World Veterinary Day

World Veterinary Day celebrates the contributions of veterinarians from around theglobe that help to ensure humans, animals, and the environment prosper together.

Roger Williams Park Zoo’s veterinary department is responsible for the care ofeverything from millipedes in the Zoo’s education ambassador animalcollection to the Zoo’s three largest residents, African elephantsKate, Ginny, and Alice. Providing daily medical care toinvertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals –their patients vary from 2 grams to 10,000 pounds!

Dr. Mike McBride is Roger Williams Park Zoo’s director ofveterinary services; responsible for the daily operationsof the Zoo’s John J. Palumbo Veterinary Hospital,a state-of-the art medical facility which consists ofrooms for radiology, treatment, surgery as well as acomplete laboratory and pharmacy. The veterinariansand the certified veterinary technicians oversee the healthand welfare of more than 150 animals and are charged withmanaging everything from diagnosis and treatment, to preventativemedicine, surgery, and nutrition.

“My job gives me the opportunity to work with a huge variety of species and individualanimals,” said Dr. McBride. “It can sometimes seem overwhelming to keep up with all thevariety of animals at the Zoo, but that is also what makes it so rewarding.”

If animals become sick or injured, the veterinary department can provide them with the upmost care they need. Nonetheless, like with humans, it is always better to prevent problems in the first place. Practicing preventative medicine and monitoring the ongoing health of the Zoo’s animals through routine examinations, bloodwork, vaccines, and good nutrition is key.

Dr. Kim Wojick, the Zoo’s associate veterinarian, is responsible for most of the routine examinations and medical care for the Zoo’s animals. So why did Dr. Wojick become a veterinarian? “I have wanted to be a veterinarian since 2nd grade, although at that point I wanted to be a veterinarian for unicorns. I ended up choosing exotic animals due to the variety of species and the opportunities to help with conservation.”

Abigail Nickolopoulos, the Zoo’s associate veterinary technician, also enjoys working with the Zoo’s vast variety of exotic animals. From monitoring anesthesia and taking radiographs to caring for neonates, her role allows her to interact with all the animals that call the Zoo home.

“I love my job here,” says Nickolopoulos, “one day I might be helping radiograph a giraffe, the next giving an injection to a rattlesnake and later taking blood from a bird. With the size of our collection we can really focus on each animal getting great preventative medical care and ensuring that they live their healthiest lives possible.”

Thanks to the passion and dedication of the Zoo’s veterinary department, we continue to work towards our mission to conserve species for future generations. The Roger Williams Park Zoo veterinary department is comprised of Dr. Mike McBride, Dr. Kim Wojick, Abigail Nickolopoulos, and Bonnie Soule.

The term veterinarian comes from the Latin world veterinae which means ‘working animals’.

It is no secret that veterinarians are in demand – today nearly sixty-eight percent of United States households own a pet*. That’s about 85 million families!

*National Pet Owners 2018 Survey