Dr. Nancy Lung, Director of Veterinary Services

How long have you worked at the Fort Worth Zoo?
I have worked in the Zoo's veterinary services department since 1995.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
The most common question I get is "Do you specialize in one type of animal at the Zoo?" The answer is no, I work with all of the animals at the Zoo! We have 4,619 animals from more than 521 species. There are days when I work with a frog smaller than the tip of your finger, and then with a male elephant that weighs more than 12,000 pounds. Because of this diversity, I enjoy that there are always new challenges and new things to learn.

What advice would you give to students who may pursue a job like yours?
My advice to students interested in veterinary medicine, especially zoo medicine, is to recognize how much training is required to do this job, but to not be intimidated by it. School and clinical training is really half the fun! Don't let anyone discourage you by making you afraid of the challenges of studying veterinary medicine.

What is a "typical" day like for you?
A typical day starts with a meeting of the animal health staff, which includes three veterinarians, three veterinary technicians, and two hospital keepers. We meet each morning to set the plan for daily treatment and care of animals. Later, I begin the day's clinical procedures, which may involve doing a regular check-up on any of the Zoo's animals, or diagnosing a sick animal. After lunch I document medical records, consult with physicians or other zoo veterinarians on puzzling cases and check on animals in the park.

What is your favorite amazing animal fact?
My favorite amazing fact is that the hummingbird's heart beats more than 500 times a minute. I can't even count that fast when listening with my stethoscope!

What kind of education and training would a person need to become a zoo veterinarian?
Veterinary medical training starts with a four-year college degree. Many pre-veterinary students major in biology or animal science, but there is no required major subject. After college, students attend veterinary school for four years. Veterinarians who want to specialize in one area, such as cardiology or zoo medicine, then complete a residency program, which is a two- to four-year program of intense training in one area.

Why did you want to become a zoo veterinarian?
I wanted a career that supported wildlife conservation. There are many careers that do, such as biologists who study animals in the wild, or lawyers who practice environmental law. I chose zoo medicine because it gives me a chance to combine my passion for wildlife conservation with my interest in medicine.

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