ZOO VIEWS: The Eagles Behind the Eagles
By Laura Soder, Director of Ambassador Animal Engagement
Elmwood Park Zoo is home to two very important feathered friends—and proud Bird mascots—Noah and Reggie, the official live mascots of the Philadelphia Eagles! This partnership began in 2013 and has given our zoo a unique opportunity to share a message of conservation with an incredibly large audience. Our eagle team attends every home football game, training camp, and open practice each season, along with a variety of Eagles organization events like Huddle Up for Autism and Kids Club.
WHO ARE THE BIRDS’ BIRDS?
MEET NOAH
At just 8 weeks old, Noah suffered an 80-foot fall and landed on his head, which meant he was deemed unfit for release back into the wild. He came to Elmwood Park Zoo in December 2008. In addition to regular zoo programs and appearances, Noah has attended games, training camp, and other events as an official live mascot for the Philadelphia Eagles since 2013. He celebrated his 10th season as a mascot last year!
MEET REGGIE
Reggie came to us from the Raptor Education Group, Inc. in Wisconsin. While many people ask if he’s named after Reggie White, that’s just a happy coincidence—this incredible rehab organization that saved his life is actually his namesake (REGI). Reggie arrived at the rehab with multiple fractures to his left wing, suspected to be caused by a vehicle collision. His injuries resulted in the amputation of the wing tip, leaving him unable to fly and non-releasable to the wild.
Reggie was transferred to Elmwood Park Zoo in 2011 and initially joined the eagle flock on exhibit in Eagle Canyon. Over time, keepers noticed that his very docile, nice-guy demeanor often left him overshadowed by more dominant eagles. We felt he might thrive in a different role, so he joined the Eagle Ambassador team in August of 2018. Reggie made his debut as an official live mascot for the Philadelphia Eagles in the fall of 2019.
While both birds are bald eagles, their personalities couldn’t be more different. Noah is the older of the two and tends to be more stoic. During appearances, he prefers to sit back, people-watch, enjoy his snacks, and then be left to relax.
Reggie, on the other hand, needs more activity and interaction. He’s more engaged with his trainer and actively seeks out stimulation—which is how we discovered his love for ripping and shredding! When Reggie attends appearances, we provide cardboard enrichment with snacks hidden inside, sometimes shaped like footballs or painted in the opposing team’s colors.
THE LIFE OF A MASCOT
Due to their injuries, neither Noah nor Reggie performs flyovers at games. Instead, they meet guests up close on the plaza, offering photo opportunities and a chance for fans to ask questions and learn more about their species. This role requires extensive training for both the bird and the handler, as game-day environments are busy, loud, and unpredictable.
When working with our ambassador eagles, we use training methods centered on positive reinforcement. Several years ago, we made the decision to completely overhaul our bird of prey training program, focusing on individualized care and providing each animal with as much safe choice and control as possible. This approach supports a high level of welfare and allows our eagles to voluntarily participate not only in their ambassador roles, but also in their daily care.
Both Noah and Reggie are trained in a variety of behaviors as part of their routine: stepping up onto a glove so they can be moved safely, stepping onto a scale for routine health checks, and shifting into a crate for transport or while their enclosure is cleaned.
Birds of prey like eagles are predators and tend to be more solitary, so they don’t form bonds in the same way our pets might. Building trust takes time and consistency, but once established, it’s incredibly rewarding. In the wild, eagles spend much of their time hunting, so food is a strong motivator. Because our eagles can’t hunt due to their injuries, we use enrichment and positive training experiences, rewarding them with portions of their daily diet. It’s similar to giving your dog a treat for sitting—except eagles prefer fish and rats over biscuits!
As mascots, Noah and Reggie encounter far more intense environments than most ambassador animals. They’re surrounded by thousands of fans, loud noises, and constant movement. While we can’t predict everything, we work hard to ensure they’re comfortable and confident in these situations—and practice plays a huge role.
Both birds regularly come out on zoo grounds to meet visitors and experience large groups of people. The Philadelphia Eagles organization also allows us to visit Lincoln Financial Field outside of game days, giving the birds valuable exposure to the plaza and field. The more familiar they are with expected distractions—cheering, costumes, cameras, running children—the more resilient they are when unexpected situations arise.
Because eagles have incredible eyesight and lightning-fast reflexes, training can be challenging—they often see things we don’t! We spend a lot of time learning each bird’s personality, preferences, and body language. Even subtle changes in feather placement can tell us whether they’re calm, curious, nervous, or excited.
