by Carlos Sanchez, DVM, MSc

About His Story

"Giant pandas are on loan to zoos around the world, where they receive excellent veterinary care, but there is something very special about working on them in their own land."

About the Author

Carlos R. Sanchez received his veterinary degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City. He worked as veterinarian for Mexico’s National Zoo, Chapultepec Zoo, from 1992-1997. A full scholarship from the British government took him to the Royal Veterinary College in London, where he earned a masters degree in Wild Animal Health. On his return to Mexico, he worked briefly for the Zoological Society of Mexico, and then moved to the United States in 2000 as the first Latin American veterinarian to be accepted in a zoological medicine residency. Dr. Sanchez finished his residency at the Smithsonian National Zoo in 2003 and continued there as a member of the veterinary staff. His current interests include clinical research in anesthesia and the training of Latin American veterinarians, activities that have introduced him to new places and nurtured new friendships. He has published in several veterinary journals and is the co-chair of the International Committee of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.