Candidates are part of the area animal team and must work in a team environment. Keepers also provide animal information and conservation messages through guest and cast interaction. Work a variety of shifts including regular early morning start times (4:45AM) or late evening ending times (12AM), and may be required to work weekends and holidays. After completing a bachelors degree in animal science from the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Fontenot earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. Both are considered faculty members at UF as well as full-time Disney employees. This is the case for many populations of African elephants. Disneys Animal Kingdom is one of only two animal hospitals in U.S. zoos with CT scanners on the premises. Conversely, Animal Kingdom is a working laboratory for UF veterinary students, post-doctoral researchers and faculty. Subscribe to our Daily Disney Newsletter and join 1,375 other subscribers. UF College of Veterinary Medicine faculty and students collaborate regularly with their colleagues at Animal Kingdom and throughout the Walt Disney World Resort on research projects that benefit the parks inhabitants and their wild counterparts. He is examining the physical properties inherent to these two potentially different types of beaches and correlating them to gas concentrations, embryonic development and sea turtle hatching success. She adds that Disney is partnering with UF researchers to monitor butterflies and gopher tortoises in the conservation areas. In South Africa, Terrell says, We are trying to develop a network in cooperation with private and governmental organizations whereby biological samples from endangered or threatened species may be archived for long-term study or disease diagnostics. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Contact me today at mickeytravelsnatalie@gmail.com or (229) 977-3773. "Even when our parks are open to guests, our animals are able to roam between both their on-stage and backstage habitats at Walt Disney World Resort," Dr. Mark said. #DidYouKnow these birds, the largest swallows in North America, travel more than 6,000 miles round trip to @WaltDisneyWorld each year from Brazil to raise their young? Together, Disney and STE have helped reduce conflicts between elephants and humans so that they can co-exist in areas where elephants often invade farms to raid crops. Through a grant from #DisneyConservationFund, Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society is protecting king cobra and other threatened snake populations by building harmonious relationships between people and wildlife, including training communities in India how to safely share space with snakes. Sometimes conservation problems result when there are too many animals, rather than too few. as well as other partner offers and accept our. In fact, even the animals that are on display at Animal Kingdom, like those guests can see on the Kilimanjaro Safaris, can take a day off if they don't feel like seeing visitors. Are you ready to #AskDrMark? This tucked away gem at Animal Kingdom has a number of fascinating and fun activities including meet and greets with Rafiki and Doc McStuffin, Affection Station (an animal petting zoo) and an outdoor trail featuringcotton-top tamarin monkeys. She knew she wanted to devote her career to zoo and aquarium conservation work, so when she was offered a position with Disneys Animals, Science and Environment program in 2000, she jumped at the chance. The Elephant Managers Association (EMA) is an international, 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization. During the suns peak hours when it is shining brightest, these two facilities together will generate enough renewable clean energy to provide up to 25% of the power needs at @WaltDisneyWorld! Depending on the animal, theyll get a different diet every day. As well as eliminating millions of pounds of waste and reducing greenhouse emissions equal to taking 10,000 cars off the road, Dr. Mark and his team have their sights set on a slew of other eco-friendly initiatives. Browne-Nunez is studying the human dimensions of human-elephant conflict around Amboseli National Park in Kenya by examining attitudes, factors that influence attitudes and behaviors toward elephants on private lands around the park. At the same time, it benefits the staff and animals alike to get to know each other. This project will serve as a model for setting recovery goals for other populations of green turtles and other species of sea turtles. Experience working with different taxa with an emphasis on operant conditioning. It is perfectly camouflaged for an ambush predator - swipe to see a close up!

Disney's Animals, Science and Environment team oversees animal care, conservation, and environmental initiatives across Disney parks around the world. Deidre Fontenot is the veterinary operations manager for Disneys Animal Kingdom, which features a Tree of Life sculpture of a giant baobab tree, photographed by Howard Muzika.

Use #AskDrMark for a chance to have your question answered! During our temporary closure @Disneys Animal Kingdom, our dedicated animal specialists continue to provide for the care and wellness of our African elephant herd .