A CONSERVATION COMEBACK
With every appearance our ambassador eagles make, we share the powerful conservation success story of their species in hopes of inspiring empathy and action. About 50 years ago, the bald eagle was nearly extinct in the United States. Despite being our national bird and an iconic symbol—especially here in Philadelphia—human impacts like the pesticide DDT and habitat pollution caused their populations to plummet.
Thankfully, significant changes were made. Protective laws were enacted, behaviors shifted, and conservation efforts succeeded. Bald eagle numbers have rebounded from roughly 1,000 individuals to more than 300,000 today. In 2007, they were removed from the endangered species list—proof that humans can make meaningful, positive change.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Our eagle trainers continuously work to ensure the best possible experience for both birds and guests. Our responsibility is to keep Noah and Reggie safe, comfortable, and set up for success in their roles. Through the ups and downs, the tough seasons and the Super Bowls, Noah and Reggie embody perseverance and second chances—something the Philadelphia area knows well.
As mascots and ambassadors for a species that was nearly lost not long ago, their role is incredibly important. As trainers, we’re honored every day to work alongside them.
Elmwood Park Zoo to Temporarily Close in January to Build New Exhibits and Guest Experiences
Norristown, PA (January 5, 2026) — Elmwood Park Zoo announced today that it is moving forward with new exhibits and guest experience enhancements ahead of the upcoming season, resulting in a temporary closure to the public through the remainder of January as construction gets underway.
The temporary January closure will allow zoo staff and construction teams to complete major improvements safely and efficiently — all focused on bringing more engaging, immersive experiences to guests in the months ahead.
These exciting upgrades are made possible thanks to the zoo’s successful annual appeal and winter giving efforts, which secured vital capital support to reinvest directly into the zoo. As a result, Elmwood Park Zoo is using January as a dedicated build period to expand and enhance what guests can expect when the zoo reopens.
“January gives us the opportunity to work quickly and thoughtfully on projects that will make a big impact,” said Al Zone, CEO at Elmwood Park Zoo. “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’re able to invest in new experiences that will benefit our guests all season long.”
While the zoo will be closed to the public during January, members can still look forward to special programming and behind-the-scenes opportunities throughout the month. Additional details will be announced soon.
To ensure members continue to receive full value from their memberships, all active memberships will be automatically extended for the full duration of the January closure.
“Our members are at the heart of everything we do,” added Zone. “Their support makes these improvements possible.”
Additionally, all scheduled social and corporate events as well as birthdays will remain as scheduled during the closure.
Elmwood Park Zoo is scheduled to reopen in early February, construction progress and weather permitting. Guests are encouraged to stay tuned for sneak peeks, construction updates, and announcements highlighting what’s new for the upcoming season.
For the latest updates, visit www.elmwoodparkzoo.org and follow @ElmwoodParkZoo on social media.
ZOO VIEWS: Meet Ichabod – Welcoming a New Peccary to the Herd
By Amy Keiter, Lead Animal Keeper
In our last Zoo Views post, Ryan talked about the process of an animal like Mokolo moving to another zoo. So today, let’s flip the script—what happens when we receive a new animal?
OUR PECCARY FAMILY GROWS (AND CHANGES)
If you’ve visited the area near our giraffes and zebras, you might have noticed that our Chacoan peccary herd looks a little different these days. That’s because Elmwood Park Zoo has the exciting privilege of being a breeding facility, helping sustain the species across AZA-accredited zoos.
Our longtime parents, Yavi and Parsley, have welcomed four different sets of peclets here over the years! After making such valuable genetic contributions, they and several of their offspring have since moved to other facilities—some for new love matches, others for a well-deserved break until the Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommends their next pairing.
We’ve kept three of their daughters—Chimi, Churri, and Sage—who we hope will carry on the family line right here at EPZ.
But if you’ve stopped by recently and said, “Wait a minute… I saw four peccaries!”—you’re absolutely right.
INTRODUCING ICHABOD
Meet Ichabod, a new male peccary from Sequoia Park Zoo in northern California! You may have already spotted him settling in with our girls. But getting to that point took careful planning, patience, and teamwork.
Introducing animals—especially social, scent-driven species like peccaries—is both an art and a science. Every species (and every individual) is different, but we follow a series of familiar steps to make sure everyone stays safe and comfortable.
STEP 1: “Howdy” time
Howdy, partner! In zoo terms, a howdy is when animals can see and smell one another without direct contact. Because our yard can be divided, it is perfect for having animals separated while still being able to see each other, which is just right for a howdy.
