THE PROGRAM'S MISSION

The mission of the Zoo and Wildlife Pathology Program is to provide resources to advance knowledge of issues affecting zoo animal and wildlife health. The program is counseled by a consortium of zoo and wildlife veterinary pathologists representing numerous professional and academic organizations that are dedicated to the health and well-being of exotic animal species. Members of these organizations will coordinate the various facets of this pathology program on a global basis and will serve as mentors for the program fellows. The program aims to educate veterinarians in the study of pathology, the scientific discipline which detects and prevents diseases and conditions that plague rare and endangered animals.

To maintain healthy populations, veterinary pathologists monitor diseases in both captive and free/ranging species, such as the California condor, cheetah, golden-lion tamarin, and maned wolf. Amphibians are often sentinels of environmental conditions causing disease and death.