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Veterinary Care
The Denton A. Cooley Animal Hospital was built in 1985 to provide for the needs of the Houston Zoo animal population. The Zoo hospital is open to serve the Houston Zoo 365 days a year with full-service veterinary care. The Zoo hospital includes radiology, ultrasound, surgery, laboratory, treatment, examination areas, diet preparation kitchen, and housing for species ranging from tiny amphibians to great apes and antelope. There are separate quarantine facilities for small and large animals.
Hospital Objectives
- Provide a comprehensive preventive medicine program for the Houston Zoo animal collection
- Provide diagnostic services and treatment of medical problems through assessment of animal history, physical signs, laboratory testing, imaging, and other tests as indicated by animal condition
- Provide a service to the community through support of conservation and humane organizations to promote the preservation of habitat and the well-being of non-domestic animals in the Houston area
Veterinarians
The Zoo veterinarians are responsible for the day-to-day care and treatment of the Houston Zoo’s over 3100 animals ranging from the tiniest insect to the largest Asian elephant. The veterinarians work hand-in-hand with Zoo management and animal care staff to ensure the physical health and psychological well being of the Zoo’s animals.
In addition, the veterinarians develop protocols and procedures for animal care and treatment, quarantine and shipment, laboratory testing, and personnel and animal safety and emergencies. They write and dispense prescriptions, provide medical treatment and surgery, provide a veterinary preceptorship program, and interact routinely with numerous community and government agencies.
Inside the Hospital
Preventive Care – The veterinary hospital conducts routine examinations on zoo animals. Prophylactic vaccinations for diseases such as West Nile Virus, Rabies, Tetanus, Distemper, and other diseases of carnivores, primates, and hoofed animals are routinely given. Fecal examinations to detect parasites before they become a problem, and routine treatment to keep disease problems at bay, keep animals in top physical condition. Zoo staff and volunteers are routinely tested for tuberculosis to help protect our animal collection.
Quarantine – All new animals are quarantined to prevent the introduction of disease to the Houston Zoo collection. Healthy status must be determined through observation, examination, and laboratory analysis of blood and fecal samples before being released to Zoo areas.
Wellness Physical Examinations – Routine physicals are performed on zoo animals as determined by the veterinary and management staffs. Complete exams performed by the veterinary staff include blood analysis and dental prophylaxis. Primates are tested for TB; mammals and birds are vaccinated to prevent disease. In addition, felines are checked for antibody levels for feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, and feline infectious peritonitis; and birds are checked for chlamydia. Blood serum or plasma is banked in a subzero freezer for future needs.
Diagnostics – The Zoo hospital provides in house diagnostics and also uses the services of several outside laboratories such as Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory as well as veterinary specialists at Gulf Coast and Bay Area Veterinary Specialists.
Community Support – The veterinary hospital plays an important role in Houston and the Gulf Coast community in the education and prevention of zoonotic diseases in coordination with the Houston Zoo's Director of Public Affairs and local media.
Hospital Staff:
Routine ExaminationsZoo veterinarians are responsible for the day-to-day care and treatment of the Houston Zoo’s over 3,000 animals. Routine examinations on healthy animals may include blood samples for laboratory testing, imaging such as radiographs or ultrasound, and monitoring weight and physical condition. Birds may also receive a wing, beak and nail trim, papilloma virus check, and vaccinations.
Conservation
Zoo veterinarians also provide service to local conservation and humane organizations, such as, the National Marine Fisheries Service and AH.S.P.C.A. Injured or sick wildlife is treated by veterinary staff, then placed with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator prior to release.
Technicians
Registered veterinary technicians assist the Zoo veterinarians with examinations and procedures. Registered veterinary technicians also conduct laboratory tests, monitor anesthesia during surgery, provide dental prophylaxis, fill prescriptions, and administer medications.
Keepers
Hospital Keepers prepare diets for hospital animals, maintain habitats, and administer medications. Hospital keepers also provide enrichment, monitor animal behavior and health, and communicate observations and concerns to veterinary staff.
