Fort Worth Zoo Veterinarian Pioneers Acupuncture and Innovative Treatments for Animal Welfare

Dr. Sarah Cannizzo, a dedicated associate veterinarian at the Fort Worth Zoo, is expanding the boundaries of animal healthcare by integrating acupuncture into her practice and spearheading innovative treatment approaches. As one of only two zoo veterinarians in Texas certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS), Dr. Cannizzo is demonstrating the potential of alternative medicine to improve the lives of the zoo’s diverse population of over 7,000 creatures.

Beyond her routine responsibilities of performing procedures, completing medical reports, managing prescriptions, and monitoring the health of the zoo’s inhabitants, Dr. Cannizzo dedicates her time to providing individualized acupuncture treatments to animals that she believes can benefit from this specialized care.

Acupuncture, an ancient healing practice originating in China over 3,000 years ago, involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. This process is believed to stimulate nerves, enhance blood circulation, alleviate muscle spasms, and trigger the release of hormones, leading to a healing response. The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society recognizes the potential of acupuncture to address a wide range of conditions in animals.

Dr. Cannizzo earned her IVAS certification in January, but she began exploring acupuncture’s benefits for zoo animals during her studies last year. She has successfully treated rabbits suffering from gastrointestinal stasis, a condition where the digestive tract slows down or stops, and geriatric animals, such as petting zoo goats, experiencing chronic pain. To date, she has administered acupuncture to approximately 20 animals at the Fort Worth Zoo.

One notable area of Dr. Cannizzo’s expertise is eye acupuncture. By carefully inserting needles around an animal’s eye, she has been able to address corneal abnormalities and damage, potentially improving vision and alleviating discomfort.

Depending on the animal’s temperament and the specific procedure, acupuncture may be performed while the animal is awake or under anesthesia. Dr. Cannizzo emphasizes that she only performs acupuncture on animals under anesthesia if they are already undergoing another procedure, prioritizing their comfort and minimizing unnecessary stress.

The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, established in 1974, has certified over 5,000 veterinarians worldwide in acupuncture. The certification remains valid for life, signifying a commitment to ongoing learning and expertise in this field. Approximately 96 Texas veterinarians have achieved this prestigious certification over the past five decades, highlighting the growing interest in acupuncture within the veterinary community.

Dr. Cannizzo’s contributions to animal welfare extend beyond acupuncture. Last fall, she played a crucial role in a groundbreaking research project involving the administration of an experimental mRNA vaccine for elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) to Brazos, a 3-year-old Asian elephant at the Fort Worth Zoo.

Brazos became the first elephant in history to receive this novel vaccine, developed by Paul Dalling Ling at Baylor College of Medicine, without having pre-existing EEHV antibodies. Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus poses a significant threat to young Asian and African elephants, particularly those under the age of 8, with a high mortality rate.

According to a 2021 report published in the Virology Journal, approximately 65% of elephant calves in human care who contract EEHV succumb to the disease. Elephant calves typically receive EEHV antibodies from their mothers, but these antibodies wane after a year or two, leaving the calves vulnerable to infection.

Early last year, Paul Dalling Ling approached Dr. Cannizzo about administering his experimental vaccine to Brazos. Following months of meticulous paperwork and approvals, they received the necessary authorization. Brazos received his first dose of the vaccine in August 2024, followed by a second dose a few weeks later.

Currently, Brazos is thriving. The Fort Worth Zoo conducts weekly blood tests to monitor him for any signs of the virus, ensuring his continued health and well-being.

Dr. Cannizzo’s path to veterinary medicine was not always clear. Originally from Massachusetts, she initially pursued studies in folklore and mythology at Harvard before earning a Master’s degree in Irish heritage management from University College Cork in Ireland.

For the initial years of her career, Dr. Cannizzo worked as a business consultant, envisioning a future in heritage world museums or heritage sites. However, she felt a strong pull toward working with animals.

"I’d been in school for so long. I was like, ‘No, I just need to get a job.’ Then it just kept coming back to me that I really wanted to be a zoo vet," she said.

Just before her 30th birthday, Dr. Cannizzo enrolled in veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania. She gained valuable experience through internships at Angell Animal Medical in Boston, focusing on domesticated cats and dogs, and at an Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited drive-thru safari in Oregon. She then completed her residency at North Carolina State University before securing her current position at the Fort Worth Zoo, where she has served for over seven years.

Dr. Cannizzo’s dedication to animal welfare, combined with her pioneering use of acupuncture and her involvement in groundbreaking research, positions her as a rising star in the field of veterinary medicine. Her commitment to providing innovative and compassionate care is making a significant difference in the lives of the animals at the Fort Worth Zoo.