Veterinary Experiences

The North Carolina Zoo Society offers two programs—Shadow a Vet for Two and Shadow a Vet for a Day—that provide guests with the opportunity to meet with Dr. Jb Minter, the Zoo's Director of Animal Health and Chief Veterinarian. These programs are typically offered from March through October each year.

Shadow a Veterinarian for Two

Shadow a Veterinarian for Two experiences are available on weekends from March 1 - October 31. Tour-goers spend approximately four hours with Dr. Minter as he makes rounds behind-the-scenes at the North Carolina Zoo.

After rounds, tour participants return to the vet hospital to enjoy a pizza lunch while chatting with Dr. Minter and other staff members. An optional golf cart tour is available after lunch.

This tour is recommended for adults 16 years old or older. Special arrangements can be made for an adult to accompany a child seven years old or older on this tour. Zoo Society members may secure a Shadow a Veterinarian for Two experience for a donation of $575. Non-members may sign up for a donation of $595. We work with participants to set a tour date acceptable to them and to Dr. Minter.

Shadow a Veterinarian for a Day

Available on weekdays only, this seven-hour experience is limited to one participant, who will accompany Dr. Minter as he navigates through a "typical" day as a zoo veterinarian. Participants must be 16 years old or older.

This program is suited for individuals who have a deep interest in zoo veterinary medicine. Lunch is included.

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 regular workweek (Monday through Friday) on a date that is acceptable to the veterinarian and to the participant. This Shadow a Vet for a Day experience is available to Zoo Society members for a donation of $575 and to non-members for a donation of $595.