Exotic Pet Lectures Offered at Zoo Medicine Open House

COLLEGE STATION, January 30, 2006 - With the popularity of exotic pets on the rise, pet owners and those interested in learning more about exotic pets are invited to a free Zoo Medicine Lecture Series & Open House on Saturday, February 11, sponsored by the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University.

Lectures on reptiles, ferrets, birds, rabbits and rodents will be presented by veterinarians David Phalen and Sharman Hoppes, and veterinary technician Teresa Shisk-Saling, RVT. "Before you decide to get an exotic pet, you should be knowledgeable about its general care, behavior, growth, life expectancy, common medical problems and the practicality of owning such an animal," says Phalen, Director of the Zoological Medicine Service at the college. "The open house and lecture series offers an opportunity for people who are already exotic pet owners to become better informed about the care of their pet and for the general public to learn more about a variety of exotic animals."

Each one hour lecture will conclude with an optional tour of the college's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and Zoo Medicine Service conducted by veterinary students. The first lecture begins with Reptiles at 9:00 a.m.; Ferrets at 11:00 a.m.; Birds at 1:00 p.m.; and Rabbits and Rodents at 3:00 p.m.  Open House attendees can come to the front lobby of the college where they will be directed to the designated lecture rooms.

Contact Information:
Angela G. Clendenin
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Ofc - (979) 862-2675
Cell - (979) 739-5718