Fort Worth Zoo, TX

Description of Elective Experience

Externs will assist the veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the daily clinical practice at the Fort Worth Zoo. Minimum skills to be learned and practiced by students include examination, blood collection techniques, basic laboratory techniques, and chemical immobilization and anesthesia of zoo animal species. Students will complete and present a project by the end of the externship.

Highlights: 

  • Three- to eight-week externships for veterinary students in their clinical years
  • Fully-equipped veterinary hospital (rigid/flexible endoscopy, ultrasound, blood gases analyzer, digital radiography, OR, ICU room, necropsy room) with a full-service in-house laboratory as well as a fully-equipped and staffed nutrition department
  • Fully-staffed veterinary hospital with access to 4 full-time veterinarians including current and actively studying to become ACZM diplomates
  • Potential for publications dependent on length of externship, dedication level, and interest
  • This is a volunteer program; no monetary compensation, housing, transportation, or insurance will be provided

All students with a strong interest in zoo medicine are encouraged to apply. Self-motivated, self-starting students will have the greatest success in this externship. Application materials include:

  • Cover letter, curriculum vitae, and two letters of recommendation
  • Include 3 preferred time slots ranked in order of preference
  • Submit application materials and prioritized time slots via email to veterinaryexternship@fortworthzoo.org

Externs must have a negative TB test within 6 months of start date, be up-to-date with tetanus vaccine (within the last 10 years), and have a current rabies vaccine or titer within the past 2 years

Institutional and Educational Resources - staffing, equipment, etc.

The Fort Worth Zoo is an AZA-accredited institution with a diverse collection of over 500 species and 7000 individuals, including mammals, bird, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. The zoo has a fully equipped veterinary hospital (rigid/flexible endoscopy, ultrasound, blood gases analyzer, digital radiography, OR, ICU room, necropsy room) with a full-service in-house laboratory. The veterinary team includes 4 veterinarians (including one Dipl. ACZM), 5 licensed veterinary technicians, 1 hospital keeper, and 1 procurement keeper. Student externs will observe and participate in all aspects of clinical veterinary medicine at the zoo, including physical exams, pre-shipment and quarantine exams, planned anesthesia, emergency management, and necropsies. Students will learn about remote delivery of drugs and anesthesia and case management in a zoological setting. There may be opportunities for students to perform clinical tasks such as venipuncture, IV catheter placement, incubation, ultrasonography, etc.

Student Responsibilities - what is expected of students in terms of hours, days of the week, shadowing or actual support?

Students will be expected to work Monday through Friday, generally 8am to 5pm.

Supervisor
Amanda Wonn, DVM
Website
fortworthzoo.org
Contact email
Address

1989 Colonial Pkwy
Fort Worth, TX 76110
United States

Animal Type
Practice or Institution Type
Is student housing available?
No
Hours of supervision by a licensed veterinarian per week
40+
Global engagement opportunity
No
Related evaluations