Veterinarian Brianne Phillips ’07 examines a newborn western lowland gorilla in October 2020. The 1-day old male was delivered via caesarian section and cared for by Phillips, the animal health team at Zoo New England and a team of human medical specialists.
Over the course of 16 days in fall 2020, three remarkable animals needed some very specialized care.
Brianne Phillips ’07 was one of the wildlife veterinarians who came to their aid.
“I assisted in the delivery and care of the first-ever reported Baird’s tapir twins, Franklin Park Zoo’s first pygmy hippo calf and a gorilla born via caesarian section,” she said.
Helping bring adorable baby animals into the world is just one perk of Phillips’ job. As an associate veterinarian at Zoo New England, she gets to work with an incredible diversity of critters housed at Franklin Park Zoo (Boston), Stone Zoo (Stoneham, Mass.) and Blue Hills Trailside Museum (Milton, Mass.).
“In my career, I’ve treated all kinds of animals, from sea stars to African elephants,” Phillips said. “I provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for all species in our zoological collections.”
This means she’s tasked with doing healthy animal examinations – think physicals, vaccinations and dental exams. All the stuff we humans need each year, too.
Phillips also treats sick animals, either during planned procedures or emergencies. This includes everything from managing chronic diseases like osteoarthritis and diabetes to performing surgeries.
To make sure her charges get the best possible care, Phillips often consults with her fellow veterinarians as well as human doctors.
“Outside of clinical work, I help manage behavioral issues, evaluate nutrition plans and even consult on medical behavior training so that our animals can voluntarily participate in their medical care,” she said. “I also recommend animal breeding and birth plans, care for animals in our conservation headstart programs and teach visiting Harvard University medical students during a One Health Clinical Elective held at Zoo New England.”
While her job as a wildlife veterinarian is complex and challenging, it is also unparalleled in its rewards.
“I find so much joy in seeing animals respond to treatment. I love the opportunity to work with so many species and, of course, I never turn down a new zoo baby exam!” Phillips said. “I also really enjoy teaching -- whether students, colleagues or members of the public – and I’m grateful to be able to participate in research that impacts the veterinary care of zoological species.”
Phillips majored in biology and minored in psychology at Union, and was a member of the College’s swimming and diving team.
Phillips graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. Following a year-long rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship in Connecticut, Phillips completed a residency in zoological medicine at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine, which designates her as a board certified specialist in zoological medicine.