Luis Padilla
Director of Animal Health
St. Louis Zoo
St. Louis, MO USA
“You're going to be the happiest in the place that best aligns who you think you are with who you really want to be.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationLuis Padilla
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Grew up in Puerto Rico and attended college in the United States.
Says that it was a rough transition-he missed his friends, his family, and Puerto Rican food.
He always knew that he wanted to work with animals; attended the veterinary school at Cornell University.
Says that veterinary school was tough; he spent eight years taking very competitive classes, and had to take out multiple loans to fulfill his dream.
While he was at Cornell, someone told him, "the best zoo in the United States is the St. Louis Zoo."
He decided to visit and was struck by how much the workers cared for the animals and their conservation in the wild.
One of his goals was to be "that guy" who could help protect an animal species from going extinct.
Says that there is always more to animals than their appearances, and the same goes for people.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Director of Animal Health
I'm responsible for managing the health and care of all our zoo animals from small birds to large mammals.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Environment & Nature
Science
Accomplishing Goals
Day to Day
As the head veterinarian at the Saint Louis Zoo, I am a member and leader of the team that provides veterinary care to all the zoo's animals and to the many endangered species that the zoo aims to protect in the wild. This means monitoring them for any health problems or injuries, administering care, and overseeing the general welfare of all of the animals.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Approach all opportunities with pride and solid ethics and do your best; it may open up future doors.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I don't know if the time and money it takes to do this is worth it. "
Challenges I Overcame
Culture Shock
Learning Issues
Financial
Interviewed By
Ready to Rise
Confronting systemic barriers to success
