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Loop Abroad: The Toledo Zoo Pre-Vet Med (Directory Program)

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  • Locations: Various Locations, United States
  • Program Terms: Summer
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: Loop Abroad 
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English Click here for a definition of this term Class Status: 1-first year, 2-sophomore, 3-junior, 4-senior
Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study: Animal Science
Program Description:
Spend a full week on-site and behind-the-scenes at the AZA-accredited Toledo Zoo, a top American zoo, to learn all about healthy animal care and upkeep in a zoo setting. This program is open to participants aged 18 and up.

This program is designed to help you and your team learn all about zoo management. Each day, your teaching vets and the zoo staff will help you to understand and practice different aspects of managing a zoo and its animals. You will have the opportunity to spend time with the animal health and nutrition departments as well as complete lab work with veterinary technicians and participate in veterinary rounds. 


Toledo Zoo
Your program will cover such topics as:
  • Case rounds with zoo veterinarians
  • Fecal setup and blood smears in the lab
  • Medication delivery discussion and demonstration
  • Vet-taught lessons on mammals, reptiles, birds, parasites and nutrition
  • Direct instruction on physical examinations
  • Practice of safe restraint and movement of animals
  • Mentoring and question and answer session regarding vet school
  • An introduction to husbandry, enrichment, and enclosures

This program provides the unique experience of working directly with staff and veterinarians as they work behind the scenes caring for zoo animals. You will get an in-depth view of what it takes to provide healthcare and nutrition for a wide range of wildlife species in a zoo setting. Each day includes a full schedule of labs, field lectures and hands-on practice throughout the zoo. 

Who It’s For

This program is designed for students ages 18 and over who are interested in veterinary medicine and in learning more about successfully caring for wildlife and exotics in a zoo setting. 

There are no prerequisites for this program. You do not need to be in school currently to apply. Individuals of any nationality may apply.

This program is limited to a maximum of 10 participants to ensure that everyone gets up-close experience in their time at the zoo.

This is an extremely rare opportunity to learn in a small group with the veterinarians and keepers at one of the most respected zoos in the United States. Participants are expected to be positive, attentive, fully engaged, and eager to learn.

Highlights
  • Guided tours of individual departments within the zoo
  • Attending case rounds with zoo veterinarians
  • Behind the scenes perspective on the full picture of the teamwork involved in managing a zoo 
  • Hands-on lab experience
  • Direct access to a wide variety of wildlife to participate in physical exams and restraint
  • Mentoring to help guide you through the next step in planning your veterinary career
  • Development and practice of valuable skills important for careers with animals in captivity