Veterinary Training Programs

A veterinarian points at an ultrasound of a bottlenose dolphin.

Careers in Zoological and Wildlife Medicine

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is a national leader in veterinary training, zoological medicine education, and wildlife health programs. Through partnerships with leading academic and conservation institutions, we support the training of zoo veterinarians, wildlife veterinarians, and zoological medicine specialists.

These programs serve veterinarians at different stages of training, from veterinary students to post-DVM residents pursuing advanced clinical experience and specialization.

Explore our accredited veterinary residency programs and veterinary student training opportunities below.

A Blanding's turtle pokes its yellow-spotted head out of the water.

Illinois Zoological and Wildlife Health Management Residency

The Illinois Zoological and Wildlife Health Management Residency is a collaboration between Brookfield Zoo Chicago, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.

The program aims to build knowledge about the health of wild animal populations in both urban and suburban settings. It is a three-year residency with advanced training in veterinary science.

A grey seal resting half in the water, showing its mottled grey and brown coat, large dark eyes, and long whiskers.

Zoological and Aquatic Animal Medicine Residency

The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine (UIUC-CVM), in partnership with Brookfield Zoo Chicago and the John G. Shedd Aquarium, offers a three-year residency in Zoological and Aquatic Animal Medicine.

The residency combines experiences from all three facilities to train residents in exotic, zoo, aquatic, and wildlife medicine and prepares them for ACZM certification.

An African painted dog showing its mottled coat of black, brown, white, and tan. Its large ears pointed up.

Veterinary Student Preceptorship Program

Brookfield Zoo Chicago offers 4-week veterinary rotations for fourth-year veterinary students from U.S. schools or final-year students from non-U.S. schools.

During the rotation, students gain hands-on experience with animal health care, medical procedures, and research related to zoo and wildlife medicine.