One-year-old cougar Sullivan recently completed a routine comprehensive wellness exam at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. The exams were led by head veterinarian Dr. Kadie Anderson with support from veterinary technician Tracy and the wildlife park’s animal care team. The wellness exams included updating vaccinations, dental cleaning, blood and urine collection, ultrasound examination, nail trim, and coat grooming. These regular checkups help the veterinary team monitor Sullivan’s health and address any concerns early. Dr. Anderson says Sullivan is a healthy juvenile. In April, Sullivan celebrated one year at Northwest Trek. He first arrived at Northwest Trek after being found alone in the wild as a …

Black bears Benton and Fern recently underwent routine comprehensive wellness exams led by head veterinarian Dr. Kadie Anderson, with support from associate veterinarian Dr. Cassidy Soehnlein, veterinary technician Tracy, and the wildlife park’s dedicated animal keepers. The exams included vaccines, dental cleanings, blood and urine collection, ultrasounds, nail trims and coat grooming. These routine checkups allow the veterinary team to closely monitor the bears’ health and quickly address any concerns that may arise. Benton and Fern are trained to actively participate in their own veterinary care through a variety of voluntary behaviors. By calmly offering their paws to keepers, animal …

  Northwest Trek’s four red fox siblings, Radar, Kamiah, Whittaker, and Jack, are turning 13 this month. For red foxes, that puts them firmly in super-senior territory. “In the wild, red foxes rarely reach this age. Even under human care, 13 is impressive,” said Carnivore Keeper Caroline. “That all four siblings have reached this milestone together reflects the commitment of our keepers and veterinary team, and the trust we’ve built with them over the years.” The foxes were rescued as young kits from Idaho in April 2013 and brought to Northwest Trek. Over time, they created an extensive underground den …

Hickory the raccoon recently received a routine health exam, including radiographs, blood collection to assess organ function and overall health, and updated vaccinations to help protect him from infectious disease. Known for his ringed tail, black facemask, and nimble, sensitive forepaws, Hickory embodies the inquisitive nature raccoons are famous for: constantly investigating, climbing, and foraging for anything that might be a tasty find. Since arriving with his sister Bluebell in fall 2024 after being rescued as orphaned kits, he’s grown more confident and adventurous, often zooming around with new enrichment (especially when food is involved).

On a crisp, February morning at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, 3-year-old moose Luna received a special kind of forest “house call.” She was safely anesthetized for a routine wellness exam, led by Head Veterinarian Dr. Kadie Anderson and the wildlife park’s dedicated veterinary and keeper teams. After sedation, the animal care staff gently positioned Luna, taking extra care to protect the long, spindly legs that support her impressive size, so they could conduct thorough physical exams. Luna earned a clean bill of health. During her procedure, Luna received a dental check where she had her teeth filed to correct abnormal …

At Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, proactive veterinary care is an important part of keeping our animals healthy throughout every stage of life. Recently, our playful river otter sisters, Blakely and Oakley, 10-year-old siblings who each weigh around 15 pounds, received their routine annual wellness exams with Head Veterinarian Dr. Kadie Anderson, Associate Veterinarian Dr. Cassidy Soehnlein, and our dedicated animal care team. Oakley and Blakely were both anesthetized for their annual exams and diagnostics, allowing the team to complete a thorough evaluation safely and comfortably. Both otters did very well under anesthesia and were kept warm with tiny socks and …

Syaʔyaʔ (pronounced SEE-yut-yuh in the Lushootseed language) the pine marten recently underwent a root canal procedure at Northwest Trek’s healthcare clinic. Board certified veterinary dentists from Vancouver-based Pet Dental Specialists, a clinic primarily focused on treating dogs and cats with dental issues, donated their time to treat Syaʔyaʔ alongside Northwest Trek’s veterinary team. Earlier this year, Syaʔyaʔ was one of 39 animals seized by authorities from a facility in Haines, Alaska. The animals were relocated as part of a broader effort to ensure their safety. They were cared for at the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, among other facilities in the …

The four resident red foxes at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park recently received their annual preventive wellness exams, and all are doing well overall, according to veterinary staff. “These exams are essential for monitoring the health of our senior animals,” said Dr. Kadie Anderson, Head Veterinarian at Northwest Trek. “We check everything from eyes and ears to teeth, paws, and internal health through x-rays and ultrasound evaluation. It’s also a good time for them to receive boosters for their vaccinations.” The foxes – Jack, Radar, Kamiah, and Whittaker – were all rescued from the wild in Idaho as young pups in …

Sullivan Examined for Limping The stories of rescued orphaned cougar cubs Sullivan and Sienna are a powerful reminder of the importance of rescue and collaboration in wildlife conservation. Thanks to the combined efforts of wildlife officials, veterinarians, and dedicated caretakers, these orphaned cubs have a second chance at life. And for Sullivan, that second chance includes the best diagnostic care modern veterinary medicine can offer. Sullivan, rescued in early March near Spokane, Washington, has been recovering well at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park after a rough start to life. But recently, animal care staff noticed he was limping. “Our initial diagnostic …

In early April, the 5-month-old orphaned cougar cub, rescued after being found malnourished and dehydrated, received a recheck exam under anesthesia at Northwest Trek’s animal care clinic. The rescued cub is now located in an outdoor sheltered habitat, where he continues to receive round-the-clock care. Despite his incredibly rough start, the cub is making steady progress. During his exam, the veterinary team conducted a thorough check-up, including blood tests, essential vaccinations, and radiographs to assess his health. Head veterinarian Dr. Kadie Anderson shared that the cub’s weight was 16 pounds on intake, which is 15-20 pounds underweight for his age, …