National Conservation Zoo

Opening times today: 10am - 4:30pm (Last entry at 3:30pm)

Animals in the wild and in human care contend with a variety of illnesses. They may develop age-related conditions, acquire injuries or experience exposure to pathogens over the course of their lives.

Our Animal Health Centre team draw on a wealth of practical and theoretical experience, collaborating with keepers and scientists, to deliver a very high standard of animal care.

The cases they oversee can vary widely in nature due to the diverse physiologies of their animal patients, and in how each species responds to illness and displays symptoms.

This has led to a series of scientific firsts, as our specialists have collaborated to devise novel treatment methods and plans for mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates (check inverts!), many of which are rare and do not often appear in scientific animal care literature.

Collaboration with experts outside the zoo has been key in ensuring successful healthcare outcomes for key individuals.

Case study: a novel approach to sloth dentistry

Alongside their practical experience, our veterinarian team is contributing to the scientific understanding of animal biology and the treatment of a wide range of species through publications and grey literature. 

They also share their knowledge with the zoo, science and veterinary communities, when the opportunity arises, and have given presentations on various novel cases and treatments.