Summary of ZOO ATLANTA BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON VETERINARY COMPLEX:
Zoo Atlanta has started constructing a new veterinary complex called The Rollins Animal Health Center. The center aims to set new standards for zoo animal medicine, technology, research, and academic partnerships. The Gary W. Rollins Foundation has invested $3 million in the project, and the facility will be named after the foundation. The veterinary complex will replace outdated facilities and will include dedicated laboratory, pharmacy, radiology, treatment, and surgical spaces. It will also have a necropsy suite and dorm rooms for Veterinary Team members. The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2024 and will expand Zoo Atlanta’s capabilities for research and collaborations with academic partners.
Summary:
– Zoo Atlanta has begun constructing a new veterinary complex named The Rollins Animal Health Center.
– The facility will redefine standards of excellence in zoo animal medicine, technology, research, and academic partnerships.
– The project is part of the Care, Conserve, Connect capital campaign and has received significant support from philanthropic organizations.
– The complex will include state-of-the-art facilities such as dedicated laboratory, radiology and treatment spaces, a CT scanner, and animal holding dens.
– The Rollins Animal Health Center will expand Zoo Atlanta’s capabilities for research, internships, and collaborations with academic partners.
Zoo Atlanta has embarked on an exciting new project to revolutionize veterinary care, technology, and scientific collaboration in the zoo industry. Construction has begun on The Rollins Animal Health Center, a state-of-the-art veterinary complex that will redefine standards of excellence in zoo animal medicine. This groundbreaking initiative will provide cutting-edge facilities for the care of animals and facilitate research and academic partnerships that will contribute to the advancement of zoology and wildlife conservation.
The Rollins Animal Health Center owes its name to The Gary W. Rollins Foundation, which generously invested $3 million in this ambitious project. The complex will serve as a replacement for Zoo Atlanta’s existing veterinary facilities, which have been outstripped and outclassed by the exceptional work of the Zoo’s Veterinary Team and its commitment to excellence in animal care.
The new facility will encompass a range of features designed to support the comprehensive needs of the animals and the veterinary staff. It will house a dedicated laboratory, radiology, treatment, and surgical spaces and a CT scanner for detailed imaging diagnostics. Furthermore, interior and exterior animal holding dens and a food preparation kitchen will ensure the animals have appropriate living environments and nourishment. Adding five animal quarantine dens with dedicated care team member access and food preparation areas will enhance the Zoo’s ability to safely handle and treat new arrivals. Office and conference space for the Veterinary Team will also be incorporated, facilitating professional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
An exciting aspect of The Rollins Animal Health Center is including a necropsy suite. This specialized space enables the Veterinary Team to conduct post-mortem examinations, providing valuable insights into the health and well-being of the Zoo’s animal population. By studying the causes of illness and death, the team can continuously improve their understanding of animal health and develop more effective treatment strategies.
Beyond its immediate impact on animal care, The Rollins Animal Health Center will foster research, educational opportunities, and collaborations with academic partners. Zoo Atlanta has long recognized the importance of scientific inquiry in furthering our understanding of wildlife and promoting conservation efforts. The new complex will enable the Zoo to expand its research capabilities and establish valuable partnerships with institutions such as Agnes Scott College, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Georgia State University.
Through these collaborations, Zoo Atlanta will offer professional internships and externships to students, providing them with hands-on experience in veterinary medicine and zoo management. This immersive learning environment will nurture the next generation of conservationists and wildlife experts, preparing them for diverse animal care, research, and advocacy career paths.
The construction of The Rollins Animal Health Center is made possible by the generous support of philanthropic organizations and individuals who recognize the crucial role of zoos in wildlife conservation. The Care, Conserve, Connect capital campaign, which seeks to raise $22 million, has already received significant donations totaling nearly $21 million.
Notable contributors include The Gary W. Rollins Foundation, Lettie Pate Evans Foundation, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, The Marcus Foundation, The Sara Giles Moore Foundation, and The Zeist Foundation. Their unwavering commitment to Zoo Atlanta’s mission is a testament to the importance of preserving our natural world and ensuring the well-being of its diverse inhabitants.
The Rollins Animal Health Center is expected to be completed by summer 2024, thanks to the Joint General Contractors, Turner Construction Company, and FS360, and the architectural design by Torre Design Consortium, Ltd. The complex will be built with sustainability, aiming for LEED Certification of Silver or Gold. This commitment to environmental stewardship reflects Zoo Atlanta’s dedication to conservation and extends beyond the welfare of its animal residents.
In conclusion, the construction of The Rollins Animal Health Center marks an exciting new chapter for Zoo Atlanta and the field of zoo animal medicine. This innovative facility will redefine standards of excellence in veterinary care and research, education, and academic partnerships. Thanks to the support of philanthropic organizations and individuals, Zoo Atlanta is poised to continue its mission of conservation and environmental education, inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect the rich diversity of wildlife that shares our planet.
