The Wilds is situated on nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed surface-mined land in southeastern Ohio. We are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support conservation through innovative education, breeding and research programs that emphasize the protection and intensive management of our wildlife resources.
Veterinary preceptorship positions are available at The Wilds on a competitive basis to veterinary students in their clinical year (i.e. final year) within the United States, Canada, and internationally. Applicants should demonstrate a genuine desire to continue their professional career in the zoo or wildlife field and will be required to spend a 6-8 wk period at The Wilds. The preceptorship program is designed to provide veterinary students with exposure to the fields of zoo and conservation medicine. This experience will help students to make further career and educational decisions.
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Institutional Resources:
- Dr. Priscilla Joyner, Director of Conservation Medicine, Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine
- 3rd year Veterinary Resident and licensed veterinary technicians at The Wilds
- Facilities include two separate veterinary clinics (hoofstock and carnivore) with laboratory, surgery, treatment, necropsy and research laboratory areas
- In situ breeding and conservation programs on-site including an Eastern hellbender and American burring beetle reintroduction programs
- Collaboration with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicin
- Educational Resources Available:
- Relevant text books and journals
- Weekly didactic rounds with veterinarians and residents from The Wilds, the Columbus Zoo, and The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Monthly radiology and pathology rounds with Ohio State University
Students are encouraged to actively participate in procedures ranging from basic animal management to field immobilizations and associated laboratory techniques. The preceptor will assist in the daily management of hospitalized animals, including evaluation and treatment of clinical cases. This participation involves assisting with chemical and physical restraint procedures, becoming familiar with drug usage and dosages, maintaining records (both written and ZIMS), becoming familiar with equipment and drug delivery systems, and performing post-mortem examinations. Students develop proficiency in current in-house laboratory procedures such as parasite diagnostic techniques and are expected to assist with various routine duties such as the upkeep of instruments, equipment, and the clinic area. Students will gain clinical experience with a variety of hoof stock species, mid-sized carnivores, and other species.
There will be required reading which consists of technical and research literature, and for using available resources to research relevant topics or preparing for weekly didactic rounds. A short oral presentation (topic and/or research project to be decided by the end of the first week) is required prior to completion of the preceptorship. Participation in current research projects may be possible, but depends on caseload and current projects. Independent projects will be considered on a case by case basis.
There are certain constraints that students should be aware of prior to the submission of a formal application. The Wilds has a remote location and is approximately 20 miles from Zanesville, the nearest city. As a non-profit organization, The Wilds is presently unable to offer a stipend or other expenses for visiting students. Students chosen for the program must provide proof of medical insurance and driving insurance. Students are responsible for all expenses. Students will need to show proof of negative TB test, Hepatitis B vaccination, and current protective rabies titer or proof of recent booster.
On-site shared housing is available at request and costs approximately $65.00/ week (or $250/month).A vehicle is required for on site housing since it is approximately 10 minute drive from the clinic. The route includes gravel roads and is not walkable or rideable with a bicycle.
Evaluations will be sent to students and/or institutions following completion of the program. Preceptors are required to complete an evaluation of their experience at the Wilds so that we may continue to improve our program for future students.