As of January 1, 2014, Drs. Kim Burkhardt, Kristen Ferguson, and Sara Wells from Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital have taken over as the volunteer veterinarians that will be caring for the animals at the Boonshoft Discovery Zoo at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. We are very excited at Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital to be starting this partnership with Boonshoft Discovery Zoo.

Why the partnership?

Dr. Kris Hall of Shiloh Animal Hospital has been the volunteer veterinarian there for the past few decades, and is stepping down from his position to focus on his veterinary practice. The Discovery Zoo began looking for new veterinarians this past summer that were interested in this position, and the three doctors were very interested. They have been going to the zoo since agreeing to take on the position to shadow Dr. Hall and see how records are kept and how the rounds are run. All three doctors are very excited to expand their knowledge in treating exotic and zoo animals, and to be able to give back to the Dayton community by helping such a wonderful organization.

What does this partnership exactly entail?

First of all, this will not affect the doctors’ work at Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital. Their full time jobs are still to care for each of your fur babies! They will be going twice a month to check on each of the animals that are in the collection, and when needed, sick animals will be brought to Twin Maples for one of these doctors to examine and treat.

What kinds of animals are in the collection?

Perhaps one of the most famous at the zoo is Madison, the female bobcat. There are also river otters, a striped skunk, kinkajous, fruit bats, a Burmese python, a chameleon, porcupines, many varieties of turtles and birds, to name a few.

What is the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery?

From their website:
“The mission of the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is to be the premier regional provider of interactive science learning experiences which enrich the lives of children and adults, enhance the quality of life in our community, and promote a broad understanding of the world. To preserve, protect, and enhance the Museum’s anthropology, geology, paleontology, and biology collections, and to make these collections available for exhibition, education, and research purposes.”

For more information, please see their website:
http://www.boonshoftmuseum.org/

Their location:
2600 DeWeese Parkway
Dayton, OH 45414
(937) 275-7431

I have an exotic pet. Can I bring it to Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital for an exam?

Dr. Ferguson and Dr. Gardner are available to see small mammals such as ferrets, rabbits, and rodents, in addition to dogs and cats. Dr. Ferguson also sees birds. Currently we do not see reptiles and amphibians at TMVH.

For any further questions, please feel free to speak to Drs. Burkhardt, Ferguson, and Wells!