Platto, illustrated by Nicolo’ Bartolo. Educational book to teach children/family about dog behavior. https://www.amazon.com/Matteo-Doggys-World-dogs-their/dp/1543158609/ref

PRESS

  Dr. Sara Platto - Animal Behaviorist - China Radio International (Beijing, China) (2010).

  Animal intelligence – Sara Platto, Ph.D of Human Animal Interaction Service. Agenda

Magazine (Beijing, China) (2010).

  An Animal Behaviorist in Wuhan - Wuhan 4 TV (China) - presentation of the life and work of

Dr. Sara Platto (Wuhan, China) (September 2017).

  The problem of homeless cats and dogs deserve our attention - Special Focus (Wuhan, China)

(September 2018).

  Lady of the Dolphins Advocate for Animals during Rabies Campaign - Chu Tian City Daily

(Wuhan, China) (September 2018).

  Dr. Platto carries out animal welfare plan in Wuhan - Changjiang Weekly (Wuhan, China)

(January 2019)

INVITED PRESENTATION

Platto. S (2019). Rabies: Zero by 2030. How China can reach this goal. “One Health”conference, at Chongqing Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center (Chongqing, China).

Platto, S. (2019). Humans & Pets. The Bond Broken in Translation. TEDx Talk SanNew School, (Wuhan, China).

Sara Platto, D.V.M., Ph.D.

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Platto, S. (2018). Current situation of animal welfare in Asia. 11th Expert Forum on Farm Animals’ Well-Being, 30th of May – 1st of June, Boehringer – Ingelheim (Sydney, Australia).

Platto, S. (2017) Animals and Ethics. Special Seminar. School of Philosophy, Jinan University (Jinan, China) (December 20th).

Platto, S. (2016). Animals and Ethics. Special Seminar. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China) (December 15th ).

Platto, S. (2016). Neurobiology of attachment in animals. Special seminar. Department of Neuroscience, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China).

Platto, S. (2016). Neurobiology of animal communication. Special seminar. Department of Neuroscience, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China).

Platto, S. (2016). Behavior and conservation of tigers. Special seminar. Faculty of Animal Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China).

Platto, S. (2016). Breeding and conservation of Yangtze finless porpoises. Special seminar. Faculty of Animal Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China).

Platto, S. (2016). Management and behavior of phocids and seals in captivity. Special seminar. Faculty of Animal Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China).

Platto, S. (2016). Cat Behavioral Medicine. Special seminar. Faculty of Animal Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China).

Platto, S. (2016). Dog Behavioral Medicine. Special seminar. Faculty of Animal Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China).

Platto, S. (2016). Artificial language acquisition in animals. Special seminar. Department of neuroscience, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China).

Platto, S. (2015). Neuroscience of human and animal emotions. Special seminar. Department of Neuroscience, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China).

Platto, S. (2015). Neurobiology of animal communication. Special seminar. Department of Neuroscience, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China).

Platto, S. (2015). Farm animals’ behavior and welfare. Special seminar. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zhengjiang University (Zhengjiang, China) (May 18-19).

Platto, S. (2014). Pet Behavioral Medicine. Special seminar. Faculty of Animal Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China).

Platto, S. (2014). Socio-ecology of Rhesus monkeys. Special seminar. Faculty of Animal Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China).

Platto, S. (2014). Animal training. Special seminar. Faculty of Animal Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, (Wuhan, China).

Platto, S. (2014-2016). Captive marine mammals’ husbandry. Special seminar. Faculty of Animal Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China).

Platto, S. (2014-2015). Rabies management. Special seminar. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China).

Platto, S. (2010). Temperament test in shelter-dogs. Presented at the workshop of the Asia for Animal Congress, (Chengdu, China).

Platto, S. (2010). Pharmacology in animal behavioral medicine. Presented at the Congress of the Beijing Veterinary Small Animal Association (Beijing, China).

