By Erica Jackson, Cornell DVM ‘25

To round out my clinical year, I headed to the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas. The center is renowned for its expansive pastures—featuring both open plains and forested areas that allow animals to roam freely. I was eager to fully immerse myself in the practice of zoological medicine, particularly within a safari-style setting. With aspirations of working as a veterinarian in a safari park, I approached the externship with the goal of gaining hands-on experience in field anesthesia and procedures performed under semi-free-ranging conditions. I left the experience with a depth of knowledge that far exceeded my expectations. I am sincerely grateful for the financial support provided by the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and the Cornell K. Lisa Yang Center for Wildlife Health’s Student Support Fund.

Day to Day, From Hoofstock to Felids

Each day began with morning rounds conducted in collaboration with the animal care staff. During rounds, clinical concerns and management updates were reviewed, and a comprehensive plan for the day’s activities was devised. Fieldwork commenced shortly thereafter, often involving the chemical immobilization of individuals requiring medical intervention or husbandry procedures, as well as anthelmintic treatment, which is used to control internal parasites in animals with high fecal egg counts.

Due to the expansive terrain and the elusive nature of many hoofstock species when in forests, mornings provided the optimal window for observation and intervention, as animals typically congregated near feed stations within the plains habitats.

Procedures ranged from diagnostic evaluations—such as investigating cases of lameness or poor body condition—to the translocation of individuals into holding pens for transfer to other institutions. These procedures necessitated additional planning, including pre-loading essential equipment into field vehicles and mobilizing adequate personnel to facilitate safe capture, handling, and transport.

Although challenging to implement regularly in large herds of hoofstock, preventative medicine depends upon establishing baseline parameters, monitoring age-related changes, and identifying subclinical disease. At Fossil Rim, felid preventative health exams included routine blood work, thoracic and abdominal radiography, echocardiography, abdominal ultrasonography, fecal exams for parasites, and urinalysis. By scheduling these evaluations biennially, the veterinary team was able to perform comparative analyses across an individual’s lifetime, facilitating early detection of pathological changes and supporting long-term health surveillance.

Afternoons were consistently filled with a diverse array of clinical and educational activities, tailored to the needs of the animals across the park. From Attwater’s prairie chicken exams, hoofstock birthing assistance, and darting practice, each day offered unique hands-on learning opportunities that expanded my knowledge of zoological medicine. A daily dose of smiles from seeing Turbo, the juvenile white rhinoceros, while we cared for other rhinos in the barn, was almost always on the schedule.

When not in the field, I participated in a weekly journal club, structured in alignment with the study approach for the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) board examinations. This setting encouraged critical evaluation of current literature and fostered discussion on clinically relevant topics. Additionally, I contributed to several research projects spanning a broad range of subjects. These projects, varied in scope, provided valuable insights into the many responsibilities of zoological veterinarians beyond direct clinical care, including records management and literature reviews.

Reflecting on My Time at Fossil Rim

My experience at Fossil Rim was nothing short of incredible. When searching for a preceptorship that would enhance my knowledge from clinical rotations at Cornell and enable me to apply common veterinary principles from domestic species to wildlife, Fossil Rim proved to be the perfect fit. The fast-paced schedule and ever-evolving learning environment fueled my passion for continuous growth and adaptability, as each day brought new challenges and discoveries.

Dr. Holly Haefele, Dr. Julie Swenson, and Dr. Tori Trumble were incredibly welcoming, continuously challenging me with thought-provoking questions that expanded my clinical reasoning and knowledge base. The outstanding licensed veterinary technicians significantly enhanced my clinical and anesthesia monitoring skills. Additionally, the animal care staff taught me invaluable practices for animal restraint and daily husbandry techniques essential for managing the park’s diverse species. Those six weeks left an impression on me I will never forget!

Erica Jackson, DVM ‘25, graduated from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in May. Born and raised in Toms River, New Jersey, she completed her bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary medicine at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Erica has recently begun her career as an associate veterinarian at Six Flags Great Adventure Wild Safari.

Photos provided by Erica Jackson.