Written by Erica Jackson, DVM ‘25

During the winter of 2025, I had the pleasure of completing a six-week clinical externship at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, California. The Safari Park is an 1,800-acre facility, home to more than 3,000 animals representing over 300 species. This institution’s commitment to saving species worldwide through the integration of wildlife health, care, science, and education inspired me to apply for this externship. The anticipation I felt while planning my cross-country travel was far surpassed by the experience itself; this facility exceeded every expectation. There truly is no place like it. This externship was made possible through the generous financial support of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the Cornell K. Lisa Yang Center for Wildlife Health Student Support Fund.

Daily Engagement in Animal Health

One of the many aspects of zoological medicine that inspires me to pursue this field is the variety of species encountered on any given day. The diverse range of patients brought to the hospital made each day both exciting and unpredictable. For example, starting the day with a nearly 200 kg Transvaal lion and ending it with a 1.5 kg black-footed cat highlighted the vast differences in patient size, even within the same family. This emphasized the importance of tailoring medical approaches to the unique needs of each animal.

The wide range of species at the Safari Park means that similar clinical signs can have different underlying causes, influenced by the unique biology of each species. Throughout the six weeks, I was exposed to different schools of thought by the veterinarians—such as how to adjust immobilization doses based on an animal's induction response and how to manage hyperkalemia (high potassium) in big cats. I also gained valuable technical skills as taught by the veterinary technicians, including techniques for intubating various taxa and identifying phlebotomy sites unique to each species. These hands-on experiences significantly enhanced both my critical thinking and clinical skills. Additionally, I improved my diagnostic interpretation skills by performing computed tomography scans, a range of blood tests, and fecal analyses daily.

When patients were not transported to us for examination in the hospital, I had the privilege of accompanying veterinarians into the field to assist with procedures. The expansive, multi-species habitats throughout the Safari Park mirrored the animals' natural wild environments. In these settings, successful procedures depended on careful logistical planning that considered the animal’s condition, the environment, and the herd dynamics within the habitat. Once an animal was immobilized, the fast pace of the procedure was exhilarating, prompting quick, precise, and resourceful decision-making. These moments reminded me why I am so passionate about pursuing a career in zoological medicine.

An Effective Framework Creating an Astounding Team

Collaborating efficiently and effectively as a team is essential in zoological medicine. With large, often dangerous patients and anesthetic protocols that pose risks to humans, team members must be in sync and trust the veterinarians leading the procedures. Communication is crucial to ensure the safety of everyone involved. The team at the Safari Park is built on a foundation of trust, creating stability and predictability, so all members know what to expect, even when facing new challenges or opportunities. It was truly remarkable to observe such a well-run team in action, and I hope to apply their strategies in the future as I enter the field of zoological medicine.

The team at the Safari Park also fostered a culture of curiosity. As a student entering this well-established team, I immediately felt comfortable; they welcomed all perspectives and encouraged open, lively discussions. I was eager to listen to conversations between the veterinary team and animal care staff as they determined the necessary actions for timely implementation regarding an animal of concern. Through these discussions, and those during subsequent diagnostic procedures, a clear sense of direction for each case emerged, allowing actionable treatment recommendations to be made and carried out.

With a fair share of complicated cases—such as a giraffe immobilization, standing sedation of a black rhino, and quality-of-life discussions surrounding a beloved bird—the veterinary team thoughtfully contributed ideas, challenging the group to exhaust every possible outcome. Watching the accumulation of knowledge, drawn from years of field experience, was awe-inspiring. Each veterinarian's humility fostered an environment of respect and empathy, where feedback was welcomed, and collective success was prioritized over individual ego.

Reflecting on my Externship

The six weeks I spent at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park was an experience I will never forget. It was profoundly impactful to work alongside species such as the milky stork, whose populations are dwindling, and the California condor, whose numbers are increasing in the wild thanks to the conservation efforts of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Amid the chaos of my clinical year in veterinary school, it's easy to lose sight of the passion that initially inspired me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. The opportunity to work alongside and learn from the veterinarians at the Safari Park reignited the sense of purpose I have as a hopeful soon-to-be veterinarian, reminding me of the dreams I’ve always held dear.

I sincerely thank the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, and all of the animal care staff for the endless learning opportunities. Their collaboration to achieve what is best for the animals in their care is what makes the San Diego Zoo Safari Park the world-renowned place it is today.

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 is eager to begin her career as an associate veterinarian at Six Flags Great Adventure Wild Safari.

All photos provided by Erica Jackson.