Tools of the Trade: Management & Restraint Devices in a Zoo Hospital Setting

K. Clapham, Senior Hospital Keeper

Zoological Society of San Diego

California , USA

At the San Diego Zoo, providing veterinary support to a large and diverse collection requires hospital staff to be prepared to care for any type of animal that comes through our doors. As keepers, there are many tools available to safely confine and transport the animals, contain and restrain them for procedures, and manage these patients for treatment, rehabilitation and recovery.

Listed below are some of the specialized tools that are used at the San Diego Zoo Hospital and the main purposes they serve.

Physical & Manual Restraint: Gloves and nets, crates and accessories, restraint and squeeze cages.
Medical Transport & Procedure Assistance: Tarps, pads and slings, hydraulic carts, pallet jacks and specialized tables.
Observation & Recovery: Adjustable barns, incubators and remote control cameras.

In an environment that is very “hands on”, the safety of the hospital keepers, technicians and veterinarians is as much of a concern as the safety of our patients. The best procedures are the uneventful ones and the purpose of this poster is to call attention to the devices that allow us to do our job in a safe and effective manner.

The poster will contain pictures and descriptions of various implements used to facilitate veterinary procedures. Also available will be a folder containing information on other “tools of the trade” not highlighted in the main display.