In honor of World Veterinary Day on April 25, we’re proud to celebrate Northwest Trek Wildlife Park’s two incredible veterinarians: Dr. Kadie Anderson and Dr. Cassidy Soehnlein. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication ensure that every animal at Northwest Trek receives the highest level of care.
From routine wellness exams to complex medical procedures, our veterinary team works seamlessly to support each animal, no matter their size or species, so they can thrive.
Dr. Anderson, the wildlife park’s head veterinarian, brings a remarkable depth of knowledge and experience to Northwest Trek. With dual bachelor’s degrees in animal science and zoology from the University of Wyoming and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State University, she has built an impressive career in zoological medicine. She completed an internship at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and a residency in conservation medicine at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, later serving eight years as an associate veterinarian at Point Defiance.
Board-certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine, a distinction held by only a few hundred veterinarians worldwide, Dr. Anderson is also an Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Canid and Hyenid Taxon Advisory Group veterinary advisor. Beyond her clinical expertise, she’s known for her leadership, innovation, and collaborative spirit.
Outside of work, Dr. Anderson enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest, spending time on her hobby farm, hiking and backpacking, and working with her young dog. She also contributes her time to local conservation and animal welfare efforts.
Dr. Soehnlein, our associate veterinarian, brings energy, curiosity, and a deep commitment to both animals and people. She earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida before completing internships in small animal medicine and zoological medicine, including time at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. It was there, and through her work with Northwest Trek, that she discovered her passion for this unique environment and community.
Originally from Florida, Dr. Soehnlein has embraced the Pacific Northwest lifestyle, trading sunshine for mountains and rain. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and longboarding, and caring for her own “mini zoo” at home.
Both Dr. Anderson and Dr. Soehnlein’s impact is deeply felt by those who work alongside them:
“Everything our veterinary staff do seems like a miracle to me. They can pull blood from the tiniest animal vein, remember subtle details about an animal’s history, and be so kind and patient with animal and keeper needs.” – Keeper Wendi
“I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such amazing veterinarians like Dr. Kadie and Dr. Cassidy. They both employ such knowledge, expertise, and passion in everything they do. Our animals and staff are so lucky to have them!” – Tracy, LVT, Clinical Veterinary Technician
“Dr. Cassidy and Dr. Kadie, among being the most professional veterinarians I’ve worked with, are also two of the kindest I’ve had the opportunity to be around. I’ve collaborated with them on multiple animal wellbeing discussions and have been with them through hard loss and interesting finds. We are all so lucky to have them on our team here.” – Keeper Dana
“Dr. Kadie brings a mix of strong clinical skills, good judgment, and compassion for both the animals and the people caring for them. She’s raised the bar for what care looks like in a setting that can be complex and unpredictable, where flexibility and quick decision-making really matter. What stands out most is how she approaches challenges. She’s always looking for better ways to do things, willing to push boundaries and try new approaches that improve outcomes. At the same time, she’s thoughtful and collaborative, supporting the team and building confidence along the way. Her impact shows up not just in individual cases, but in how the whole program operates day to day.” – Curator Becca
“Dr. Cassidy brings great energy to the team and a willingness to step into new challenges, even when they’re outside her previous experience. She approaches her work with a quiet confidence that builds trust and steadiness in high-pressure situations. She’s thoughtful and thorough in how she communicates, taking the time to explain the ‘why’ behind decisions so everyone feels informed and aligned. Just as importantly, she shows a genuine care for the people around her, alongside a clear dedication to the animals. That combination makes her both a strong clinician, a valued teammate, and a delightful co-worker.” – Curator Becca