Learn more about our incredible #CastMembers by purchasing the #OneDayatDisney book online and streaming the series @DisneyPlus . Like Terrell, Lafortune completed a residency in her specialty areas at UFs College of Veterinary Medicine. A few more examples of these collegial relationships with the veterinary college include Disneys interactions with Dr. Patrick Colahan, professor of equine surgery, and Dr. Carlos Romero, a college virologist, among others. Dr. Jackie Ogden, director of animal programs for Walt Disney World, says Terrell brings a tremendous amount of expertise and experience to Disneys Animal Kingdom. Don't make me choose just one! Remember their services are 100% Free! Email: VINgram. . Terrell, who visits Gainesville several times a month, integrates case examples from Disney into his general pathology lectures for UF veterinary students. "While I can't say that I have a favorite at Walt Disney World Resort, my favorite animal in general is probably the king cobra. In other words, if an elephant in the park has gotten injured, she cant wait for the elephant guy., One of the interesting ironies is that a specialty in zoo and aquarium medicine means mastering a diversity of species. "My day-to-day life is always different," Dr. Mark said. Fill out the form below for a FREE quote. We have to be able to flex to whatever animal is under our care, she explained. Box 10,000 . Disney is an equal opportunity employer. While the university, and particularly the College of Veterinary Medicine, has a long history of working with Disney, that relationship has become even closer since Terrell began working there in 1999 as one of the first rotating pathology residents at Animal Kingdom. If I had to choose, it would be the king cobra , but in fact I think all snakes are quite interesting. Dr. Mark's position with Disney has even helped to protect king cobras in India. Terrell and his staff also assisted when black bears in the Ocala National Forest came down with a mite infestation that caused them to lose much of their hair. . ", On D23 Inside Disney, Dr. Mark told the story of his work on the animated film "Zootopia. Keepers also work with maintenance, operation managers, horticulture, veterinary staff, educators and scientists. Deidre Fontenot (BSA Animal Science, 92) has that opportunity almost every day. . All rights reserved. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. The information we gather is provided to UF researchers and contributes to their knowledge of Gopher tortoise health throughout the state, Styring says. Its important to publish the data were getting, he explains. Because of the Florida heat, procedures requiring anesthesia are performed before sunrise. The work includes physical labor in ambient outdoor temperatures and weather conditions in Central Florida, which may include extreme heat and humidity. Researchers will also compare their findings with those of the most northern intact population of gopher tortoises at Fort Stewart, Georgia and a population of gopher tortoises translocated to St. Catherines Island. Copyright 2022, Veterinary Information Network, Inc. American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) Zoo Medicine, 2001, Bachelor of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, 1988, Master of Science, University of London, 1995, Animal Health Director, Disneys Animal Kingdom, Bay Lake, FL (2014-present), Senior Veterinarian, San Diego Zoo, San Diego, California (2005 - 2014), Staff Veterinarian, Victoria's Open Range Zoo, Werribee, Australia (2002 - 2005), Clinical instructor in zoological medicine at the University of Florida, but based at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Florida (2001 - 2002), Zoo veterinarian in Australia (1995 - 1997), Private practice: small animal/exotic (1991 - 1994), Private practice: mixed animal (1989 - 1990). . When these animals do need special care, they can visit the onsite veterinary hospital, but a few animals are just a little bit too big to fit through the doors. .

. Must meet all requirements to promote our premium guest experience. As the company's Vice President of Animals, Science and Environment, Dr. Mark oversees animal care, conservation, and environmental initiatives across Disney parks around the world.

All rights reserved.

George Burgess, director of the International Shark Attack File, Florida Museum of Natural History Burgess has developed a series of teacher workshops held at the Florida Museum of Natural History in conjunction with the Florida Program for Shark Research (FPSR).

Its a great opportunity to show guests how we take care of our animals, she said. The Veterinary Treatment room closed late March for refurbishment. First is our five-megawatt facility near Epcot, in the shape of @mickeymouse, was developed in conjunction with the Reedy Creek Improvement District and Duke Energy. Researchers from UFs McGuire Center for Lepidoptera Research are currently training Disney employees in butterfly identification techniques as part of efforts to monitor butterflies in the conservation areas. Just fill out the form below and someone will be in touch! Observation, evaluation and data collecting skills. Our goal is to better understand the nutritional requirements of exotic animals, and to improve our nutritional husbandry. From what they eat to what makes them happy the buzz word is animal enrichment to how they stave off or contract disease, Disney animals are carefully monitored and scrutinized, sometimes under the very public eye of park guests, who are able to view veterinary procedures from behind glass panels. Elliott Jacobson, professor of zoological medicine Jacobson is studying two sites where iridoviral infection have recently been diagnosed in chelonians: a breeding group of captive exotic tortoises on St. Catherine's Island, Georgia; and eastern box turtles at a nature sanctuary in Pennsylvania. Working with big animals like giraffes and elephants requires empathy, creativity, and ingenuity," Dr. Mark said. New episodes are released weekly. Ready to take a peek behind the magic with @Disneys Animals, Science and Environment team? #Disney #DisneyAnimals #Animals #Elephant #Conservation #Environment #Wildlife # #EarthMonth #DCF25 #DisneyConservation, A post shared by Dr. Mark Penning (@drmarkatdisney) on Apr 1, 2020 at 9:51am PDTApr 1, 2020 at 9:51am PDT, "If an animal is too big to fit through the door of the hospital, the medical team is able to go out to the barns and perform medical procedures there. After a year here, I decided I wanted to stay, and my Disney bosses decided they wanted to keep me, Terrell says.

