Smithsonian National Zoo's Veterinarians Keeping Eye on Baby Panda

For once, everyone in Washington, D.C., can agree--it's exciting news to have newborn panda, for which more than 200,000 suggestions were sent in for a naming contest. But as everyone argues about the name Butterstick versus Tai Shan, veterinarians are paying close attention to the panda's health.

Veterinarians Get Education About Panda Mom and Baby

Born on July 9, 2005, baby panda Tai Shan (Peaceful Mountain in Chinese) has attentive care not only from his mother Mei Xiang, but also from a team of veterinarians at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Headed by Chief Veterinarian Suzan Murray, DVM, the group of veterinarians monitor around 3,100 animals, including the panda family. Initially, the veterinary team left Mei Xiang alone to tend her baby, and so far, the veterinarians have seen lots of mothering from Mei Xiang, unlike other neglectful panda moms in zoos.

Bonding Between Veterinarians and Giant Pandas

The pandas have become especially receptive to working with veterinarians, more so than any of the other zoo's animals. Tai Shan's father, Tian Tian will reach out his arm to grab pieces of fruit during an exam and leave it in a certain position to allow the veterinarians to draw blood from him. Mei Xiang is equally receptive to the care and very readily submits to an ultrasound.

Veterinary Education

To be a chief or regular veterinarian, you'll have to go to school just like Murray did. Taking a college course online is a good way to find out if a veterinarian career is right for you. You can take prerequisite college courses online, such as biology or anatomy, to get moving on a veterinarian education. College courses online give you schedule flexibility and move you toward a veterinarian career. Plus, college courses online help you learn about the online tools available to you. With new health sites, such as WebMD, being Internet savvy is a huge plus when it comes to staying on top of the latest veterinarian innovations throughout your career.

With a veterinarian education, your career may one day involve working with a baby panda bear.

Sources
Spotlight on Veterinarian Medicine National Zoological Park
Suzan Murray Chief Veterinarian

About the Author
James Tolles is the Managing Editor for hq|publications. He is a freelance writer and holds two B.A. degrees, one in Creative Writing and the other in History.