Veterinary Experiences

The North Carolina Zoo Society offers two programs—Shadow a Veterinarian for Two and Shadow a Veterinarian for a Day—that provide guests with the opportunity to shadow a Zoo veterinarians as he or she works with Zoo staff to meet the medical needs of the Zoo's animals. 

Program Cost: $575 for Zoo Society members and $615 for non-members. This fee covers Zoo admission for Shadow participants, lunch with the veterinary staff, and other specifics detailed below. The fee should be eligible to claim as a $550 tax-deductible donation to the NC Zoo Society, the private 501(c)3 non-profit that raises funds for the NC Zoo. Proceeds support Zoo veterinary needs.

Shadow a Veterinarian for Two

One Shadow a Veterinarian for Two experience is offered each month from March 1 through October 31.

This program is offered on weekends only—either Saturday or Sunday—on a date that is acceptable to our guests and the Zoo's veterinary staff.

Participants spend approximately four hours accompanying a Zoo veterinarians during his or her morning rounds, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at veterinary care in action. Each experience is unique, as guests observe real-time medical evaluations and procedures as they take place at the Zoo.

Following rounds, guests return to the veterinary hospital to enjoy a pizza lunch with the veterinarian and members of the support team. After lunch, an optional two-hour golf cart tour of the Zoo is available to participants.

This experience is recommended for adults 16 years of age and older. However, we may make special arrangements to provide the program to a child as young as seven who is accompanied by an adult.  
      

Shadow a Veterinarian for a Day

We offer one Shadow a Veterinarian for a Day experience each month between March 1 and October 31.

This program must be scheduled during the workweek (Monday through Friday) on a date that is acceptable to the veterinarian and the tour-goer.

Shadow a Veterinarian for a Day is an exclusive, weekday-only experience that allows one participant to spend approximately seven hours shadowing a Zoo veterinarian. While the day is designed to reflect a "typical" schedule, no two days are ever truly typical in zoo veterinary medicine. Each experience is shaped by the medical needs of the animals, and unexpected emergencies may arise that can alter the course of the day.

This program does not provide a one-on-one experience with a veterinarian, as many procedures require a full support team to ensure everything runs safely and smoothly. Participants observe the collaborative nature of zoo veterinary care, which requires veterinarians, vet techs, and animal care staff to work together.

The program is open to individuals 16 years of age or older and is best suited for those with a strong interest in veterinary medicine. The experience begins at 7:45 a.m. and usually ends between 2 and 3 p.m. A pizza lunch is provided.