Zoo Vets

Think a root canal is tough? Try performing one on a tiger. Caring for animals is the ultimate medical challenge. These are patients who can't speak, are often dangerous, and represent countless unique anatomical systems. Yet zoo vets somehow manage to give specialized care to each creature they treat. We go behind the scenes at our country's largest zoos and aquariums to witness these doctors handle every imaginable emergency, from an otter with kidney stones to a Silverback Gorilla in need of an ultrasound. It's all in a day's work.

Production

Logo for Smithsonian Channel

Trailers & Videos

Thumbnail for video: This Vet Went from Admiring Jane Goodall to Working With Her

This Vet Went from Admiring Jane Goodall to Working With Her

Seasons

3 Episodes • Premiered 2009

Still image for Zoo Vets season 1 episode 1: Tails, Teeth and Snouts

1. Tails, Teeth and Snouts

Meet the ultimate medical multitaskers, constantly on call to treat over 5,000 animals and up to 2,000 species.

Still image for Zoo Vets season 1 episode 2: Claws, Paws and Fins

2. Claws, Paws and Fins

Meet the men and women who act as surgeons, dentists, eye doctors, and caretakers to close to 2,000 species.

Still image for Zoo Vets season 1 episode 3: Fangs, Flippers and Tusks

3. Fangs, Flippers and Tusks

They're pushing science, and themselves, to the limit in order to save lives and preserve species.

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