Introduction to zoo veterinary medicine

Next course to run 1st September 2026

Options to enrol will be available from August

Cost Veterinary Surgeons £300 Veterinary Nurses £225 Veterinary Students £150

Zoo and wildlife veterinary medicine demands expertise across a wide range of species and disciplines. This course, Introduction to Zoo Veterinary Medicine, gives veterinary surgeons, nurses, and students a structured foundation in the principles and practices of zoological medicine. Because we deliver the course entirely online, it provides the flexibility and accessibility busy professionals need while remaining more cost‑effective than traditional in‑person training

Course content

The course is structured around a series of lectures covering core areas of zoo veterinary medicine:

• Preventative health
• Health and anaesthesia of big cats
• Health and anaesthesia of zoo equids
• Common health conditions of captive penguins
• Health checks with a focus on pododermatitis in captive flamingos and other waders
• Contraception and reproductive planning in zoos
• Common conditions of zoo ruminants and health planning including anaesthesia
• Emergency protocols
• Introduction to primate medicine and anaesthesia
• Basic nutrition of common species
• Body condition scoring

Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Develop a broad understanding of zoological medicine across multiple taxa.
• Gain practical insights into health planning, anaesthesia, and emergency protocols.
• Strengthen their ability to contribute to animal welfare and conservation initiatives.
• Build confidence in managing complex cases within zoo and wildlife settings.

This course provides a valuable first step into the diverse and challenging world of zoo veterinary medicine, equipping professionals and students alike with the knowledge to advance their careers and improve standards of care for captive and managed wildlife.