Dr. Sarah Cannizzo is an associate veterinarian at the Fort Worth Zoo, certified to administer acupuncture to the zoo’s 7,000 animals. She has used acupuncture to treat rabbits with gastrointestinal issues and geriatric petting zoo goats with chronic pain. Cannizzo was also involved in groundbreaking research where she administered a new vaccine to an elephant calf to protect against a deadly virus.
Acupuncture, a practice originating from China over 3,000 years ago, involves inserting needles into specific points of the body to stimulate healing responses. Cannizzo is one of only two zoo vets in Texas certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. She has successfully treated various animals at the zoo using acupuncture and has seen positive results, including resolving eye abnormalities.
In addition to her work with acupuncture, Cannizzo participated in administering an experimental vaccine to an elephant calf to protect against a deadly virus that can be fatal for young elephants. The vaccine was developed by a researcher at Baylor College of Medicine, and the elephant, Brazos, became the first elephant to receive this vaccine without prior antibodies.
Cannizzo had an unexpected career change, transitioning from studying folklore and mythology to becoming a zoo vet. She completed her education at the University of Pennsylvania and completed her residency before joining the Fort Worth Zoo. Despite her initial plan to work in heritage sites, Cannizzo found her true passion in caring for animals, particularly through the use of acupuncture and innovative medical interventions.
