Elmwood Park Zoo and Zoetis Co-Host Inaugural Vet Tech Summit, Celebrating Veterinary Technicians and the Future of Animal Health

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (October 17, 2025) — Elmwood Park Zoo, in partnership with Zoetis, proudly hosted its inaugural Veterinary Technician Summit on Wednesday, October 15, as part of National Veterinary Technician Week. The event brought together 60 second-year veterinary technology students from Manor College, Harcum College, and Camden County Community College for a full day of education, collaboration, and hands-on experiences at the Zoo.

Held inside the Zoo’s Canopy Gardens Hall and Frank & Paige Engro Veterinary Health Center, the summit highlighted the critical role that veterinary technicians play in animal care and explored the variety of career opportunities across veterinary medicine. Students engaged in panel discussions, toured the Zoo’s animal hospital, and heard from leading experts in the field, including representatives from academia, EPZ animal care, and the pharmaceutical industry.

“Veterinary technicians are critical players in the success of the veterinary health care team,” said Laura Clark, DVM, PhD, Global Medical Affairs at Zoetis, and Elmwood Park Zoo Board Member, whose idea it was to organize this event. “This summit provided students with a real-world view of the diverse career paths available to them—from zoo medicine and specialty practice to research and industry.”

The program featured a dynamic panel on alternate careers in veterinary medicine, moderated by Alyssa Mages, BS, CVT, Chief Visionary Officer of Empowering Veterinary Teams and featuring:

– Kourtney Conti, BS, CVT, Elmwood Park Zoo

– Bailey Donovan, BS, CVT, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine

– Chelsea Geiringer, BS, CVT, Zoetis Veterinary Medical Information & Product Support (VMIPS)

Following the panel, Michele Goodman, VMD, Elmwood Park Zoo’s Director of Animal Care, along with additional Animal Care Staff, led students on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Zoo’s medical facilities and discussed the day-to-day realities of working in the field of zoological veterinary medicine. The afternoon concluded with a Lunch & Learn presented by Jodi Koch, VMD, Professional Services Veterinarian of Zoetis, exploring the emerging science of monoclonal antibodies and their applications in animal health.

“This event not only celebrates veterinary technicians but also reinforces our commitment to education, innovation, and professional development within the animal care community,” said Goodman. “We were thrilled to see so many passionate students connect, learn, and imagine their future in this vital field.”

In addition to educational programming, attendees networked with local veterinary leaders and toured the Zoo’s animal exhibits, rounding out a day of learning and inspiration.

Elmwood Park Zoo and Zoetis plan to continue the Vet Tech Summit as an annual event, further strengthening ties between veterinary programs and veterinary professionals.

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About Elmwood Park Zoo
Elmwood Park Zoo was established in 1924 when a local farmer transferred 16 acres and a small menagerie to the Borough of Norristown. Today, the Zoo is owned and operated by the Norristown Zoological Society, a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster an appreciation for wildlife and the environment that will inspire active participation in conservation. Under the Society’s careful management, Elmwood Park Zoo has attained elite status as one of only 230 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

About Zoetis
As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock producers. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $9.3 billion in 2024 with approximately 13,800 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.

EPZ wins AZA’s “Facility – Innovation” Award for the Frank & Paige Engro Veterinary Health and Welcome Center

Elmwood Park Zoo was awarded the Association of Zoos and Aquariums‘ “Facility – Innovation” award for the Frank & Paige Engro Veterinary Health and Welcome Center at this 2025’s AZA Annual Conference. The award recognizes excellence in the design and construction of a facility that supports the mission of an AZA Institution. The Zoo was one of dozens of applicants who submitted their completed 2024 projects to be considered for recognition. This award recognizes transformative built projects that do not include animal exhibitions as their primary function.

Projects under consideration for the award could consist of animal hospitals, education facilities, entrances, restaurants or retail, infrastructure, or other projects that support the operations and goals of a zoo or aquarium.

The Frank & Paige Engro Veterinary Health and Welcome Center opened in the summer of 2024. Made possible by a transformational $36 million gift and totaling over 39,000ft2, the new facilities features an immersive guest experience with interactive exhibits, animal habitats, educational displays, a café, and expanded retail space. The 17,000ft2 veterinary hospital includes a surgical suite, diagnostic lab with CT capabilities, recovery wards, and an animal commissary; all designed to provide top-tier animal care and public transparency through live viewing areas.

EPZ Announces 1/2 Price Admission for Montco Residents

Elmwood Park Zoo formally announced a special initiative, made possible with support from Frank and Paige Engro, that provides residents of Montgomery County, PA half-price Zoo admission throughout 2025. The Zoo’s Board of Directors and Senior Leadership were joined by Norristown Municipality Leadership and Montgomery County Commissioners to make the announcement.

Frank Engro was a lifelong Montgomery County resident and businessman whose generosity extended to local organizations such as Elmwood Park Zoo, Kitty Cottage Adoption Center, North Penn Valley Boys and Girls Club, Whitpain Parks and Recreation, and Whitpain Township Police Department. Frank is survived by his wife, Paige Engro. The Zoo’s Frank & Paige Engro Veterinary Health Center opened in 2024.

