No Such Thing as a Typical Day for the Cincinnati Zoo’s Vet Staff
One day for a Cincinnati Zoo veterinarian might include a physical exam for a 1-oz naked mole rat in the morning and a trunk wash for a five-ton elephant in the afternoon! The next day could start with a tiger tooth extraction and end with a giraffe hoof trimming session. Cincinnati Zoo’s director of animal health Mike Wenninger stated that the work is never the same two days in a row and that the keepers and veterinary technicians need to do extensive training to perform medical procedures without anesthesia.
The veterinary team provides preventative care, sick patient care, geriatric care, surgeries, and emergency medical attention. Members of the team are on call 24/7 and have a network of specialists in the area to consult and support them. Recent vet staff activity includes ultrasound on an Aruba island rattlesnake, physical exams for 17 naked mole rats, radiograph on Chuxiong fire-bellied newt, weighing three manatees, follow-up exam on Ali the Aardvark, radiographs on Tessa giraffe, bonobo preventative health exams, cheetah exam, body condition scoring and blood pressure training with snow leopards, annual health exams on five snakes, three lizards, and six turtles, training with elephants for medical procedures, voluntary radiographs of a pig, replace hoof bandage on goat, and specialized antibiotic therapy on a little blue penguin.
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Caring for Creatures Great and Small
It’s no secret that animals bring us joy and companionship. From the tiniest hamster to the largest elephant, animal care is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Caring for creatures great and small is an important part of being a responsible pet owner and ensuring that our furry friends stay healthy and happy.
Understanding Animal Needs
The first step in caring for any animal is to understand their individual needs. Different species have different requirements when it comes to food, exercise, and other aspects of care. For example, cats may need special diets and regular grooming, while hamsters need plenty of space to explore and play. Researching the specific needs of your pet is essential to providing the best possible care.
Creating a Safe Environment
Once you have a better understanding of your pet’s needs, it’s important to create a safe environment for them to live in. This means providing plenty of space, as well as toys and other items that will keep them entertained. If you have a larger pet, such as a dog or cat, you should also make sure that your home is properly pet-proofed. This includes blocking off areas where they can’t get into trouble, as well as keeping hazardous items out of reach.
Providing Regular Veterinary Care
Regular veterinary care is essential for all animals, no matter how large or small. This includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and other treatments that help to keep your pet healthy and happy. It’s also important to be aware of any changes in your pet’s behavior, such as listlessness or changes in eating habits, as these could be signs of a medical issue.
Show Love and Affection
Finally, it’s important to show love and affection to all animals. This means providing plenty of attention, treats, and snuggles. Animals can sense when they are loved and appreciated, and this can help to strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
Caring for creatures great and small is an important responsibility. By understanding their individual needs, creating a safe environment, providing regular veterinary care, and showing love and affection, you can ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy for years to come.
