Dr. Noel with an elephant at the Indianapolis Zoo.

This year from January 16 to February 21, I traveled to the U.S. for the first time. I came to the country for the purpose of gaining veterinary clinical experience, learning more advanced laboratory techniques at the Indianapolis and Maryland Zoos, working with the MGVP technician in Maryland, and giving presentations about MGVP at both institutions – my time there was busy!

My experience had many firsts for me.  This was the first time flying. The flight itself was not an issue, but finding the correct departure gates at big international airports caused me hypertension! Another new experience was snow. It was snowing all the time during my stay and I enjoyed it even though I am not used the cold. It is amazing to think that where there is now 15 inches of snow, in time everything will be green.

 

Working on a polar bear at the Maryland Zoo.

As for my clinical and laboratory experience I first spent a few weeks at the Indianapolis Zoo in Indiana and then the final weeks at the Maryland Zoo in Maryland. In both zoos, I observed a lot of practices including physical exams, scanning, scoping, ultrasounds, animal immobilization, treatment, sample collection and processing, pharmacy management, and lab organization. I was able to see work being done on many animals I have never interacted with before including elephants, snakes, iguanas, orangutans, dolphins, penguins (my favorite), and ferrets, etc. It was amazing to me to be so close to huge animals like elephants and dangerous animals like a polar bear. 

Penguins!My stay at these zoos will help me improve my veterinary skills at MGVP. Our work is different in that we do not have all of the equipment and infrastructure as zoos but we perform many of the same procedures. From my zoo experiences, I have learned to be more efficient. It was good to work with Jen who manages MGVP’s bio bank at the Maryland Zoo so I could learn how to improve the way we process samples in Rwanda.

Giving a lecture.During my stay also I also had the chance to share with the zoo staffs my experience working with mountain gorillas as a Gorilla Doctor. I gave several presentations and I saw from the number of people in attendance that people in the U.S. are excited about mountain gorillas. I was glad to teach them more about MGVP and working with gorillas in the wild.

 

With my host family in Maryland.

The people I met in the U.S. were very receptive to me, starting from my landing at Washington D.C., and then in the zoos, and with my host families. Everyone seemed excited to meet me and ask me questions about Rwanda and mountain gorillas. I personally appreciated everyone I met but two people will remain in my heart forever: Bob, who is Dr. Jan’s husband and was my host in Indianapolis, and my host in Baltimore, the mother of Jennifer. Finally, I have to thank everyone who has contributed to my positive experience in the U.S.

Please consider supporting the Gorilla Doctors by making a secure online donation. Every dollar you give goes to directly supporting our gorilla health programs and One Health initiative. Thank you for your generosity.

For the most up-to-date information about the Gorilla Doctors, “like” our Facebook page. You’ll find gorilla health reports, news items, photos, videos, and links to related content.

---