Meet the hosts

Florence B. Owl

Florence’s interest in science started when she was just an owlet. Born from barred owl parents who nested near the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, she fell from her home tree and was rescued by veterinarians at the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital. Florence’s hospital stay sparked her passion for veterinary knowledge. Now an adult, this lifelong learner roosts outside the school, where she can peek in on the scientific research and clinical care happening at the college and keep her knowledge on par with the researchers she considers her peers.  

Phyllis L. Packah

Born and raised on a farm, Phyllis has worked in upstate New York’s textile industry all her life. With her down-to-earth attitude, sassy opinions and endless, nosy curiosity, Phyllis enjoys asking questions and getting answers so she can show off her knowledge on a variety of topics. Like most alpacas, she firmly believes that her high-end coat sets her a cut above the rest, though she’d never admit it. With her tenacious ability to dig into topics and bring up the questions others might be afraid to ask, Phyllis is almost always guaranteed to get the full story.

About the Phyllis and Florence Series

Phyllis and Florence struck up a friendship when Phyllis came to the Cornell Nemo Farm Animal Hospital for a check-up. Now the unlikely pair have combined their curiosity and wisdom to explain complicated topics in the veterinary medicine world and to offer advice to their readers. Explore their conversations for insights into the latest trends in veterinary medicine and new research at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Images of Florence and Phyllis are AI-generated and do not represent real animals.