Veterinarian

A veterinarian is a medical professional who protects the health and well-being of animals in a collection. They diagnose and control animal diseases and treat sick and injured animals.

Dr. Gil Boese

Photo courtesy of Milwaukee County Zoo.

Interview | Veterinarian

Tom Meehan, DVM

Dr. Tom Meehan has over 40 years as a veterinarian working with exotic animals. During his professional career he achieved many milestones, such as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.Watch the full Interview

04:59:28

In Memoriam

Feb 25, 1941 - Jul 25, 2023

Interview | Director

Don Farst

Dr. Farst started his career as a private practitioner but in 1969 took a position as veterinarian at the Columbus Zoo. Dr. Farst was named Managing Director of the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville Texas four years after his arrival.Watch the full Interview

4:14:44

Interview | Director

Gordon Hubbell

When Dr. Hubble graduated in 1959, there were only six full-time veterinarians in the country in zoo work. He began communicating with other zoo veterinarians around the country, and starting the Zoo Veterinary Association. He moved to Miami and began working for the Crandon Park Zoo as a full-time veterinarian and then director.Watch the full Interview

3:16:24

In Memoriam

Jan 1, 1928 - May 18, 2014

Interview | Veterinarian

Murray E. Fowler

The first patient that Dr. Murray Fowler treated as a veterinarian was a camel, and that was on the set of a movie called The Ten Commandments which was directed by the famous C.B. DeMille.Watch the full Interview

4:16:49

Interview | Veterinarian

Mitchell Bush, DVM

Dr. Bush has enjoyed many roles in his medical career: consultant, writer, mentor and teacher. He was once a visiting scientist at Kruger National Park, South Africa. With over 350 scientific publications, he has contributed extensively to the knowledge base of the zoo veterinary profession.Watch the full Interview

04:31:17

Interview | Director

Lee Simmons

As a veterinarian, Dr. Simmons has had a varied career. In 1963 he landed his first zoo job as curator of mammals at the Columbus Ohio Zoo.Watch the full Interview

5:46:12

In Memoriam

Feb 24, 1921 - Dec 22, 2021

Interview | Director

Lester E. Fisher

Dr. Lester E. Fisher was hired as Lincoln Park zoo’s first veterinarian in 1947 working under the directorship of the famous Marlin Perkins. Perkins became a friend and the two worked well together. Each respecting the others talents and role.Watch the full Interview

4:22:34

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