Ask The Vet RadioShow Notes

Show #: 06-123

Show Description: "Zoology/ Live Remote"

Audio Files: ATVR-06-123.mp3, ATVR-06-123.wma

This week Ask The Vet Radio was broadcast LIVE from the Knoxville Zoo.  “Jungle” Jack Hanna, host of Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventure & Director Emeritus of the Columbus (Ohio) Zoo, called in to share his experience with the Knoxville Zoo and speak about his upcoming event at the Tennessee Theatre on October 9.  Dr. Ed Ramsay, Professor of Avian and Zoological Medicine from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, joined us to discuss zoological care, petting zoos, and animal diseases.  Jim Vlna, Executive Director of the Knoxville Zoo, stopped by to promote the new exhibits including the opening of the Night Club in Kid’s Cove and Boo! at the Zoo.  Lisa New, Director of Animal Collections, also dropped by to tell listeners about the two chimpanzees that had recently been added to the zoo family. 

Show Notes and Resources:

Call-In Guest: “Jungle” Jack Hanna, Host of "Jack Hanna's Animal Adventure" & Director Emeritus of the Columbus (Ohio) Zoo

  • Jack Hanna was 11 years old when he first started working with Veterinarian Dr. Warren Roberts at the Knoxville Zoo.  His most recent visit was just a few years ago and Hanna hopes to check out the new exhibits at the zoo within the next six months.  On Monday, October 9, Hanna will be returning to his hometown of Knoxville, TN to speak at the Tennessee Theatre.  The presentation entitled “An Evening with Jack Hanna” will include wild animals and clips from Hanna’s exciting documentaries. 

In-Studio Guest: Dr. Ed Ramsay, Professor of Avian and Zoological Medicine from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine

  • Dr. Ed Ramsay has worked with the Knoxville Zoo animals for over 15 years and expressed to listeners how frequently veterinarians are used for zoological care.  Veterinarians use their knowledge and experience with domestic animals to treat zoo animals that are closely related, such as dogs to wolves, cats to tigers, and horses to zebras.  Similar versions of vaccines and treatments for domestic animals are often used on zoo animals.  The Knoxville Zoo and experts from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine work closely together to aid and care for the animals residing at the zoo.  Zoos that do not have a veterinary resource nearby like the Vet School often refer to human physicians, especially with inquiries regarding gorillas.  It is not uncommon to use human cardiologists, human dentists, and even human vaccinations (such as tetanus) when treating gorillas. 
  • Zoos require animals and people to have less physical contact with one another than compared to decades ago.  This prevents people from spreading diseases to the animals.  Though the added protective measures practically eliminates the danger of carrying diseases from ourselves or our pets to zoo animals now, primates used to contract human diseases such as tuberculosis from visitors fairly often.  The animals became very sick and resulted in the glass barriers and greater distances between animals and people in zoos.  The strengthened barriers also prevent people from over-feeding the animals and add further safety from more aggressive animals. 
  • Extreme safety precautions had to be taken with the new addition to the Night Club in order to guarantee the safety of zookeepers and caretakers.  The raccoons, bats, and skunks featured in the Night Club are considered a high risk for contracting rabies.  To aid in the prevention of disease, most raccoons and skunks are bought from breeders after they have had vaccinations and are reared at the zoo.  Bats are able to be hyper-immunized (vaccinated 3 times) and quarantined for 6 months.  Zoo keepers are also vaccinated and must undergo post-exposure vaccines if rabies penetrates zoo walls.  Vaccines are given to all mammals to prevent the contraction of rabies.  Because the large brown bats are more challenging than other types of bats, the Knoxville Zoo’s Night Club is one of the only large brown bat exhibits in the United States. 
  • Petting zoos at facilities such as the Knoxville Zoo must endure an intensive screening process for parasites and bacteria before they are introduced to the public.  Problems with diseases transferring from animals to people in petting zoos have mainly occurred with traveling petting zoos.  Many traveling zoos do not have adequate screening programs and constantly add new animals increasing the risk for disease. 

In-Studio Guest: Jim Vlna, Executive Director for the Knoxville Zoo

  • Opening last week, the Night Club featured in the Kid’s Cove area is the first nocturnal exhibit at the Knoxville Zoo.  The theme of the exhibit is an abandoned mine shaft where creatures such as skunks, raccoons, and bats reside.  The animals’ schedules are altered by keeping the facility dark during the day and light at night.  This allows the animals to be more active during visitor hours.  Children can have fun while learning about these animals, barnyard animals, and much more at the Kid’s Cove.
  • October 19-22 and 26-29 the crowd-pleasing Boo! at the Zoo will return to the Knoxville Zoo.  This event provides a safe atmosphere for small children to come and have fun in a Trick-or-Treat setting. 
  • The next “Free Day” will be November 11.  Last year, over 12,000 visited the zoo on the free day.  Vlna explains that though free days require much extra work from the staff, they are a great way for the zoo to give back to the community and allow everyone to enjoy the new exhibits.
  • Renovations will soon begin on the lion and tiger habitats.  The reptile house will then follow.

In-Studio Guest: Lisa New, Director of Animal Collections (All Mammals and Birds)

  • Two new chimpanzees named Daisy, 29, and Jimbo, 26, are of the most recent additions to the Knoxville Zoo family.  Daisy and Jimbo are in the process of being introduced with the group.  The two are recommended to breed and could produce a new baby for the first time at the Knoxville Zoo in 20 years.  Guests can watch from a distance as the exciting process unfolds before their eyes!  To learn more about Jimbo and Daisy or other exhibits at the zoo, visit http://www.knoxville-zoo.org/.

Rescue of the Week: The Bluegrass Shih Tzu Rescue

  • The 06-123: “The Bluegrass Shih Tzu Rescue of Lexington, KY is a non-profit organization that consists of many volunteers dedicated to finding new homes for abandoned or abused Shih Tzus.  Upcoming fundraisers to benefit this rescue include a Pet Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest October 21st and an appearance at the Richmond Kentucky Craft Fair October 28th.  To learn more about these events, become a foster parent, donate to a rescued dog’s veterinary care, or view many of their adoptable pets, visit www.bluegrassshihtzurescue.com or link to them directly from our rescue page!”