The girls stayed in one half while Ichabod explored the other. Through the mesh barrier, they could check each other out while we keepers looked for signs of curiosity—or concern. Were they spending time near the fence? Scent-marking? Relaxed? Those are all good signs. Avoidance or aggression, on the other hand, would tell us to slow things down.
Chacoan peccaries are naturally social, so we wanted to see them investigating each other, not defending territory. Animals who are more territorial may feel like they need to defend their territory rather than make friends. The howdy period gives us a chance to assess whether this could be a good match or if we need to take a different approach.
STEP 2: Scent and Sound
Social animals rely heavily on scent to communicate, and peccaries are no exception. During introductions, we sometimes swap bedding or spaces so animals can explore each other’s scent before meeting. Occasionally we’ll even record and play back vocalizations to help them get familiar with each other’s sounds.
In this case, the fencing allowed plenty of direct scent access—peccaries have scent glands on their hindquarters that they rub against objects (and sometimes each other) to mark. It looks a little silly, but it’s perfectly normal! For this group, the scent and howdy steps happened at the same time.
STEP 3: Opening the Doors
“Open the doors!” sounds simple—but it’s one of the most carefully planned moments in the process. Although the howdy can give us a general idea of our animals’ feelings about each other, we don’t know what’s going to happen once those doors are open and we need to be prepared. Animals could be getting along great through a barrier, then behave completely differently once the barrier disappears.
We ask a lot of questions beforehand:
– Are there hazards we should remove?
– How will we separate them if needed?
– Do we have the right tools and trained staff in position?
For Ichabod, there were extra factors to consider. He’s one of the oldest peccaries we’ve ever introduced, and it was also the first group introduction we have ever done here, rather than one-on-one. On top of that, he has limited eyesight, which affects how he reacts to stress. While our resident herd usually moves away when uncertain, Ichabod tends to freeze and stand his ground. Would this difference in body language impact how the girls respond to him? Would he be able to differentiate between a friend and a threat approaching him?
Although we would love to cross our fingers and hope everyone is best friends right away, it’s always best to prepare for every scenario. We had treats ready in case they separated themselves, plus noise-makers and baffle boards— which large visual shields we can use as gentle barriers if needed. Our veterinary team was on hand, ready to step in if needed. Directly beforehand, we talked through our plan with the team and assigned each person a role. Who is closing gates? Who is tossing fruit? Who is going to go in with baffle boards, and who is coordinating all of these moving parts? We made sure everyone could ask questions so there could be no uncertainty once the doors were open.
STEP 4: The Big Moment
The gates opened. The girls, more confident moving through the space, approached Ichabod. He was hesitant at first, but everyone sniffed at each other. Very quickly they were scent marking one another and following him around.
We monitored the herd for the rest of the morning, and I am pleased to say we didn’t need any of our backup plans. They have been together ever since!
There’s been a little natural social shuffling as everyone figures out their place. Chacoan peccaries are matriarchal, meaning females typically take charge. Ichabod has submitted to the older ladies, though younger Sage seems to be at the bottom rung of the social ladder for now. Chimi currently seems to be Top Lady, and has been throwing her weight around putting her sisters in their place — which can look like a lot of vocalizing and showing teeth, but is generally harmless.
LOOKING AHEAD
Here at the zoo, we coordinate animal introductions all the time, whether it is for companionship or breeding. Some involve more steps, longer times, or even repeated introductions rather than staying together full-time. Each introduction takes thoughtful planning, patience, and teamwork.
We are pleased with how smoothly the peccary introduction has gone and excited to see how the herd dynamic continues to change and settle. Our fingers are crossed for some new little additions to the herd in the future!
ZOO VIEWS: Mokolo’s Next Adventure
By Ryan Firestine, Lead Animal Keeper
One of the most rewarding parts of being an animal keeper is watching the animals we care for grow, thrive, and sometimes — move on to make an even bigger impact. That’s exactly what’s happening with Mokolo, one of our beloved giraffes, who will soon be heading to Zoo Knoxville as part of an exciting conservation effort.
WHAT IS THE SPECIES SURVIVAL PLAN?
You might have heard us mention something called the Species Survival Plan (SSP) before — it’s a program that plays a major role in how zoos help protect animals around the world. Think of it as a kind of Match.com for animals in accredited zoos.
