In addition to managing the health and welfare of the animals housed at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo and RZSS Highland Wildlife Park, the RZSS veterinary team also takes an active role in numerous specialist research projects and conservation projects led by RZSS Conservation.
For further information on the work of our veterinary department within RZSS parks, please see Veterinary Services.
Management of health and disease is of vital importance in both captive and wild animals, and many of the techniques and treatments developed at zoos can be successfully applied in both circumstances. In addition, veterinary surgeons play a crucial role in the reintroduction of native species through pre-release health assessment and post-release monitoring. The RZSS veterinary team have been instrumental in developing and implementing health assessment techniques for native species reintroduction projects led by RZSS Conservation, including the Scottish wildcat (Felis silvestris), Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) and water vole (Arvicola amphibius).
