The story of Julio, the Antioquian forensic veterinarian who performs autopsies on condors and elephants
A two-month-old puppy, named Mía, was thrown from a seventh-floor balcony in the El Pesebre neighborhood of Medellín. The person responsible for determining whether her death was caused by the fall or if she was already dead when thrown is veterinarian Julio César Aguirre, the only one in the Andean Region who performs forensic examinations on animals to determine how and why they died, just as forensic pathologists do with humans.
TL;DR
- Julio César Aguirre is a forensic veterinarian in Medellín, Colombia, specializing in animal forensics.
- He investigates animal cruelty and death, applying human forensic techniques to animals.
- Aguirre has handled cases ranging from domestic pets to exotic animals like condors and elephants.
- His work has been key in establishing facts for legal sanctions against animal abusers.
- He developed his expertise through experience and further study in the United States, as Colombia lacked specialized training.
- Aguirre founded the Colombian Association of Legal Veterinary Medicine and Forensic Sciences (Asomevef).
- He also established the first animal forensic morgue in collaboration with Uniremington.
- A significant percentage of animal cruelty cases he investigates are linked to poor pet ownership, including neglect and lack of proper care.
- His work is unique in the Andean region and involves inherent risks, including threats from criminal groups.
- Aguirre is passionate about ensuring justice for animals and raising awareness about their welfare.