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ZOO HOSPITAL

  


The Zoo Hospital's operating room



"Modern medical facilities, up-to-date equipment and proper housing are all components necessary to ensure the best care possible for a wide range of exotic species," said Dr. Mike Douglass, veterinarian at the Memphis Zoo.

The new hospital has separate holding and quarantine wings built on opposite ends of the building. The sick wing separates sick or injured animals from others and allows for proper recovery time. The quarantine wing is used for newly-acquired animals, which are quarantined for at least 30 days upon arrival at the Zoo before being introduced to their new homes. The wing is one of the most important aspects of the new hospital for the animals, vets, curators and keepers.

At 40 years old and only 1,800 square feet, the old hospital was not built for the purpose of being the Zoo's hospital. Originally a nursery, the building held the newborn Zoo animals and visitors were able to view them through the big front windows.

"With this new hospital, we can quarantine animals, and they can have constant supervision and be well away from the other animals," said Dr. Steve Reichling, Curator of Reptiles. New animals spend approximately 30 days in quarantine before being released into their new exhibit homes.


I WANT TO BE A ZOO VET!


One of the most frequently asked questions our visitors ask is "how do I become a Zoo vet?"  Well, our vets have some good advice...



A routine check-up for the Sumatran Tiger


1) four years of high school 
2) three to five years of undergraduate college training to

      earn the prerequisites for vet school 
3) four years of veterinary medicine training (same as human

      medicine) 
4) one to three years in post-graduate training in zoo

      veterinary medicine.You need to be a veterinarian (DVM-

      doctor of veterinary medicine) to be a zoo veterinarian. 
5) look for a job in veterinary medicine at a zoo.


According to our vets, all of the above is well worth it if this is what you really want to do! 

View Calendar

Nov. 20 - Jan. 2
 SunTrust Zoo Lights
Nov. 21
 Polar Bear Bash
DEC 10

Thursdays Unplugged
DEC 31
 New Year's Snooze



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