In this episode of Rooted Tales by Rooted Owl, host Jeffrey Mendelson sits down with Dr. Tamara Kruse, Director of Veterinary Care at the San Antonio Zoo. Together, they explore the unseen world of zoo veterinary medicine—from morning rounds with jaguars to reproductive programs and enrichment strategies designed to keep animals both physically and mentally thriving.

Dr. Kruse opens up about her journey—from bottle-feeding rescue puppies as a child to helping Komodo dragons hatch in Texas. With compassion, humor, and deep knowledge, she shares what it takes to care for everything from tiny pygmy falcons to 300-pound tigers—and how her adoptive parents and a deep-rooted love for wildlife set her on this path.

From the science behind zoo breeding programs to why starfish are her unlikely favorite animal, this episode offers a heartfelt look at what it means to love, protect, and learn from the animal kingdom—every single day.

Key Lessons Covered in This Episode:

A Day in the Life of a Zoo Veterinarian:

Dr. Kruse walks us through her unpredictable workday—from early team rounds to sedating lemurs, doing full-body exams on lions, and ensuring animals recover with minimal stress.

Behind the Scenes of Species Survival Plans:

Discover how genetics drive zoo breeding strategies—and why many animals aren’t spayed or neutered but given temporary birth control to preserve species diversity.

Releasing Animals Back into the Wild:

Learn how institutions like the San Antonio Zoo are working to reintroduce threatened native species like the Texas horned lizard and desert pupfish into their natural habitats.

Enrichment Over Easy Meals:

Feeding time isn’t just tossing meat in a pan—Dr. Kruse describes the pulley systems and puzzles that mimic wild hunting behaviors, keeping predators like Komodo dragons mentally stimulated.

The Power of a Childhood Dream:

From watching Wild America to missing her own college graduation to intern in Alaska, Dr. Kruse shares how her calling was shaped by early influences—and how her dad once saved a bag of puppies from drowning.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Veterinary care in zoos is complex, collaborative, and built on deep trust

✅ Breeding and conservation programs are carefully managed for genetic health

✅ Enrichment is vital to preserving natural behaviors—even in captivity

✅ Adopted or not, the right support can launch a lifetime of compassion and purpose

✅ Even chocolate chip sea stars deserve a place in your heart

Listen Now:

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to be a zoo vet—or how compassion, conservation, and science come together in one of the wildest jobs on earth—this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Kruse brings warmth, wisdom, and wonder to every minute.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Connect with Dr. Tamara Kruse:

• Visit: San Antonio Zoo
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tamara-kruse-26308165

Share this episode to inspire the next generation of compassionate caretakers and conservation champions.