Dr Bolu Eso, an experienced vet with a growing television profile, is set to appear in ITV's new show The Joy of Pets. He is also known for appearances on the BBC's Pooch Perfect and Channel 4's Fur Babies.
Career and Specialisms
Bolu uses his veterinary expertise to help audiences understand pet health, pregnancy and responsible ownership. Alongside his screen work, he remains committed to veterinary medicine, specialising in small animal medicine and working towards specialising in surgery.
With years of experience behind him, he has combined his passion for animals with his talent for educating and entertaining viewers.
Early Beginnings and Education
Bolu's decision to become a vet began in childhood, when he was fascinated by the natural world. Speaking to Vet Record, he said: “Growing up, I was fascinated by the diversity of animals. I spent hours with my nose buried in encyclopaedias, learning about different species and their magnificent adaptations. I knew that I wanted to become a vet, despite not having any immediate family members or close role models who worked with animals.”
He added: “I enjoyed watching television presenters – particularly Steve Irwin and David Attenborough – passionately describing wildlife. Ironically, it was Eddie Murphy’s portrayal of Dr Dolittle that really triggered my ambition – it was the first time I’d seen an individual from an ethnic minority practising veterinary medicine.”
Bolu studied Veterinary Medicine at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Budapest, spending six years learning overseas. After graduating with Honours and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and an Intercalated Master of Science, he joined a veterinary practice in rural Kent before later moving to London.
Personal Loss and The Joy of Pets
Bolu's childhood dog, Chelsea, a Bichon who lived to 14, shaped his understanding of the bond between people and animals. He told ITV: "The dog that changed a lot of things for me was my own dog, Chelsea. She was my childhood dog that I grew up with, and she passed around five years ago. She was a Bichon and reached 14 years old. She was great and it was partly her that gave me my passion for pets. How I handle things as a vet, it's through the lens of my relationship with Chelsea."
He added: "We spent a lot of time together and I would wake up super early to take her out for walks; I would take her everywhere. I would have pictures of her on my phone, and she was always there when I came back from school. That was the kind of relationship I had with Chelsea, and I had to let her go a few years ago when she got old. She’s like my heart dog and I always think about her. After her, I haven’t really been able to replace her – and I can’t really get to that stage of replacing her but I spend so much time with everyone else’s pets, and that gives me such fulfilment. But when I am ready and have the time, and my life has a bit more of a slower pace to it, I can add my own pet to it."
The Joy of Pets airs Sundays at 11.30am from August 23 on ITV1.
