By Ella Casey, Assistant Zoo Director
casey@cityofmhk.com

photos courtesy of Autumn Shoemaker of we chase the light

Fin and Matty celebrated their two-month-old birthdays this past week and like human babies, were treated to a trip to the doc. Well, technically, a trip to the Zoo’s main veterinary exam room next door to their puppy playroom.

First up for an examination was Matty, the Labrador pup. He weighed in at a little over 12 pounds. Which is no surprise. Matty is a very happy eater. 



The team then looked over his mouth full of nubby, puppy teeth and his joints.





Finally, he received his first round of vaccinations, a shot to prevent distemper and parvo.



Matty handled it like a champ.



Next up was Fin, the Maned wolf. And similar to Matty, he was a trooper.



Certainly the scrappier of the two, Fin weighed in at a little over 8 pounds.



The veterinarian team also checked out his teeth, joints and general condition, paying extra attention to his lungs due to his breathing issues early on. We’re happy to report they looked very healthy!



Finally, it was Fin’s turn for the distemper/parvo vaccination and there was little fan fair from the adolescent wolf.



Both Fin and Matty received a clean bill of health and will continue to receive regular check-ups from the Zoo’s Veterinarian team over the next several months, including a few more vaccinations and the beginning of heartworm and flea/tick preventative care. While these are signs that the days of puppy-ness are dwindling, we also couldn’t be more excited about these milestones. Good job, Fin and Matty!



We also want to send a giant shout-out to the Veterinary Health Center at Kansas State University. Our animal residents receive top-notch care from these bright and talented animal lovers! A huge thanks to Dr. James W. Carpenter, Dr. David Eshar and Dr. Melissa Nau, who lead the Zoo’s team and provide leadership to fourth-year students as they complete exotic animal rotations at the Zoo. Not only do our animals receive amazing care, we love helping to inspire the next generation of veterinarians.

It is Dr. Nau and a handful of fourth-year students you see in the pictures throughout today’s post. As you can see, not only are they diligent with their care, you also can’t wipe the smiles from their faces! You all are simply amazing at what you do.

Thank you.