Posts by Julie Best
Narwhals, the unicorns of the sea
Did you know narwhals, the unicorns of the sea, are actually a species of whale related to the Orca and Beluga that call the Arctic Circle home? The unique and singular tusk that male narwhals grow, that gives them the nickname ‘Unicorns of the Sea’, is actually a tooth that can grow up to 10…
Read MoreWho is the Wild Animal Health Fund?
The Wild Animal Health Fund (WAHF) is not your average conservation program. In fact, there are not other conservation programs like us on the planet. The Wild Animal Health Fund, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, is a program of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV). WAHF is solely focused on funding humane health studies for zoo…
Read MoreOne funded project can help several species
One funded project can help several species but what is the impact? Each Wild Animal Health Fund project must share the results through refereed scientific journals and lectures at conferences with scientists from all over the world. The beneficial insight from the shared knowledge then goes into action for the animals’ care whether the animal…
Read MoreCan’t go to the zoo? Visit one virtually!
For all you Zoo Lovers! Don’t fret! We have you covered! Can’t get out to visit the zoo? Visit a zoo virtually then! Sadly, our world is still in lockdown because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Zoos, conservation facilities, and sanctuaries all over the world have temporarily closed their doors to the public as well as…
Read MoreAnimals Are Going Extinct in the Wild
Virtually everyone knows that many animals are going extinct in the wild, but did you know there are some species that no longer exist outside of zoos, aquariums and wild animal parks? These species may be next on the list for the extinction. Although efforts may be too late for some species, there are still…
Read MoreMany Animals Suffer From Human Diseases
Did you know that zoo animals and wildlife suffer from the same health conditions and diseases as humans? Unlike humans, though, zoo animals and wildlife are programmed to hide their pain and vulnerabilities. This is a survival mechanism in order to look and vulnerable. Sadly, this causes most species to suffer in painful silence. Many…
Read MoreAnimal Health: What’s important?
When it comes to zoo animal and wildlife health, which of the following do you feel is most important? A. Focusing on threatened/endangered species. The extensive list can be found on the IUCN Red List.B. Expanding grants for all kinds of wild animal health research. Click here to see the list of species that have…
Read MoreZoo Veterinarians; It’s a way of life
Do you love your job? Kansas City Zoo veterinarian, Dr. Kirk Suedmeyer will be the first to say that if you follow what you are passionate about, your job will never be work, but rather a fulfilling way of life. From the time he was a child, when his mom and grandma would take him…
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