The SSP is a large network of zoological professionals who continuously monitor animal populations in human care and make thoughtful breeding recommendations. Their goal is to maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations that can serve as a safety net for species facing threats in the wild.
MOKOLO’S JOURNEY AT ELMWOOD PARK ZOO
Mokolo came to Elmwood Park Zoo back in 2017, arriving as a spunky two-year-old from Roosevelt Park Zoo. At the time, he was so little that guests couldn’t even feed him comfortably from our giraffe deck — many kids had to reach under the railing just to hand him a piece of lettuce!
He joined us as part of an SSP recommendation to manage a small bachelor group here at the zoo. Giraffe herds are quite fluid in the wild — individuals often come and go — and bachelor groups like ours help replicate that natural social structure. Mokolo quickly bonded with his roommates, Dhoruba and Gerald, and he’s been part of our giraffe trio ever since.
He’s also known among keepers for his curious and playful side — whether it’s sneaking in for an extra snack or begging for a drink straight from the hose while we’re cleaning his bedroom. Those moments will certainly be missed.
WHY MOKOLO IS MOVING
Earlier this year, we received exciting news from the SSP giraffe coordinator: Mokolo had been identified as a genetically valuable individual and was recommended to pair with a female giraffe at Zoo Knoxville.
It’s bittersweet — saying goodbye is never easy, especially after so many years together. But as keepers, we know that this move represents something much bigger. Mokolo now has the chance to start his own family and help sustain a healthy, diverse giraffe population for generations to come.
LOOKING AHEAD
At Elmwood Park Zoo, our mission as an AZA-accredited facility is to care deeply not just for the animals that live here, but also for their wild counterparts. Every move like this — every breeding recommendation, every SSP decision — helps strengthen global conservation efforts and ensures the future of these incredible species.
We’ll miss Mokolo’s towering presence, his gentle personality, and his love for lettuce, but we couldn’t be more proud of him. We hope he brings joy to the guests and staff in Tennessee just like he has here in Pennsylvania — and who knows, maybe in a year or so, we’ll all be celebrating with Knoxville on the successful birth of a calf!
In the meantime, make sure to stop by the giraffe yard soon to wish Mokolo safe travels — and we’ll make sure he has plenty of lettuce for the road. And just between us — Savanna Station may be growing by one more set of spots in the near future!
Elmwood Park Zoo Introduces the Newest Holiday Stars of Wild Lights: The Christmas Cows presented by KeyBank
NORRISTOWN, PA — Elmwood Park Zoo is adding a brand-new dose of holiday magic to Wild Lights presented by Danella with the debut of its newest festive attraction: The Christmas Cows presented by KeyBank. Guests will have the chance to meet Scooby and Shaggy, the Zoo’s adorable miniature highland cows, who will be all dressed up in their most charming holiday gear for the season.
“KeyBank is excited to sponsor Elmwood Park Zoo’s Christmas Cows for this year’s Wild Lights experience,” said KeyBank Eastern Pennsylvania Market President Youseff Tannous. “Visiting these festive miniature highland cows is such a unique and whimsical way to celebrate the holiday season, and we’re so glad we can be a part of creating lasting memories for families in our community.”
This enchanted, up-close encounter invites visitors to step into a wintery barnyard moment and snap the perfect photo—these handsome bovine brothers are destined to become the stars of your annual holiday card.
Meet & Greets are available every night of Wild Lights for $15 for groups up to six and $20 for groups of seven or more. Guests can add the experience when purchasing Wild Lights tickets online or at the Zoo.
To purchase Wild Lights tickets and for more attractions during this year’s event, visit EPZWildLights.com
Elmwood Park Zoo’s Wild Lights Returns — Brighter, Bigger, and More Magical Than Ever
NORRISTOWN, PA – Elmwood Park Zoo’s most dazzling holiday tradition is back — and brighter than ever. Wild Lights presented by Danella, the Zoo’s beloved seasonal spectacular, returns on select nights from November 21 through December 30, transforming the zoo grounds into a winter wonderland filled with millions of twinkling lights, illuminated animals, and festive cheer for the whole family.
The Zoo is proud to announce Danella Companies, Inc., as the new presenting sponsor of Wild Lights, entering into a multi-year partnership that will illuminate the zoo and the community for years to come.
“This event has become a cherished family tradition for so many in our community,” said Al Zone, Executive Director and CEO of Elmwood Park Zoo. “We’re thrilled to welcome Danella as our new presenting sponsor in a partnership that reflects its shared commitment to community, family, and local pride. Each year we aim to make Wild Lights even more magical, and this season we’re pulling out all the stops with more lights, more animals, and more ways to celebrate together.”
