Selecting Seneca Park Zoo:
Being a Rochester native, Seneca Park Zoo, dwelling to almost 100 completely different species, has all the time been my dwelling zoo. A few years in the past, Dr. Chris McKinney, who had labored on the small animal GP my household pets see, transitioned from aid veterinarian to full-time zoo veterinarian. So, as a veterinary pupil very a lot fascinated with a profession in zoo medication, I reached out. And for the previous couple of years, as my schedule allowed, I went in for a number of days right here and there to shadow. This previous winter, my schedule lastly opened up lengthy sufficient to facilitate a ~3-week externship, and I took full benefit!
Typical Day:
Canada lynx receiving anesthetized bodily examination and survey radiographs.
Every day on the zoo began off equally sufficient – assessment the earlier days’ keeper experiences for all the animals housed on the zoo, verify in on hospitalized animals within the clinic (if there have been any), after which verify on any of the animals that had an issue (huge or small) flagged of their experiences.
Past that, there was no “typical day” – which for me, makes zoo medication so interesting and such a singular problem. A couple of days had been spent working via deliberate procedures – an anesthetized full bodily/radiographs on a Canada Lynx, annual exams for the Burmese pythons, and so forth. Others we’d discover ourselves bouncing between displays as numerous questions/issues from the keepers would come up all through the day. Others but, we’d have a comparatively quiet afternoon – permitting me to take full benefit of the veterinary library or assessment literature to replace protocols prematurely of the zoo’s AZA accreditation renewal this spring.
And whereas there was no typical day, the expertise as a complete was reflective of what could be anticipated with a profession in zoo medication – a steadiness of paperwork/conferences, talking with keepers, observing the animals, and the precise hands-on scientific work with the animals.
Olive baboon receiving laser remedy therapy
Favourite Reminiscences:
Having realized a lot and labored with so many unbelievable folks and animals, it’s unattainable to pare it down to 1 favourite reminiscence or expertise. From laser remedy on a baboon, to blood attracts on a bearded dragon, to evaluating lameness on a grey wolf, I received to do and see a lot. However, a few of my private highlights included the visits to the giraffe barn, working with the ocean lions, and Loki (a home rat).
About 2 weeks earlier than my externship, the zoo introduced the beginning of a giraffe calf. After which once more, simply 2 days earlier than my externship, the zoo introduced the beginning of a second giraffe calf. And naturally, whereas the calves had been extremely cute and a pleasure to look at, following Kipenzi’s case (one of many moms) was notably memorable. This previous summer time, Kipenzi was discovered to have a mass on her jaw that was biopsied and confirmed to be squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Kipenzi’s care consists of scheduled radiographs to evaluate development and the applying of an immunostimulant as a chemotherapeutic.
Working with the ocean lions was one other spotlight for me. Throughout my externship, there was a flare-up in corneal pathologies. With the ocean lions receiving such intensive coaching and already being conditioned to obtain eye-drops every day, I received to have a extra hands-on function on this case which was very rewarding. It additionally led to discussions between myself and the veterinary workforce on corneal administration for sea lions – one thing we hope to probably discover as a analysis examine sooner or later.
Feeding/coaching session with California Sea lions during which we’re additionally capable of study their eyes.
And lastly there may be Loki the home rat – one of many few sufferers who didn’t shortly scurry away upon the veterinary workforce’s arrival. Loki had initially introduced for a small mass on his cheek which was drained and debrided. We made a number of follow-up visits to evaluate his wound because it healed, and Loki, who preferred to climb up our arms and perch on our shoulders throughout his re-checks, shortly turned a favourite affected person of mine.
Suggestions:
As cliche as it could sound, my greatest piece of recommendation is to make the most of any alternative that comes your means – be it small animal, giant animal, exotics, or zoo! All the zoo/wildlife veterinarians I’ve had the privilege of working with up thus far, have all emphasised the significance of getting a superb foundational information within the home species. And even in my 3 quick weeks at Seneca Park Zoo, I discovered this to be true – I used to be always relating administration of species like wolves, giraffes, elephants, and so forth. again to that basis of canine, cat, cow, and horse.
Ultimate Ideas:
I’m so extremely grateful to the superb workforce at Seneca Park Zoo – Dr. Chis McKinney, technicians Robin and Tammy, and all the keepers and curators I met. Everybody there was not solely keen to show and share their information/experiences, but in addition extremely supportive and inspiring. I’ve left this expertise with a lot new information and lots of unbelievable recollections that I’ll take with me as I proceed to navigate my journey in zoo medication.
Erin Guntrum, Class of 2025, is from Rochester, NY and acquired her B.S. in each Animal Conduct, Ecology, & Conservation (ABEC) and Organic Science from Canisius School (now Canisius College) in 2021. Whereas at Cornell, Erin has been a pupil technician on the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital. She has additionally been a member of ZAWS, SAVMA, and the habits and therio golf equipment. Erin hopes to pursue a profession in zoological medication and take part in analysis associated to conservation, behavioral endocrinology, and theriogenology.
