Zoo Veterinarian Research Paper

A career where one gets to interact with tigers and elephants sounds breathtaking. Zoo Veterinarians get to do just that. Becoming a zoo veterinarian remains a difficult career to join. One must endure many years of schooling and hard work in order to succeed. Being a crucial member of the zoo staff, zoo veterinarians have the responsibility for the health and well being of all creatures in the zoo. Zoo veterinarians also have to care for wildlife and help boost population for endangered animals. “The success of maintaining wild animals in captivity has been largely a function of our ability to provide adequate nutrition and health care for these captive animals living in artificial environments” (stlzoo.org). Since 1946, well-trained zoo

Before even thinking about becoming a veterinarian, they must have an undergraduate education. After completing high school, one must go to college and obtain 45 credits in pre veterinary courses. These courses include anatomy, animal science, biology, chemistry, and zoology. Most students take these sciences for four years. Next the student would need to get a doctorate in veterinary medicine. This can be achieved by enrolling in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, also known as DVM or VMD, which will take four years to complete. In this course one would learn a variety of different scientific topics. Molecular biology studies the structure and function of molecules, while cellular biology studies the basic structure and function of cells. Basic medical science will be studied by students in DVM, because it works as a stepping stone to move into any career involving medicines. Veterinary medical science teaches the basics in caring for animals and diagnosing them wil typical illnesses or injuries. Students would also learn clinical skills, zoo animal health, and wildlife health. One would study veterinary issues to learn how to deal with emergencies they may encounter. Students learn the importance of food safety when dealing with animals. If an animal were to consume food that they can not have, it could lead to extreme illness or even death. A student would also get to have surgery experience and

Everything changes all the time. There are some basic duties zoo veterinarians must complete on a day to day basis. Basic rounds, completed at the beginning of the day, include checking on all the animal residents to make sure they are all healthy and safe. Basic clinical work would be done on wildlife and the zoo animals. Zoo veterinarians also complete checkups on the animals to see their physical and mental health. Most days zoo veterinarians are involved in emergency situations. They often need to perform emergency surgeries. Zoo veterinarians also administer immunizations and vaccinations. They may also have to train others how to handle and care for animals, but mainly they must maintain health of all animals. Zoo veterinarians also have many responsibilities. These included treating injuries, diagnosing illnesses, and providing the appropriate treatment and prescribing medicine. Zoo veterinarians also need to help design habitats for the best realistic feel for the animal. They also have to help relocate animals within the zoo and release rehabilitated wildlife. Zoo veterinarians have the duties of overseeing breeding programs of endangered animals. They also have to do paper work like keeping records of animals to examine their health throughout their lives. They must also oversee and supervise veterinary technicians. They need to work with other staff members in order to plan, direct, and participate in health care