Zoo and wildlife veterinarian

Working as a zoo veterinarian typically involves caring for all animals in a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife park. Although clinical work is part of the role, much time is dedicated to preventative medicine. This includes ensuring species-appropriate nutrition, husbandry, vaccinations, antiparasitic treatments, and conducting quarantine and health checks.

Major surgeries are rare in zoo settings and usually require assistance from veterinary or human surgeons. Instead, expertise in the capture, restraint, handling, and anaesthesia of various species—from invertebrates to primates—is essential. Zoo veterinarians also oversee measures to prevent infectious and zoonotic diseases and ensure legal compliance in operations, such as animal transport and zoo licensing. Collaboration with animal keepers, curators, and external stakeholders is vital, requiring a broad understanding of zoo management.

Wildlife veterinarians experience diverse roles depending on their location and the species they work with. Some provide hands-on care for individual cases in wildlife rehabilitation, while others address population-level health issues, such as monitoring infectious diseases or pollution.

Many wildlife veterinarians work in research, academia, government agencies, or not-for-profit organisations, with some roles focusing more on policy and legislation than animal care. Clinical medicine may or may not feature prominently, so it is crucial to choose roles that align with your interests and values.

Zoo and wildlife veterinarians often contribute to conserving species threatened with extinction. This shared purpose motivates many professionals in these fields, fostering a passionate and like-minded community.

Zoological medicine is a niche field with limited positions, making competition for jobs intense. Permanent roles are more common in zoos, while many wildlife positions depend on project funding and may offer temporary contracts. Understand the terms and conditions of any role to ensure they suit your circumstances.

In the UK and Europe, zoos typically rely on income from visitors and donations, while wildlife veterinary roles are often tied to not-for-profits or grant-funded projects. Consequently, salaries may be lower than those in small animal or farm veterinary positions. Roles may also require significant clinical experience, postgraduate training, or both.

Working hours vary depending on the position. Zoo roles generally follow standard business hours, with occasional weekend or holiday work on a rota. Wildlife medicine often demands flexibility, including long fieldwork hours in challenging conditions. Physical demands can also be significant.

To stand out in this competitive field, demonstrate sustained interest and gain as much relevant experience as possible through your Extra Mural Studies (EMS). Aim for diverse placements, working with exotic companion animals, zoo and wildlife species, and domestic animals. Transferable clinical skills are more important than highly specialised experience at this stage.

Plan your EMS placements early, as opportunities can be fully booked years in advance. Develop skills in animal handling, husbandry, and anaesthesia, which are crucial for these roles. Building a broad foundational knowledge and applying it across species is vital for success.

Residencies are a common route into zoo medicine and require either a one-year internship or two years of clinical experience. Wildlife medicine offers broader postgraduate opportunities, including master's and PhD programmes in conservation or population health, with some available online for greater flexibility.

The RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP) offers a mid-level qualification, including a Zoological Medicine pathway, suitable for those unable to pursue a residency or PhD. However, it requires self-directed study and arranging mentorship.

Get involved in your university's Veterinary Zoological Society and attend talks to network with others in the field. Consider joining professional organisations like the British Veterinary Zoological Society or the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians, which offer student memberships and access to conferences.

Volunteering, attending workshops, and participating in summer schools can further enhance your understanding of this field.

Understand the expectations of potential roles, especially in challenging environments. Larger zoos often provide mentoring and structured training, while residencies offer formal, comprehensive development. Research-based postgraduate programmes also provide excellent mentoring opportunities.

Veterinarians often take on leadership roles, managing teams or research projects. Formal leadership training can enhance these opportunities. Other career paths include academic teaching, research, or working with government and non-profit organisations.

For more information on residencies, visit:

• European College of Zoological Medicine
• American College of Zoological Medicine

Additional organisations and resources include:

• World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
• European Association of Zoos and Aquaria
• Association of Zoos and Aquariums
• Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia

Key employers include:

• Zoological Society of London
• Mandai Wildlife Reserve
• Wildlife Conservation Society
• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
• Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research

Universities worldwide also offer roles in teaching, research, and fieldwork.