As a Senior Veterinarian at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Dr. Copper Aitken-Palmer balances the complex daily health needs of the Zoo’s animals with groundbreaking reproductive research. Dr. Aitken-Palmer doesn’t just treat animals; she works to ensure their species will exist for generations to come.

From performing emergency C-sections on cheetahs to pioneering new care protocols for the elusive white-bellied pangolin, her work has directly resulted in successful births for some of the planet's most at-risk species, including giant pandas. At Brookfield Zoo Chicago, her specialized research on white-bellied pangolin reproduction has established the Zoo as a leader in the care and conservation of this rare species. While her clinical hands-on work happens at the Zoo, her influence is global; she holds key advisory roles with the AZA and the IUCN and contributes her expertise to the U.S. Polar Bear Population Alliance.

A passionate educator, Dr. Aitken-Palmer mentors rising veterinary residents and serves as adjunct faculty for both the University of Illinois and George Mason University. She holds a bachelor's degree from Eckerd College, a DVM and master's degree from Kansas State University, and a PhD in Animal Sciences from the University of Maryland. She is a Specialist in Zoological Medicine as a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine. See all of her publications on Google Scholar