Blogger Profile: Rachel Foster
Rachel Foster is the veterinary technician and processing manager at the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is responsible for assisting with all medical needs under the supervision of San Diego Zoo Global veterinarians. In addition to her medical duties, she is responsible for managing the processing procedures for incoming tortoises, training new employees in health assessment, and collecting biological samples from the tortoises. Rachel came to San Diego Zoo Global from Auburn University in Alabama, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in wildlife science and her master’s degree in biology, with a focus in conservation. In addition to 20 years of experience as a veterinary technician, she has 10 years of experience in research working on various projects involving threatened and endangered reptiles, amphibians, and plants. When Rachel is not at work she enjoys hiking with her two dogs and watching college football.
Tortoise: ‘Tis the Season for Hibernation
At this point, any tortoise found outside of their burrow is cause for concern. When we find tortoises out in cool weather, we bring them in for a complete health assessment. read more
Saving Tortoises, One Urolith at a Time
Once we have x-ray confirmation that it’s a urolith, we send the tortoise to the hospital, where veterinarian Nadine Lamberski has developed a less invasive technique to remove the stone. read more
Desert Tortoise Hibernation: Not for All
As our second season ends here at the San Diego Zoo’s Desert Tortoise Conservation Center in Las Vegas, the tortoises have gone deep into their burrows for brumation (winter hibernation).[.....]
Tortoises Need Heat and Light
We are reaching the mid-point of our second season here at the San Diego Zoo Desert Tortoise Conservation Center in Las Vegas, and we are seeing an increase in the[.....]
Family Dog Loves Pet Tortoise Too Much?
Greetings to my fellow tortoise lovers! As I go about my daily duties caring for the tortoises in the medical pavilion at the San Diego Zoo’s Desert Tortoise Conservation Center[.....]
