Brookfield Zoo vet a finalist for prestigious award

Dr. Mike Adkesson, vice president of clinical medicine for the Chicago Zoological Society [CZS], is one of five veterinarian finalists for the American Humane’s annual Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards.

The awards honor those who dedicate their lives to making a difference in animals’ lives with outstanding veterinary care. A panel of veterinary professionals and animal care experts from around the country selected Adkesson and the other finalists from more than 250 nominees.

CZS, which manages Brookfield Zoo, is encouraging animal lovers to visit American Humane’s website at herovetawards.org/vote to cast a vote for Adkesson between now and Aug. 13.

The winners will be honored at the 10th annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards, which is scheduled to air nationwide as a two-hour special on Hallmark Channel this fall.

“Dr. Adkesson works tirelessly to ensure that the more than 2,500 animals under his care at Brookfield Zoo are healthy and thriving,” said Bill Zeigler, senior vice president of animal program for CZS. “He leads a team of caring professionals, and advocates for pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible in zoological medicine by continually elevating the standards of care.”

As one who has dedicated his veterinary career to the conservation of wildlife and nature, Adkesson believes modern zoos and aquariums play a pivotal role in educating and inspiring people to protect vanishing species and habitats around the globe.

For more than a decade, he has led a conservation program at a marine protected area in Peru, which is home to wild populations of Humboldt penguins, fur seals and sea lions. The program focuses on sharing expertise with Peruvian veterinarians and marine biologists, promoting research and engaging and educating the local communities about the ecosystem and why it is important to protect as well as the wildlife that inhabits the area.

Adkesson is past-president of the American Association of the Zoo Veterinarians and an adjunct assistant professor with the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.