Jim Danella, Founder and CEO of Danella Companies, Inc., echoed that excitement: “Elmwood Park Zoo has been a cornerstone of our community for generations, creating unforgettable experiences for families across the region. We’re proud to support such a beloved local institution and to help light up the holidays through this partnership.”
Guests will stroll through a glowing landscape of color and creativity, with more lights and new decorative attractions than ever before. From the moment they arrive, visitors will be greeted by a towering holiday tree at the entrance, sponsored by Harmony Wealth Management and Saul Ewing LLP, setting the stage for an evening of wonder and holiday spirit.
New and Returning Highlights Include:
– Millions of Lights on Display: Experience a breathtaking journey through the zoo’s illuminated pathways, filled with animal-shaped displays and five sparkling light tunnels that immerse guests in shimmering color.
– *New* Christmas Cows presented by KeyBank: Get up close with the zoo’s brand new adorable mini Highland cows in a special meet-and-greet area — a perfect photo opportunity for animal lovers of all ages.
– Santa’s Workshop presented by Atlantis Tile & Marble: Capture holiday memories with a visit from Santa Claus, available for festive family photos.
– Cookies with Mrs. Claus presented by Bredenbeck’s Bakery: Enjoy a cozy cookie break and storytime with Mrs. Claus, including interactive cookie decorating.
– ZooBrew: Celebrate the season with specialty Tito’s holiday cocktails and seasonal beverages, available nightly.
– Animal Meet & Greets: Meet some of the zoo’s incredible ambassador animals up close.
– Carousel Rides: Take a spin on the Zoo Carousel, beautifully decorated for the season and open throughout Wild Lights.
– Live Entertainment: Delight in music, performances, and surprise appearances.
– Dog Nights: Don’t forget to bring your furry family member along for your adventure at Wild Lights—available every Sunday night. Share the experience with your dog, who can even pose for a photo with Santa.
Guests are encouraged to dress for the weather and plan for an evening of exploration, photo opportunities, and festive fun. Elmwood Park Zoo’s animal habitats will be illuminated throughout the park, offering a rare chance to see the zoo come alive at night. More information at EPZWildLights.com
Ticketing Information
Yearly Zoo Members
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- Ages 13 and up: Adult Admission, $13.47 online / $13.98 onsite
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- Child Admission: Ages 3-12, $12.47 online / $12.98 onsite
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- Baby Admission: Ages 0-2, $0.00
Non-Members
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- Ages 13 and up: Adult Admission, $26.95 online / $27.95 onsite
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- Child Admission: Ages 3-12, $23.95 online / $24.95 onsite
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- Baby Admission: Ages 0-2, $0.00
Anytime Admission
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- Visit Wild Lights without the need to select a specific date or time with our flexible Anytime Admission. Anytime Admission, $32.95 for all ages, can be used during any Wild Lights date and time listed on the calendar below. Tickets must be redeemed by December 30, 2025.
ZOO VIEWS: What’s a Carcass Feed?
By Janine Farmer, Animal Keeper
If you’ve ever visited Trail of the Jaguar and seen one of our big cats gnawing on a deer leg or an eagle tearing into a fish, you might have wondered—what exactly is a carcass feed?
THE BASICS
Technically, every carnivore that eats fish, rodents, or chicks is carcass fed. In the simplest terms, it means feeding an animal food that still resembles its original form—something that still “looks like” what it once was.
At Elmwood Park Zoo, our carnivore diets come in a few different forms: some are processed (like the ground meats many of our animals receive), and others arrive frozen in bulk (like rats for snakes or birds of prey). In the wild, these same animals would naturally catch and eat whole prey: snakes swallow rodents, eagles dive for fish, and jaguars hunt larger mammals.
Here in the Zoo, most of our animals were born in human care and never had to hunt. So it’s our job to make sure feeding time still gives them the mental and physical challenge they’d experience in the wild.
Finding Inspiration in the Trail of the Jaguar
When I first started working in the Trail of the Jaguar three and a half years ago, I took a special interest in improving enrichment and nutrition for our cats. Every animal here has a carefully designed diet that meets their nutritional needs—but in our field, there’s always room for growth and creativity. Sometimes, the right opportunity comes along and pushes us to evolve.
For us, that opportunity came through new relationships with local hunters and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Deer season in Montgomery County is very productive, and while hunters often take the prime cuts for themselves, there’s usually not much use for tails, bones, or organ meat.
