Checking In
No one knows our residents better than the people who care
for them every day, and these professionals are often the first
to notice when something is off. Dr. Zachariah and his staff
meet with curators weekly and keepers monthly to discuss
changes in animal health and follow up on treatments.
A Closer Look
Babirusa neonatal
Though we can learn a lot about an individual’s health through
visual checkups and voluntary behaviors, sometimes a more
thorough inspection is needed. Most animals are anesthetized
once every three years for an exam that includes X-rays,
sonograms, blood draws, dental cleaning and an inspection
of overall body condition. Keepers are present to assist with
the procedure and answer questions.
Because any perceived weakness could draw the attention of
an opportunistic predator, animals may instinctively attempt
to mask the symptoms of disease or injury. On numerous
occasions, these exams have helped us identify and treat
ailments that were not made evident by observation alone.
Capybara exam
Compassionate Endings
As animals age, they are prone to many of the health issues
that affect elderly humans—arthritis, cancer and organ failure,
to name a few—so we keep a closer eye on these individuals.
Our veterinarian will devise a treatment plan (which may
include prescription medication and surgery) to cure the
disease or alleviate its symptoms.
Although it’s not fun to think about, every living thing reaches
the end eventually. If an animal is clearly in pain and we can
no longer ensure its wellness, we will make the difficult but
humane decision to end its life.
Jaguar dental cleaning
Community Partnerships
Dr. Zachariah generously lends his time and expertise to two
local organizations: Animal Emergency & Critical Care Center of
Brevard (AECC) and Florida Wildlife Hospital & Sanctuary (FWH).
Komodo dragon
blood collection
On the first Monday of each month, Dr. Zachariah heads to
AECC and meets with owners of parrots, rodents, snakes, lizards
and other nontraditional pets to address health concerns. In
return, the Zoo is granted access to AECC’s veterinary specialists
and equipment.
Because FWH does not have a veterinarian on staff, weekly
visits from Dr. Zachariah are critical to the organization’s
mission of rehabilitating and releasing injured wildlife. His work
at the Zoo renders him highly familiar with many of FWH’s
patients, such as opossums, otters, owls and tortoises.
Florida Wildlife Hospital
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