Who's Who: Meet Staff Veterinarian Dr. Mike Selig

Zoo veterinarians have a pretty interesting job. They might go from treating a tiny elephant shrew to a giant African elephant in the same day! But it's all in a day's work for the Zoo's vets, just ask our Who's who subject today -- Veterinarian Dr. Mike Selig.
Name: Dr. Mike Selig, DVM

Residence: Richfield, Ohio

Hometown: Avon Lake, Ohio

What do you do at the Zoo? Staff veterinarian

What was the first Zoo job you ever had? I worked part time at the Akron Zoo for five years as a veterinarian while working full time in private practice.

Favorite animal: Turtles

Favorite part(s) of the Zoo: Inside the rhino barn (petting rhinos is pretty cool), feeding the giraffes outside, or above the shark tank (scary, but cool!).

Why I work at the Zoo: I love working on the different species of animals - every day is a different challenge.

Best thing about living in Northeast Ohio (other than the Zoo, of course!): The proximity to all of the great natural areas – Lake Erie, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Summit County MetroParks and of course – Cleveland Metroparks (Hinckley Reservation is my favorite!)

A funny thing happened at the Zoo . . . I have been told that I am rather jumpy. Even a dropped cell phone or similar noise will often make me jump. Anyone that is around seems to get a pretty good laugh about it though (myself included).

One animal characteristic you wish you could have and why: The grip strength of a gibbon – it would make rock climbing way easier!!


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