ASHEBORO—The North Carolina Zoological Society is holding a contest that will enable some lucky member of the public to be a zoo veterinarian for a day.

The Zoo Society, the non-profit support organization for the North Carolina Zoo, will sell only 900 tickets at $10 each for the January 30 drawing that will determine the winner. The winning ticket holder, along with a friend, will spend a day with N.C. Zoo Senior Veterinarian Dr. Ryan DeVoe learning the ins and outs of being a zoo vet.

The morning rounds will take the winner behind the scenes to watch some unique procedures which may include annual exams, radiographs or surgery on lions, bears, zebras or similar exotic animals. After sharing lunch with the vet staff, the winner and a guest will join Dr. DeVoe on his afternoon rounds among a variety of zoo animals.

All proceeds from the contest will help support the N.C. Zoo’s Conservation Medicine Programs. Participants must be 16 years old to enter. The Zoo Society will work with the winner to select a convenient date in February or March to shadow Dr. DeVoe. Tickets are available online at www.nczoo.com or can be purchased over the phone at 336-879-7250.  

The zoo is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor.

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