The Zoo's Vet!!!

So many animals call the Henry Vilas Zoo their home, and they rely on people for everything they need to survive. What happens when an animal gets sick? Injured? That's when Dr. Peterson of Stoughton Veterinary Clinic comes to the resuce! While shadowing the vets there on a monday morning, I met him and found out that Dr. Peterson is the primary vet for the animals at the Zoo. He's able to work on practically any animal and puts lots of time into his work between the house pets at the Vet clinic and the more exotic creatures at the zoo. I thought that was the coolest thing and this was the perfect oppurtunity to ask him a few questions about his life working with zoo animals.
Q: What made you want to become a vet?
A: Mostly my love of animals and growing up with pets around. I loved them so much, I just really enjoyed helping them.
Q: How long have you been working at the zoo?
A: Approxomitly 22 years now.
Q: How often do you check up on the animals?
A: Well, I routinly visit the animals and check them over every wednesday, so once a week. But when there is an emergency or something I need to look at sooner, then I'll go in, and that usually happens about once or twice a month.
Q: What was the most complex/interesting case you've seen at the zoo?
A: Well the muntdjac (a dear like animal) was having trouble giving birth. So we had to perform a Cesarean or a C-section. Everything turned out well in the end, and the mom did great.
Q:Do you work with any other vets at the zoo?
A:I consult with the UW veterinary school, so yes and no.

Thanks again, Dr. Peterson!!!
~Brooke

Picture of a Muntjac and it's baby.