An Interview with Animal Nutritionist Mark Edwards

Megan Sullivan

As an animal nutritionist with the Zoological Society of San Diego, Mark Edwards loves being part of a unique program that strives to provide world-class, science-based care for animals. The experience he brings to his job (he previously worked as an animal keeper, wildlife rehabilitator, field biologist, and laboratory technician) helps Edwards meet his main objective—to ensure that the zoo inhabitants thrive in their environment.

What inspired you to become an animal nutritionist?

While growing up on a small suburban farm in Cincinnati, I was fascinated with animal care and diets. I looked after everything from raccoons and opossums to pygmy goats, sheep, and llamas. My parents nurtured my curiosity by taking me on regular trips to the local zoo, natural history museum, and nature centers.

In high school, my studies were heavily biased toward sciences—I knew I wanted to “work in a zoo,” but I didn’t completely understand what that encompassed. I began volunteering at the Cincinnati Zoo as soon as I got my driver’s license, which gave me great exposure to the types of jobs available in the field.

I went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in zoology. During my fourth year as an undergraduate, I was selected for an internship at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo. As an intern, I cared for red pandas who were being studied for a nutritional needs project. The people involved in the project inspired me to pursue a career in animal nutrition; I now have a doctorate in animal science with a comparative animal nutrition emphasis.

What does an animal nutritionist do?

Zoo nutritionists supervise the daily administration of animal diets (menus), which includes managing the people, facilities, and budgets needed to support these operations. As a subject matter expert, I work closely with the keeper, curatorial, and veterinary staff (the animal care staff) to ensure that all animals receive healthy, nutritionally balanced meals. I am responsible for formulating many of the foods prepared for the animals. Consequently, I also work with the animal care staff to objectively evaluate an animal’s response to a particular diet or feeding program (based on an animal’s weight, body condition, and fecal consistency, for example).
There really isn’t a typical day at work—an aspect of my job that I particularly enjoy. I might be found at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, starting the day early with a walk around the hospital. Or, along with the animal care staff, I might review cases for patients currently in the hospital and then prioritize the day’s schedule. For instance, if a Bornean Sunbear is sedated for a physical exam, we collect body measurements, which can be used to develop species-specific tools that evaluate the bear’s condition.
Another part of the job includes working with suppliers to make sure the animals’ foods are wholesome and safe—stored, processed, and prepared to maintain nutritional quality. Quality control samples of all foods are collected routinely for chemical analysis, submitted to laboratories, and reviewed. Also, there are often several special ongoing projects, including working with field biologists in the research division. I am currently assisting with a project studying the impact of nutrition on desert bighorn sheep habitat selection, and another project evaluating habitat and food sources for iguanas in the Caribbean.

What background is needed?

The diversity of topics and critical thinking needed to provide nutrition support for zoo animals typically demands a doctorate level degree in the science of nutrition. However, because the field is still very young a standard degree has not been defined. For example, a degree in veterinary medicine followed with a master’s degree in nutrition would prepare an individual to pursue a career in animal nutrition. The most important skills needed are adaptability and objectivity. Even if a position or project requires working with only a small portion of an animal’s physiology, it helps to understand and appreciate the “whole animal”—learn about its biology, the habitat where it is found, and how the work contributes to its conservation. It is important to keep in mind that most animal nutritionists do not work with wildlife—they typically formulate and test pet food and develop effective feeding programs for domestic animal species. Researching the field and seeing what career options are available for animal nutritionists is essential. To learn more about what my organization does for conservation and education visit www.sandiegozoo.org. However, the best way to get formal exposure to nutrition, along with other disciplines related to animal care, is to enroll in an animal science program.

What has been your biggest accomplishment?

Perhaps the most significant contributions made are in relation to giant pandas, both here in San Diego and in the People’s Republic of China. We developed new feeding regimes for this species based on their biology, digestive system, and our knowledge of animal nutrition. This had a significant impact on the health of pandas at facilities that implemented the new diets. Continuing that theme, we evaluated the diets (formulas) used to feed young pandas and helped to develop a revised rearing protocol that increased the survival of giant panda cubs partially or entirely raised in a nursery environment. Overall, one of our most significant accomplishments has been to demonstrate the benefits of actively managing animal diets, rather than just allowing them to occur, and the role that a professionally trained nutritionist can have in that process.
—By Megan Sullivan

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