We began to receive deer bone donations on a regular basis, and as those increased, we realized we could completely rethink how we feed our carnivores.
Breaking Down the “Why”
Before making any big changes, we asked ourselves the important question: Why?
Why change their diets, and why feed them such recognizable parts—like deer legs, tails, or spines—right in front of guests? There’s often a stigma around the word “carcass,” even though it’s one of the most natural things for these animals.
When people hear “carcass feed,” it might sound harsh—but when you reframe it as natural feeding or whole-prey feeding, it makes perfect sense. It’s about giving animals the chance to be animals.
The Wild Connection
Take a jaguar, for example. In the wild, they use incredible strength to bring down prey, then rely on the strongest bite force of any cat to crunch through bones, hide, and muscle. That action helps to clean their teeth and strengthen their jaws, and they receive natural fiber and nutrients from fur, hooves, and connective tissue.
We can’t fully replicate the thrill of the hunt, but we can get close. For smaller cats like Mateo the ocelot, I might hang a whole deer tail high on a climbing structure or hide it inside a puzzle feeder. Watching him work to retrieve it, plucking every bit of hair before reaching the bone underneath, is watching him be a wild cat.
For our jaguars, we get a little more inventive. Twice a week, they receive deer bones—usually from the hock to the hoof. We’ll sometimes hide one inside a large bucket and hang it from their climbing structure. Zean, our male jaguar, then has to problem-solve, climb, jump, and wrestle to get it down. By the end, he’s worked out both physically and mentally—and that’s a huge win for his overall well-being.
The Monthly Feast
We also introduced monthly carcass feeds, where our jaguars get an entire deer leg—shoulder to hoof—instead of their usual meal. These are what we call gorge feeds: one big feast followed by a smaller meal the next day.
That mimics how big cats naturally eat in the wild—feast, rest, repeat. Watching Inka, our female jaguar, drag her meal to a quiet spot to guard it and enjoy it over time is as natural as it gets. She’s using her instincts, her muscles, and her mind—all at once. We can see recognizable changes in their behavior when they receive these feeds, such as more time grooming and resting when normally they might be patrolling.
More Than Just Cats
These benefits go beyond the big cats. Our commissary team helps prepare similar feeds for our birds of prey. If you’re lucky, you might spot our red-tailed hawk and turkey vulture, Hunter and Stan, enjoying a deer head, or our bald and golden eagles tackling a rib cage.
It might look intense, but it’s deeply enriching for them—and it’s a powerful educational moment for guests, too.
Why It Matters
At the end of the day, carcass feeds help our animals live their best, most natural lives. They get to think, move, and eat the way nature intended.
And for our visitors, seeing these behaviors up close builds appreciation for the incredible animals we care for and their wild instincts. The closer we can bring the wild to our Zoo, the stronger the connection we can create between people and the natural world.
Our goal is to foster a connection and appreciation for the animals in our care, and what better way than to watch a wide array of natural behaviors?
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.
Who’s Who at the Zoo: Painter Dave
The zoo has kept painter and artist David Michener very busy over the last few years. From his naturalistic vistas in select animal exhibits to the massive animal mural that over looks the extended parking lot, David has been positively transforming Elmwood Park Zoo, one brush stroke at a time.
“I always had it in me,” David says when describing his artistic ability. He recalls the lessons his grandmother, herself an established artist, would give him as a young boy. He put his developing talent to use early on, selling sketches of Batman for a penny each to his fellow schoolmates at lunch.
David describes the creative ideas he often receives as “flashes” in his head. He says he was overjoyed to be able to apply his creativity to his work at the zoo, which began four years ago with a mural he painted for the interior of the squirrel monkey exhibit.
Since then, David has painted murals for the other primate exhibits, as well as the gorgeous sunset that adorns the walls of the African straw-colored fruit bat enclosure. He also is responsible for the cougar exhibit and the vibrant artwork inside the zoo’s administrative conference room.
He admits that his most challenging work to this point has been the rock walls in the red panda enclosure. David mixed over one ton of concrete and sand and then painstakingly laid it over wire mesh to create the facade that resembles the rocky Himalayan landscape of the panda’s natural habitat.
We couldn’t help but ask what he’s got in mind for the zoo next. “I’m very excited for the future,” is all he’ll say. As the zoo continues to grow and develop, you can expect to see more of David Michener’s art beautifying spaces and adding dimension to exhibits.
Written by Shaun Rogers
