What’s it really like trying to break into zoo, exotic, and wildlife medicine—and why does it burn out even the most passionate techs?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin with special guest Jenny Weldy, RVT for a hilarious, story-packed episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party.

From growing up in a wildlife vet household (yes… animals in the bathroom) to the brutal reality of competitive exotics jobs, gatekept knowledge, and leadership burnout, Jenny brings real-world wisdom—and big-cat chaos—to the nerd table.

Packed with laughs, relatable vet med truths, and hard-earned professional insight, this episode is perfect for vet techs, animal lovers, and veterinary professionals alike.

🎧 What you’ll discover:

– What it’s like growing up with a zoo/wildlife veterinarian parent (and how early “field exposure” starts)

– The real path into zoo/exotics/wildlife: grunt work, volunteering, and strategic specialty pivots

– Why “gatekeeping knowledge” is dangerous for patients, teams, and hospital sustainability

– Burnout, toxicity, and why upper management often breaks great techs

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinary technicians & assistants

– Animal lovers & pet owners

– Veterinary students & recent graduates

– Vet med professionals seeking humor & community

– Techs curious about zoo, exotic, wildlife, or specialty medicine careers

🎬 Timestamps:

00:00 – Jaguar scream cold open + “we’re not okay” energy

03:00 – Meet Jenny Weldy, RVT: zoo/wildlife background + why this niche is so small

10:39 – Inside the exotic hospital setup + “VTNP on the road” idea

18:20 – How to break into zoo/wildlife: grunt work, volunteering, and patience

23:10 – Burnout + toxicity in niche vet med (and why change is slow)

26:18 – Gatekeeping knowledge vs. strong hospitals (what actually protects patients)

31:43 – Vet school training gaps + why so much gets referred out

47:01 – Big-cat stories: jaguars, primates, and the cheetah anesthesia incident

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay – and that's totally okay.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

– VIN (Veterinary Information Network): vin.com

– Ranger Zack Show: youtube.com/@therangerzakshow

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Season 2, Ep. 5

#VetTech #VetMed #Exotics #ZooMedicine #WildlifeRehab #VetTechNerdParty #PacificLensStudios