Harry Cooper (veterinarian)

Harry Leonard Cooper,, more commonly known as Dr. Harry (born 20 February 1944), is an Australian veterinarian and television personality, who is best known for his media appearances.

Cooper graduated with second-class honours from Sydney University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science in December 1965, at the age of 21.

He practised for several years across Sydney and the UK before his burgeoning media career became a full-time commitment.

Cooper began his media career in a veterinary segment on a morning TV talk show in Sydney.

Later, he became known as the resident veterinary surgeon on the long-running series Burke's Backyard.

In 1993, Cooper hosted his first series, Talk to the Animals.

In 1997, he began presenting the veterinary series Harry's Practice, assisted by fellow vet Katrina Warren.

Despite consistently high ratings, the program was cancelled in 2003.

Since 2004, Cooper has presented a veterinary segment on the lifestyle program Better Homes and Gardens.

He is also an animal welfare advocate and public speaker.

In July 2023, he began narrating the TV series Animals Aboard with Dr. Harry.

It was revealed that Cooper had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2007.

After more than six months of intensive radiation treatment, the cancer was in remission and he continued his appearances on TV.

After 21 years living in Tasmania, Cooper moved to the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales in 2011.

In March 2012, he revealed that he had separated from Janine Morganti, his wife of 26 years.

The couple had three children and have five grandchildren.

His eldest daughter, Tiffany, died from colon cancer in 2012.

In 2022, he married long-time partner, Sue Sheeran, on their property at Port Macquarie, New South Wales.

Cooper believes Australia should become a republic.

As part of the Queen’s Birthday 2014 honours, he was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to veterinary science and animal welfare.