Half price admission can be purchased online or onsite with proof of residency. More information can be found here.

“The Charles L. Blockson Exhibition” to Debut at Norristown’s Centre Theater

Elmwood Park Zoo is proud to announce its role in the creation of a new exhibition featuring one of the world’s largest collections of African American history and culture. “The Charles L. Blockson Exhibition: an African and Afro-American Collection,” will feature portions of Charles Blockson’s private collection of over 700,000 items and artifacts that are related to the global Black experience. The exhibition will make its public debut on Juneteenth weekend, in a brand new gallery space built inside the historic Centre Theater in Norristown.

Born in Norristown in 1933, Charles L. Blockson is world renowned for his expertise in Black genealogy and the Underground Railroad. His collection (featuring rare books, current periodicals, letters, photographs, artifacts and memorabilia) was amassed throughout his life-spanning career as a historian, bibliophile and author. The Charles L. Blockson Exhibition focuses on his life’s work in documenting the global Black experience through history. The exhibition at the Centre Theater is made possible by Mr. Blockson, Curator Emeritus, and The Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University.

“It is a special honor to have this exhibition in Norristown because it not only represents my life but the life of people of African descent, and the agony of enslavement and the ecstasy of freedom,” said Mr. Blockson.

A sampling of items scheduled to be on display represent:

Manuscripts from music artist Tupac Shakur
Memorabilia from Mr. Blockson’s youth
Images of rare books available at the Blockson Collection including The Underground Railroad by William Still.
Photos by John W. Mosley, a self-taught Philadelphian photographer who chronicled black life in and around Philadelphia from the late 1930s to the late 1960s
“Men of Color” Civil War recruitment poster; issued in 1863, this promotion that urged African American men to enlist in the Union army was written by Frederick Douglass

The Charles L. Blockson Exhibition is one of many unique cultural offerings under development in an effort to provide Montgomery County residents with increased access to arts and culture. Elmwood Park Zoo and The Centre Theater are leading this movement, along with community liaisons such as the Norristown Borough Council and Norristown School District, as well as strategic partners such as the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board.

“I am overwhelmed by Mr. Blockson’s dedication to preserving so many tremendous and important pieces of history, and his willingness to share these items in Norristown is an outstanding gift to the community,” said Al Zone, Elmwood Park Zoo’s Executive Director and CEO. “My hope is that with this exhibition, along with the Centre Theater performances, the Zoo, and all of our other arts and culture institutions, folks from all over the region will flock to Norristown to experience all that we have to offer.

Further details on the exhibition are available at the Centre Theatre Gallery website at https://thecentretheater.com/gallery/. The Centre Theater is operated by The Greater Norristown Society for the Arts, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
For information on supporting the Charles L. Blockson Exhibition, contact Jennifer Conti at jconti@elmwoodparkzoo.org or (610) 277-3825 x 229.

ELMWOOD PARK ZOO PARTNERS WITH CENTRE THEATER FOR NEW PERFORMANCE SERIES

NORRISTOWN, PA – Elmwood Park Zoo is pleased to announce a new partnership with The Centre Theater in Norristown that will combine zoo visits with admission to the iconic theater’s exciting new performance series.

Centre Theater and its resident company, Theatre Non-Conforming, will kick off its new Family Series in April with a four week run of the beloved children’s classic “Pinocchio.” It will be followed in the summer by a run of “Tarzan™” (Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. & Disney, All Rights Reserved), and conclude during the holidays with Charles Dickens’ timeless “A Christmas Carol.”

“Pinocchio” performances begin April 16 and run through May 10. All shows are recommended for ages 5 and up. For guests with sensitivities to sound and light, two autism-friendly shows will be available on April 25and April 30.

Each ticket to “Pinocchio” will also include free Single Day Membership admission to Elmwood Park Zoo. The Zoo’s Yearly Members will receive exclusive discounts to the performances.

In addition to the partnership with Centre Theater, the Zoo has purchased a vintage trolley that it plans to use to transport its guests to and from the theater for the performances throughout the year.

The trolley, a reconditioned 1980 Boyertown Trolley Bus, was purchased from American Trolley Tours in Philadelphia. The 22-seat trackless vehicle will initially travel between the Zoo and Centre Theater, with the intention of adding stops at other Norristown institutions in the near future.

“We are so excited to support the arts and the amazing work being done by Centre Theater,” said Al Zone, Elmwood Park Zoo’s Executive Director and CEO. “I think the performances that Theatre Non-Conforming are planning will be fantastic and inspiring to children and adults of all ages.”

Tickets for “Pinocchio” are on sale now at theatrenon.com/family-series.

SOLD OUT – Free Admission for Norristown Borough Residents at Wild Lights

SOLD OUT

Elmwood Park Zoo extends our gratitude to our loyal Norristown residents by offering FREE zoo admission to Norristown Borough residents* on December 7 and December 8 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm*.

norristown

SOLD OUT

Registration is required.

SOLD OUT

Registration is required.