Dr. Jan Ramer, Indianapolis Zoo Vet, Leaves to Manage Mountain Gorilla Project
By Maura Giles
Indianapolis, IN - The Indianapolis Zoo is honored to announce that Dr. Jan Ramer, Associate Veterinarian, will be taking a two-year leave of absence to participate as Regional Manager with the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP). Dr. Ramer will be assuming this new role beginning August 1, 2009. The position manages seven veterinarians (known as The Gorillas Doctors) in three countries (Rwanda, Congo and Uganda) and 15 lay people (guards, orphan gorilla care takers), and facilitates the growing human health program in the area. It is a model conservation program with the “ecosystem health” approach. Dr. Ramer’s participation in the program reflects the Zoo’s commitment to both in-situ and ex-situ conservation programs.
On making the announcement, Dr. Ramer said, “I am very honored to have been chosen for this position. I look forward to being able to contribute to a conservation program that truly works toward a one health solution to a very complicated conservation issue. I am excited to meet my new team of colleagues in Africa and learn as much as I can from their extensive experience with the gorillas, and to meet the amazing gorillas themselves. I still think someone might pinch me and it will all be a dream.” During the 24 months that Dr. Ramer is in the field she will still be a part time employee of the Indianapolis Zoo so that she can continue her duties for the International Iguana Foundation, the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and several other specific tasks that can be done remotely. An interim veterinarian will be hired for the period of time that Dr. Ramer will be in Africa, and Dr. Ramer will resume her regular role as the Zoo’s Associate Veterinarian in July 2011.
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