Oklahoma City zoo planning new $9 million veterinary hospital

Oklahoma City — The Oklahoma City Zoo is preparing to build a new $9 million veterinary hospital that will feature areas for the public to view procedures.

The hospital will replace one built around 1986 that the zoo has outgrown, says Jennifer D'Agostino, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, director of veterinary services.

The zoo hopes to open the new hospital in 2013 and will be funded jointly through donations and the Oklahoma City Zoo.

The new hospital will feature one surgery suite, a treatment room and another room for X-rays and ultrasounds. A separate ward to house sick animals will be included, as well as separate wings for the zoo's commissary and quarantine facility. The hospital will feature a conference room, laboratory space, offices and a small apartment for visiting veterinarians or students.

Procedures will be open for public viewing on a case-by-case basis, D'Agostino notes.

The zoo currently employs two full-time veterinarians, one veterinary resident and two technicians.

The Oklahoma City Zoo sits on 120 acres and houses 2,000 animals representing more than 650 species.