NEWS AT THE ZOO WITH IDAHO FALLS ZOO VET

IDAHO FALLS — It’s not all baby snow leopards and cute ducklings for this zoo employee.

Dr. Rhonda Aliah, the Idaho Falls Zoo Veterinarian, may not be the animals favorite employee but she is a critical player that keeps them safe and healthy.

“Generally the animals see me as someone who is going to do a procedure on them,” Aliah told EastIdahoNews.com. “Especially the lions and some of the primates know me as someone that is going to poke them or I’m going to do something (to them), so normally there is a negative feeling towards me.”

Aliah treats illnesses and performs regular physical check-ups with zoo residents. She also helps gather research for the Association of Zoo and Aquariums upon request.

“If they want lion poop from a female in heat, then I’m the one who goes there and scoops it up,” Aliah said with a laugh.

Aliah said it’s a team effort caring for the numerous animals at the Idaho Falls Zoo.

Zookeepers are on the front line. They feed and care for the animals and are generally the first to notice when one is lethargic or sick. They can also see if a newborn is rejected by its mother.

If an animal is in need of care, it’s the animals keeper who is responsible for capturing and transporting it to the zoo’s on-site hospital. Once there, Aliah has the tools necessary to perform major surgeries or simple procedures.

Aliah says she loves her job and enjoys treating the animals plus keeping up to date with the numerous species.