Category Archives: Animal Health

Cheetah Cubs Transferred to the National Zoo

Three weeks after their unconventional and rocky entrance into the world, two three-week-old cheetahs were transported to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in good health, thanks to the hard work and swift actions of animal care staff at the Smithsonian Conservation … Continue reading

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Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program Faces Uncertain Future

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s aquarium recently learned that it had been awarded two NOAA grants from the prestigious John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program, the only direct source of federal funds for marine mammal stranding … Continue reading

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Meet the Veterinary Technician: Alison Mott at the Sacramento Zoo

Describe your job: I am a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) at the Sacramento Zoo’s Murray E. Fowler Veterinary Hospital. I assist the veterinarians in all aspects of medical care, this includes care for any hospitalized animals and the Zoo’s newest … Continue reading

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California Condor Chick Gets Help Hatching at Oregon Zoo

Two days after it first tried to hatch from its egg, the Oregon Zoo’s newest California condor successfully made its way into the world on 29 March. This second chance at life was made possible by condor keeper Kelli Walker, … Continue reading

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Meet the Animal Curator: Liz Hile at the Living Desert in Palm Springs

Describe your job: As Curator of Animals, I manage Animal Department personnel and the animal collection, but not on the front lines like the Keepers do. I am responsible for the overall health and welfare of the animal collection.  I … Continue reading

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Meet the Director of Animal Operations: Pete Mohan at the Akron Zoological Park

Describe your job: Oversight of animal husbandry at Akron Zoological Park. How long have you been in the position? Two years What in your background helped you get the job? Previous management experience What’s your favorite thing about job?  Participating in exhibit … Continue reading

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Innovative Stem Cell Therapy Gives Animals New Hope

Back in July, Explore highlighted the importance AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums place on animal care and well-being with a story on the power of partnerships.  This week, I’d like to feature a story of hope based on good science. Five … Continue reading

Posted in Animal Health, Houston Zoo, Research | 1 Comment

Animal Care Takes Front Seat

A recent birth at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) Bronx Zoo in New York highlights the high standards of animal husbandry practices at Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos and aquariums. An okapi was born after a year of … Continue reading

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Unintended Consequences: Asian Vulture Populations Brought to the Brink of Extinction

Vultures.  If you had asked me ten years ago what I thought about vultures, I would have told you “not very much.”  I’d see turkey vultures (Cathartes auara) soaring through the Maryland sky– but beyond that, I didn’t give them … Continue reading

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Meet the Section Chief, Medicine: Caryn P. Poll, DVM, at John G. Shedd Aquarium

Describe your job: I am a veterinarian covering preventive, urgent and emergent care for the large and diverse collection of resident and quarantine animals as well as communicating diagnostic plans and results with the animal care, management and curatorial staff. … Continue reading

Posted in Animal Health, Aquarium, Education, People, Profiles, Research, Shedd Aquarium | 1 Comment