This year, we’re proud to celebrate a major milestone for one of Fossil Rim’s most valuable team members. Dr. Julie Swenson, Fossil Rim’s Associate Veterinarian, will be taking up the role of 2026 President of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV).
Formed in 1946, AAZV is dedicated to bringing together and supporting vets from wildlife institutions around the U.S., helping them grow in their careers and advance the quality of wildlife care nationwide. The association is led by an Executive Committee of veterinarians who are nominated by their peers and take on rotating responsibilities over a five year period.
Dr. Julie, who became a part of the organization in 2007, was elected Secretary in 2021. Despite serving on several other committees within the organization, she says the nomination and subsequent win was a shock.
“I was very surprised when I was nominated for Secretary, and even more surprised when I won,” says Julie. “But this organization has given a great deal over the years to improve my opportunities and the opportunities of all veterinarians practicing zoological medicine, so I was grateful for the chance to get more involved.”
For Dr. Julie, this presidency is a meaningful way to contribute to a group that has supported her since she was an intern at Kansas State University. For years, she had been working toward her ultimate goal of becoming a veterinarian, bolstered by what she called an interest not only in animals but in the “intricacies of how life actually works.” Although she accomplished this goal and more, she says it wasn’t a simple path.
“I was originally nervous about pursuing veterinary medicine because it can be a very hard career path… there aren’t that many positions,” she says.
As she continued her studies however, she found that she loved the challenge. Eventually she was able to create a successful career that landed her at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, and has since taken her around the world.
As she prepares to step into the role of AAZV President next year, Dr. Julie hopes she’ll be able to shine a little more light on the work being done at Fossil Rim. Not only are we a smaller institution, but we don’t quite fit the mold of a traditional zoo facility, making it easy to get lost in the shuffle of recognition. Regardless, she says there is a lot of overlap between the goals of AAZV and the work done in Glen Rose, TX. As part of the Executive Committee, she’ll represent Fossil Rim and help strengthen connections between our organization and partners across the field.
When asked what initiatives she is most excited to champion, Dr. Julie highlights her sponsorship of the Zoo and Aquarium All Hazard Partnership (ZAAHP). This program is dedicated to identifying risks to managed wildlife populations and assisting facilities as they prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
“With the increasing variety of information located on the internet, it is hard to know which sites are reputable and which statements are backed in science,” says Julie. “Having a respected source for details involving not just natural disaster preparedness, but also infectious disease outbreak preparedness, is extremely important.”
We couldn’t be more excited to see Dr. Julie step into this leadership role. Her dedication to advancing veterinary medicine and improving the health and welfare of animals in human care is inspiring, and Fossil Rim is proud to support her in this next chapter.