“We’re here today to donate anesthesia equipment – but what we’re really doing is helping ensure the wellbeing of the Zoo’s animal residents, and by extension, supporting the educational and conservation mission that touches so many lives in our community,” said David O. McCready, President and CEO of Southcoast Health. “At Southcoast Health, we’re committed to partnerships that support the whole community and the cultural experiences that bring people together. Supporting the Zoo fits right into that vision.”

Unusual for an institution of its size, BPZOO has a fully equipped animal hospital with a full-time Veterinarian and Vet Technician. This two-person, powerhouse team focuses on maintaining the health of the Zoo’s population of animals, which includes yearly physical examinations that require full anesthesia.

As the anesthesia machines arrived, Emmy Budas, DVM, Buttonwood Park Zoo Veterinarian, took the group on a tour of the animal hospital to further demonstrate how this equipment will improve their current care capacity.  

“Our exams are typically performed in our procedure room, where our anesthesia machine is located,” she explained. “Until now, however, when we had to take medical imaging, we needed to move the animal to the separate radiology room.”

Before the donation, the radiology room was not equipped with an anesthesia machine, meaning that while the animal was in there, they were not able to receive inhalant anesthesia or supplemental oxygen, increasing the risk of the animal waking up during the procedure and posing potential for harm to the animal and veterinary staff.

“Now with a second anesthesia machine in our radiology room, Zoo animal patients will be able to maintain appropriate anesthetic depth and are provided with supplemental oxygen and assisted ventilation throughout the entire duration of the procedure. This will also allow us to capture better images in a safer manner,” Dr. Budas went on to say.

This donation initially came about when Southcoast Health purchased new anesthesia machines earlier this year, presenting an opportunity to help reduce the organization’s carbon footprint and keep the current equipment in our community.

“Focusing on how we can do our part to make healthcare more sustainable, a major aspect of the process is identifying where things can be reused. Instead of this equipment being traded in or scrapped, donating it to the Buttonwood Park Zoo extends the benefit it can provide our region and helps decrease Southcoast Health’s carbon footprint overall,” said Phil Oliveira, Vice President of Supply Chain Strategy & Logistics at Southcoast Health. “While this is not always possible, in this case, finding an alternate use for the equipment right here in New Bedford made sense and greatly aligned with our sustainability goals.”

“We are incredibly grateful to receive this very valuable and generous in-kind donation from Southcoast Health,” added Sarah Henry, Executive Director of the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society. “There is something truly special that happens when two community organizations work together to support each other’s mission. We are thrilled to have such an incredible partner in our work.”