The Brooke - Staff profile - Dr Thanammal Naidu

Dr Thanammal Naidu was born in a remote southern Indian village. She understands why animals are so important for local people and knows what it’s like to struggle.

Her parents were farmers and depended on milk produced by their six buffaloes and cows. When Dr Thanammal was just ten years old, sickness wiped out all the animals in the village – there were no vets to help. Affected personally by the resulting hardship, she resolved to become a vet to help animals and their poor dependents.

Brooke India staff member Dr Thanammal Naidu © John Wright

Constant determination rewarded her with outstanding school exam results. Her family, friends and the village council provided financial support so she could complete a veterinary degree course.

Visiting New Delhi while training, Dr Thanammal saw the appalling struggle of working horses and knew she had to help. That opportunity came five years ago when she saw a Brooke veterinary post advertised. She applied and got the job.


	Before the Brooke came here animal owners depended on traditional remedies. Many horses died from disease. We offer a big hand to these suffering animals, to the relief of every owner. More than ever they are approaching us for help.

Dr Thanammal’s childhood ambition was to ‘erase the suffering of working horses and prevent their owners suffering financially.’ Now based in Uttar Pradesh, she is admired for her soothing approach towards horses and her easy rapport with animal owners.

Read a day in the life of Dr Thanammal Naidu...