Meet the new vet at the Zoo!

The Santa Ana Zoo is excited to introduce our first full-time veterinarian! Join us as we get to know Dr. Kate Moore:

What is your story before the zoo?

Dr. Moore is originally from Clinton Township, Michigan, a city very close to Detroit. She graduated from Adrian College with Bachelor's degrees in Biology and English. In 2011, she moved to California to attend veterinary school at Western University of Health Sciences; graduating with her DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) in 2015. Since graduating, Dr. Moore has worked with small animals, including exotics, and opened her own house call practice in 2022.

Why did you become a veterinarian?

"I have always wanted to be a zoo vet." Dr. Moore shares memories of her mother, a pre-school teacher, asking what she wanted to be when she grew up: "An animal doctor." Kate credits her proximity to the Detroit Zoo with her desire to focus on zoo animals, recalling: "As a child, I dreamed of wanting to live in a house across the street from the zoo where I could walk to work every day and care for the animals."

What is your favorite animal at the Santa Ana Zoo and what are you looking forward to?
"Midge [the tenrec] is the best! His little face brings life into me." Dr. Moore shares that working with the spider monkeys has also been especially rewarding-seeing them transform from scared, underweight, and sickly newcomers into healthy, playful animals. "It's also exciting to really get to know each and every animal and how different they are," she adds. "And of course, everyone here, myself included, is looking forward to the otters!"

Any advice for people looking to become a zoo veterinarian?

"Yes - follow your dreams. Don't let people tell you you can't - you can!" Dr. Moore talks about being told that "it's too hard; you will never be a zoo vet" and pushing through to, "remember the long term goal." She also recommends getting many different types of veterinary experience to find what you love the most. "Make sure you start volunteering when you can, so you can find out if this is the field for you."

What is something most people wouldn't know about being a zoo vet?

"The zookeepers do a lot of really impressive things with the animals that make providing care for them stress-free." She describes how the animal care staff can train animals to receive injections and vaccines with little to no stress. She adds, "Being a vet isn't just about petting animals-it's hard work that involves reading, analyzing lab results, and thinking critically to ensure every species receives the best possible care."

What is something most people would be surprised to know about you?

"Watching the Detroit Lions play football is my biggest non-work priority." In addition to that, Dr. Moore enjoys kickboxing, painting D&D minis, building legos, sewing/quilting and playing piano. She can often be found at Disneyland, or vibing at a live music event.

Does the vet have any pets of her own?

"Of course! I love chihuahuas!" Dr. Moore has two chihuahuas, Pixar and Tanuki, along with a mouse named Bronwyn, and three snakes: Spooky, Fei and Dweezil. She also raises isopods, commonly referred to as "roly polys."