Platto, S. (2010). Child safety around dogs. Presented at the 2nd Global Forum on Canine Welfare Responsibility (Tianjin, China).

Platto, S. (2009). The good alpha: responsible dog-ownership. Presented at the Global Forum on Canine Welfare Responsibility (Tianjin, China).

Sara Platto, D.V.M., Ph.D.

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Platto, S (2007). Human-dolphin interaction: implication for animal welfare. Presented at the Advanced Course in Animal Behavior & First Symposium on Animal Behavior, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Beijing, China).

SELECTED CONFERENCE PAPERS

Platto S, Guo A, Qighai H., Li J., Shisun H, Varos A, Irwin A. (2018). Chinese farmers’ attitude towards animal welfare. International conference on Animal Welfare: “Animal Welfare Across Borders” supported by Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW), Hong Kong, 24-26 October.

Platto, S., Wang, D., Wang, K. (2016). Variation of the sounds rate in a captive group of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) during feedings: possible food anticipatory vocal activity. Presented at the 44th European Association Aquatic Mammal Conference, Benidorm, Spain, March 11-14 2016.

Platto, S., Zhang, C.Q., Wang, D. (2014). Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis) behavioral laterality. Presented at the 42th European Association Aquatic Mammal Conference, Tenerife, Spain, March 14-17 2014.

Zhang, C.Q., Platto, S., Hao, Y., Wang, D. (2014). Ethogram of sexual behavior of Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis). Presented at the 42th European Association Aquatic Mammal Conference, Tenerife, Spain, March 14-17 2014.

Zhang, C.Q., Platto, S., Hao, Y., Wang, D. (2013). Mating strategies and partner choice in Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis). Presented at the Animal Ecology Conference, Wuhan, China, November 2013.

Platto, S., PratoPrevide, E. (2009). Trainer-Dolphin Interaction: a possible captive fission-fusion society. Presented at the 37th European Association Aquatic mammal Conference, Malta, March 13-16 2009.

Milanesi, M, Platto, S., PratoPrevide, E. (2007). Development of the social behavior of a dolphin calf, Tursiops truncatus, from the birth to the weaning in a controlled environment. Presented at the 7th Italian Annual Congress of the Cetacean Research Society, University of Rome 3, Rome, Italy, December 5-6 2007.

Platto, S, Manfredi, M, De Armas, F. (1999). Epidemiological study on parasitic infestations

affecting cetaceans of the Canary Islands. Preliminary data. Presented at the 4th Italian Annual Congress of the Cetacean Research Society, Milan, Italy, November 11-12 1999.

TEACHING, MENTORING, AND OUTREACH

2017 – Present 2014-2017

2013-2014

Research mentor and Lecturer on Animal Welfare and Behavior at the department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Jianghan University (Wuhan, China).

Research mentor and Lecturer on Animal Behavior and Welfare, and Animal Cognition for graduate and undergraduate students in the Department of Preventive Vet. Med. The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, and The Department of Neuroscience and Cognitive Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University (Wuhan, China). Research mentor for master’s student on Yangtze finless porpoises’ behavioral study at Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of

Sara Platto, D.V.M., Ph.D.

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January 2013

2010-2011 2004-2007

2002-2004 1998-1999

Hydrobiology, (Wuhan, China).

Panelist in the Yangtze finless porpoises’ reproduction and husbandry workshop at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, (Wuhan, China).

Dog bite prevention program, child education on dog behavior, Human Animal Interaction Service (Beijing, China).

Research mentor for master’s student on bottlenose dolphin social development from birth to weaning at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Studies of Milan (Italy), and Gardaland dolphinarium (Peschiera, Italy).

Lecturer on dolphin behavior and cognition to undergraduate and graduate students at Dolphin Reef International Lab (Eilat, Israel).

Lecturer on dolphin biology for elementary school’s outreach program, ROAZ environmental education association (Tenerife, Spain).

Sara Platto, D.V.M., Ph.D.