By Matthew E. Kinney, DVM, DACZM, Director of Veterinary Services at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The following article appeared in the September/October 2023 edition of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal. To read the article in its entirety, access it here.

Regenerative medicine is a relatively new approach to patient care that is focused on the repair, replacement, or regeneration of cells, tissues, or organs to restore impaired function, from a variety of causes. The veterinary staff at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) uses regenerative medicine techniques in a variety of clinical cases, with a focus on one particular area of regenerative medicine: mesenchymal stem cells.

By James F. Gesualdi

Conscientious animal caregivers, zoological professionals, and responsible organizations want to do the right thing. That begins with complying with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) as well as any applicable accreditation/certification and other professional standards. Those committed to giving their all for the animals they care for go even further by practicing Excellence Beyond Compliance®.

Mere "compliance" is important–but it is required, and thus a starting point. Even those who lovingly undertake much more than is required may at times encounter difficulties and problematic situations. Although these dedicated professionals did not need a federal agency or inspector to abide by the requirements of the AWA, they did so–and more. Still, they experienced an outcome or result that might cause the agency to "enforce" compliance after the fact by citing and perhaps even sanctioning it. Resilient caregivers, professionals, and organizations use these moments to make things better for the animals, addressing and resolving the underlying condition or situation, and going deeper to examine other ways to improve.

The Academy’s Safe Capture program offers in-person, virtual, and e-learning training for the chemical immobilization and anesthesia of domestic and wildlife species. Learn more about Safe Capture training.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our April and May training events in Maryland, California, Florida, and Vermont. These events drew enthusiastic participants from around the U.S., including veterinarians, wildlife biologists, students, and other domestic animal and wildlife management specialists. We are so glad you could join us!

Registration is now open for the following Academy Safe Capture in-person events:

Virginia (Fredericksburg): July 9–10, 2024: This event is being hosted by the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy and is open to all participants.

Colorado (Golden): July 23–24, 2024: This event is being hosted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and is open to all participants.

Kansas (Manhattan): August 24–25, 2024: This event is being hosted by Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and is open to all participants.

CE credits approved by the following organizations:

For more information, or to register for these events, please visit the
Safe Capture Website.

Have a question about your learning account? Our learning partner, CypherWorx, has a very robust support hub where you can search for help! Visit the CypherWorx Support Hub.

If you need more specific help, you can also submit a help ticket through the support hub, or call 888-685-4440 to speak with a CypherWorx customer support representative.

For more information about the Academy, please send us an email at SDZWAAcademySales@sdzwa.org or visit our website sdzwaacademy.org.

To view archived Academy Newsletters, visit our archive page.

Individual, group, and institution rates are available. Please contact SDZWAAcademySales@sdzwa.org.