High school degree or equivalent plus a minimum of either: Maintain the care, well-being, management, behavioral conditioning and enrichment of one or more of the following species: African Elephant (Elephant team), Black Rhino, Okapi, Nile Hippo, Bongo, Kudu, Nile Crocodile, Pink-backed Pelicans and Saddle-billed Storks (Ituri team), Giraffe, Eland, Springbok, Ankole cattle, Wildebeest, Sable Antelope, Painted Dog, Hyena, Flamingo (West savannah team). These samples may prove valuable for conservation work, or may prove useful in investigating disease outbreaks in captive animals or in the wild.. The BEST in Disney and Universal News, Entertainment &; more! . Because of the trust theyve gained in their caregivers, gorillas submit willingly to heart ultrasounds; elephants present their big, flappy ears for blood samples to be drawn; and exams for wellness and neonatal care are routine. The Guam rail became near-extinct in the 1970s due to non-indigenous snakes that were introduced on the island. Even more important, team members familiar with their charges are highly likely to note new and different behaviors that might signal oncoming illness or distress, allowing for early medical intervention when it benefits the animal. Deidre has been with the park for more than 20 years, almost since it opened in 1998. ", What's my favorite animal? #DidYouKnow that the @DisneyConservation has helped with king cobra conservation in India? Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Zoology or related field, Experience working with African species listed in Job description.

2021 Elephant Managers Association. The Animal Nutrition Center looks like a cross between a florist and a cafeteria.

downloadable pdf Veterinarians and biologists from Disneys Animal Kingdom in Orlando and the University of Florida embrace Walt Disneys sentiments every day as they work together to ensure the health of thousands of animals in the theme parks and thousands more around the world. New Obi-Wan Kenobi Merch Coming To Disney Parks And shopDisney. Second is our 270-acre, 57-megawatt solar near Disneys Animal Kingdom in collaboration with the Reedy Creek Improvement District and Origis Energy USA. Mark Stetter (Disneys chief veterinarian) and his group have used a technique developed in our equine research program to remove ovaries from elephants in the field in Africa, Troedsson says. FPSR staff present information on the various aspects of shark biology, behavior and conservation to prepare secondary school educators with knowledge and information to be able to effectively present shark educational materials to students in a classroom setting. ", "The crew came over and met a real sloth [] They have these weird eyes and a very peculiar expression on their face, they look quite constipated most of the time. Let us know in the comment box below. Outside of the park, this fund oversees the sea turtle protection program at Disney's Vero Beach Resort and the effort to reverse the decline of the endangered South American Cotton-top Tamarin, and more. Do you usually check on Conversation Station on your visits to Animal Kingdom? Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Our strong contacts at UF allow us here at Disney to provide the best possible animal care, says Scott Terrell, a 1997 graduate of the UF veterinary college who now serves as chief veterinary pathologist at Animal Kingdom. Copyright 2022 Logo, contents, and media copyright Chip and Company unless otherwise noted. Dr. Mark Penning, who goes by Dr. Mark, leads this team and spoke to Insider about what it's like to work with animals at Disney, and look for new ways to make the parks more sustainable. Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you plan your next Disney Vacation! . Three years paid experience as a keeper in a AZA accredited institution, or in an institution with equivalent standards, and at least two years of verifiable college course work (60 semester hours) or, Four years paid experience as a keeper in an AZA accredited institution, or in an institution with equivalent standards, and at least one year of verifiable college course work (30 semester hours) or. Deidre Fontenot, pictured with a Guam rail, works on conservation efforts for the species with support from The Walt Disney Company. Three years paid experience as a keeper in a AZA accredited institution, or in an institution with equivalent standards, and at least two years of verifiable college course work (60 semester hours) OR, Large Animal Keeper Kilimanjaro Safari Ride- African species focus. This goes way beyond caring for the animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom to include plastic-use reduction through the elimination of single-use straws and stirrers, planting pollinator gardens across the Walt Disney World property to support the bee, butterfly, and bird populations, and the addition of a 270-acre solar power facility that is expected to generate enough energy to power two of Disney's four Florida theme parks. Check out our Disney Parks in Review or Disney News in Review Podcasts! (@zootopiadisney) on Sep 29, 2019 at 12:36pm PDTSep 29, 2019 at 12:36pm PDT. Beyond Walt Disney World, the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund has contributed more than $7 million toward some 300 projects in 30 countries since it was established in 1995. . Browne-Nunez is evaluating the impact of these interventions and other variables such as values, perceived risk and prior experience on Maasai attitudes and behaviors toward elephants. As you can imagine, a day at the office for Dr. Mark is anything but ordinary. His dedication and skills as a pathologist add much to our Animal Programs team, Ogden says. Let Destinations to Travel help you plan the Magic!

