@ Introduction > Mission Statement and Objectives

Zoological Medicine

Zoological medicine is a specialty discipline that integrates principles of ecology, conservation and veterinary medicine, and applies them to non-domesticated species of mammals, birds, reptile, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates within natural and artificial environments. Major areas encompassed by this field include:

• Companion animal practice (pet birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates)
• Zoo animal medicine
• Aquatic animal medicine (marine mammals, display fish)
• Environmental medicine (free-ranging wildlife, conservation medicine, ecosystem health, wildlife rehabilitation)
• Production medicine (farmed/ranched wildlife, game birds, aquaculture)

Mission Statement

The Exotic Animal, Wildlife & Zoological Medicine service is dedicated to furthering the health and well-being of captive and free-ranging, non-domesticated species through excellence in teaching, clinical medicine and research.

Objectives

• To advance clinical competency in zoological medicine through didactic and clinical training of veterinary students, interns, residents, and graduate students.
• To provide high quality continuing education and training for veterinarians.
• To provide a specialist clinical service to exotic pet owners, zoo/aquaria curators, and referring veterinarians.
• To collaborate with biologists, zoologists, ecologists and other veterinarians in zoological research projects.
• To develop, undertake and publish medical and surgical research projects that benefit non-domesticated species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, and birds.