Selecting Seneca Park Zoo:
Being a Rochester native, Seneca Park Zoo, house to almost 100 completely different species, has at all times been my house zoo. A few years in the past, Dr. Chris McKinney, who had labored on the small animal GP my household pets see, transitioned from reduction veterinarian to full-time zoo veterinarian. So, as a veterinary scholar very a lot involved in a profession in zoo medication, I reached out. And for the previous couple of years, as my schedule allowed, I went in for a couple 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 – overview the earlier days’ keeper studies for all the animals housed on the zoo, examine in on hospitalized animals within the clinic (if there have been any), after which examine on any of the animals that had an issue (large or small) flagged of their studies.
Past that, there was no “typical day” – which for me, makes zoo medication so interesting and such a novel problem. A number of days had been spent working by way of deliberate procedures – an anesthetized full bodily/radiographs on a Canada Lynx, annual exams for the Burmese pythons, and many others. Others we’d discover ourselves bouncing between reveals 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 overview literature to replace protocols upfront of the zoo’s AZA accreditation renewal this spring.
And whereas there was no typical day, the expertise as an entire was reflective of what might be anticipated with a profession in zoo medication – a steadiness of paperwork/conferences, talking with keepers, observing the animals, and the precise hands-on medical work with the animals.
Olive baboon receiving laser remedy remedy
Favourite Reminiscences:
Having realized a lot and labored with so many unbelievable folks and animals, it’s not possible 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 bought 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 contains 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 each day, I bought to have a extra hands-on position on this case which was very rewarding. It additionally led to discussions between myself and the veterinary group 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 by which we’re additionally in a position to study their eyes.
And lastly there’s Loki the home rat – one of many few sufferers who didn’t shortly scurry away upon the veterinary group’s arrival. Loki had initially offered 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 largest piece of recommendation is to reap the benefits of any alternative that comes your means – be it small animal, giant animal, exotics, or zoo! The entire zoo/wildlife veterinarians I’ve had the privilege of working with up up to now, 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 continually relating administration of species like wolves, giraffes, elephants, and many others. again to that basis of canine, cat, cow, and horse.
Ultimate Ideas:
I’m so extremely grateful to the wonderful group 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 plenty 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 obtained her B.S. in each Animal Habits, Ecology, & Conservation (ABEC) and Organic Science from Canisius School (now Canisius College) in 2021. Whereas at Cornell, Erin has been a scholar technician on the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital. She has additionally been a member of ZAWS, SAVMA, and the conduct 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.