When alligators started dying in Lake Griffin, Disneys veterinary team collaborated with researchers from UFs departments of wildlife conservation and zoology and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to identify the reason. #DisneyMagicofNature #DisneyConservation #DCF25 #DisneyMagicMoments #EarthDay #Disney #DisneyAnimals #Animals #Conservation #Wildlife #Animal, A post shared by Dr. Mark Penning (@drmarkatdisney) on Apr 22, 2020 at 12:53pm PDTApr 22, 2020 at 12:53pm PDT, "We work with the production teams on films and television shows that feature animals or nature to make sure that they are accurate and that they portray animals in a way that is consistent with our core values," Dr. Mark said. "Our animals receive incredible attention from our animal care specialists. Nutritionists prepare special diets using just about every fruit and vegetable imaginable, while landscapers draw from huge supplies of palm fronds, acacia, ficus and bamboo for animals to play with and for ambiance. With the understanding that elephants fear bees, STE created beehive fences, which help local farmers protect their livelihood and maintain their crops. If you would like to join our Special Community just click the image above. Meet Dr. Natalie, one of my teams skilled veterinarians, who has been a #CastMember for 10 years. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider In fact, Dr. Mark says he plants a tree for every flight he takes, which is quite a lot. Their basic diet is the same, but theyll have some variety built in, says Schlegel, who is currently performing a post-doctoral fellowship through UFs animal science department. We were able to provide pathology consultation to the team, and they now believe the die-off may have been the result of thiamine deficiency causing brain lesions, Terrell says. This ranges from a healthy diet, developed by our wildlife nutrition scientists at our Animals Nutrition Center, to providing special training that allows our animals to feel comfortable participating in their own medical examinations (including a baby porcupine's newborn checkup)," Dr. Mark said. Veterinarians and technicians use these tools to focus on preventative health and creating new methods to diagnose and treat animals, ranging in size from a two-gram poison dart frog to a 13,000-pound African elephant. Mario Mota, doctoral candidate, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Mota is studying differences in the gas concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen sulfides and volatile organics between clutches deposited in natural and nourished beaches, where new sand has been introduced due to erosion. Have a curiosity about the magic of nature? . #Disney #Environment #Wildlife #Animals #Sustainability #Conservation #DisneyAnimals #Environmentality, A post shared by Dr. Mark Penning (@drmarkatdisney) on Jan 16, 2020 at 9:00am PSTJan 16, 2020 at 9:00am PST. Walt Disney World is also serving as a working laboratory for many UF veterinary students and residents, including Mike Schlegel and Maud Lafortune. One day, he could be overseeing the team of more than 1,000 people who look after Disney's animal collection, which extends far beyond the gates of Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. With a limited pathology caseload at Animal Kingdom, Terrell says he has time to pursue teaching, training, wildlife health surveillance and conservation-related research on alligators and black bears in Florida, elephants and rhinos in South Africa, and endangered birds in Guam and the Marianas Islands.

. By using this website you agree to the terms of service. #NationalCoffeeDay #zootopia, A post shared by Disney's Zootopia. As a wildlife veterinarian. We see a lot of interesting and unusual cases that folks up there in Gainesville dont get exposure to, Terrell adds. We can see how it would be hard to choose a favorite when your whole life revolves around wild animals, but we couldn't let a lifelong animal lover get away without at least asking. Chip and Company have been the home for the best in Disney News and More since 2009. #Disney #DisneyCastLife #Environment #Sustainability #Conservation #Environmentality #Bird #Birds #PurpleMartins #DisneyConservation # #DisneyAnimals, A post shared by Dr. Mark Penning (@drmarkatdisney) on Jan 23, 2020 at 9:01am PSTJan 23, 2020 at 9:01am PST. Born and raised in South Africa, Dr. Mark Penning who goes by Dr. Mark worked as a veterinarian specializing mostly in birds and reptiles before he started working at Disney seven years ago.

#Disney #SavingSpecies #Animals #Conservation #Environment #Environmentality #Viper #Snake #Snakes, A post shared by Dr. Mark Penning (@drmarkatdisney) on Mar 10, 2020 at 9:02am PDTMar 10, 2020 at 9:02am PDT. She provides care for terrestrial and aquatic animals, including the pregnant porcupine and rhino you see here! #Disney #Environment #Sustainability #Solar #Energy #Renewable #Renewables, A post shared by Dr. Mark Penning (@drmarkatdisney) on Feb 28, 2020 at 9:05am PSTFeb 28, 2020 at 9:05am PST, In an April interview with the podcast D23 Inside Disney, Dr. Mark said his team is also responsible for "the wellbeing of fish in a snorkel lagoon at Aulani, a stingray touch experience in the Bahamas associated with our cruise ships, and the hoses that pull the carriages through Magic Kingdom.".