ZOO ATLANTA HOSTS VET FOR A DAY FOR 40 ATLANTA CHILDREN

Event hosted in partnership with American Veterinary Medical Association and TV's "Critter Fixers"

ATLANTA - November 20, 2024 - Zoo Atlanta provided a day of inspiration, learning, and career aspirations for 40 Atlanta children at Vet for a Day on November 9, 2024. The event was hosted in partnership with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and in collaboration with Terrence Ferguson, DVM, and Vernard Hodges, DVM, stars of the series "Critter Fixers: Country Vets."

Invited students ranged in age from 12 to 16 years old and attend Title I Schools in metro Atlanta. The children and their parents enjoyed an interactive presentation with Drs. Ferguson and Hodges, followed by a packed day of hands-on opportunities for the students to learn from members of the Zoo Atlanta Veterinary, Research, and Animal Care Teams and AVMA veterinarians. Activities included educational simulations of veterinary CPR; parasite detection; and suturing. Students also joined Zoo Atlanta veterinarians and researchers to learn about heart and hoof checks at the petting zoo and animal ethograms at the Delta Air Lines Rhino Habitat. Tours concluded with a visit to

Zoo Atlanta's new Rollins Animal Health Center, where the students explored animal X-rays and biofacts.

While students were engaged in afternoon activities, their parents had opportunities to meet with representatives from AVMA and area universities to learn more about academic paths to veterinary careers. Fort Valley State University and Gwinnett Technical College, both of which offer Veterinary Technology programs, provided parents with essential information on academic requirements, funding options, and grants. This guidance is a crucial component in helping to close the gap and create clear pathways toward careers in animal management and veterinary technology, bringing the program full circle.

"Zoo Atlanta was thrilled to be able to host the Vet for a Day opportunity, and we are very grateful for the partnership of our colleagues at AVMA and our friends Dr. Ferguson and Dr. Hodges in helping make this special day possible," said Raymond B. King, President and CEO. "If there are children in our community who dream of someday becoming a veterinarian - or perhaps have never considered a career working with animals - we want to do everything we can to uplift our next generation on that journey and help them understand that their dreams are achievable."

November 9 marked Zoo Atlanta's second time hosting a Vet for a Day event. The inaugural Vet for a Day event took place on September 30, 2023.

Plan a visit to Zoo Atlanta or learn more about the Zoo's animals, mission, programs, and people at zooatlanta.org.