Vet's Shadow Raves

The winner of the NC Zoo Society "Shadow a Veterinarian" raffle has already contacted us to call yesterday's shadowing of NC Zoo senior vet Dr. Ryan DeVoe "the most extraordinary day I've experienced in many years."

Among the unforgettable moments for Catherine Bollinger, Pittsboro, and her guest were:

"Reverberating roars of a lioness protesting the impending sting of an anesthesia dart before her annual exam.

"Deft and delicate cancer removal surgery on a snake.

"Bouncing in the back of a Zoo truck crossing the African Plains exhibit as ostriches followed us, wings outstretched like ballet dancers’ arms.

"A Carolina-clay-colored elephant devouring NC native wax myrtle branches with gusto.

"A full-sized grizzly bear obediently presenting his paws for inspection through cage bars in exchange for bits of apple.

"And, of course, that same grizzly spitting out apple all over you."

Ms. Bollinger bought 10 tickets in the raffle which supported conservation medicine here.