Welfare considerations for zoo veterinary nurses

ABSTRACT:

Assessing the welfare needs of hundreds of species of animals is a huge challenge. The challenge is compounded when medical intervention is required. We discuss the key issues to consider for veterinary nurses working in the zoo environment, and how welfare concerns can be brought into all areas of medical treatment planning.

Keywords: :

• zoo
• welfare
• veterinary
• exotic
• wildlife

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hamish Morrin

Hamish Morrin MSc RVN AFHEAHamish is a former zookeeper and zoo veterinary nurse, who is now a Teaching Fellow at the Royal Veterinary College. He has a strong interest in exotic animal welfare. E-mail: [email protected]

Yvonne Morrin

Yvonne Morrin Msc Yvonne is co-curator at Shepreth Wildlife Park. She has worked with a wide range of species in zoos around the world and has a special interest in training animals for welfare and for medical procedures. E-mail: [email protected]