Celebrating Vet Tech Week: How Kaleigh Connects Guests, Animals and Conservation
If you take the Wildlife Express Train to Conservation Station and head past Bluey’s Wild World at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you can catch a glimpse of world-class animal care happening right in front of you at the Veterinary Treatment Room.
This National Veterinary Technician Week, we’re celebrating cast members like Kaleigh, Veterinary Practice Manager at Disney's Animal Kingdom, whose work helps provide exceptional care for animals while creating meaningful connections between guests, wildlife and conservation.
With more than 5,000 animals across approximately 300 species at Walt Disney World, Kaleigh helps coordinate the animal health team's efforts to provide individualized care for each animal. Her day may include everything from supporting medical procedures and diagnostic imaging to working with veterinarians and animal care experts to ensure the hospital runs smoothly.
For guests, those behind-the-scenes efforts often translate into a unique opportunity to witness animal care in action in the Veterinary Treatment Room at Conservation Station. Depending on the day, guests may have the opportunity to watch a gorilla undergo a wellness exam, see a wallaby receive a checkup or observe a bird undergoing surgery.
“A lot of people don't even know what a veterinary technician is,” Kaleigh said.
Often described as the nurses of the animal care world, veterinary technicians play an essential role in supporting animal health and wellbeing. They assist veterinarians with procedures, diagnostics, treatments and daily patient care, helping ensure animals receive the highest level of medical attention.
For Kaleigh, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is the chance to connect with guests and share her passion for animal care. At the Veterinary Treatment Room, guests may have the chance to learn more about animal care and interact with members of the animal health team.
“I think a huge part of being a veterinary technician here at Walt Disney World is the guest aspect,” Kaleigh said. “Getting to share what we do every day with guests is wild, but so much fun.”
Like all Animals, Science and Environment cast members, Kaleigh's goal is to help connect guests with nature and inspire them to care about wildlife and conservation.
Kaleigh began her Disney journey through the Disney College Program, where she gained firsthand experience delivering Disney guest service through roles in both merchandise and food and beverage.
“My time in the College Program showed me what makes Disney so special, and I just fell in love,” Kaleigh said. “My goal was to come back as a vet tech. So, I went out into the world, got experience and used my Disney training to get me back here.”
Looking back on her path to Disney's Animal Kingdom, Kaleigh credits a wide range of experiences with helping prepare her for her current role.
“My advice is to get experience in as many areas of the field as possible. Work with small animals, wildlife and the specialties that interest you because each one teaches you something different. The more experiences you have, the better technician you'll become,” she said.
This Veterinary Technician Week, we thank Kaleigh and our Animals, Science and Environment cast members for their expertise, compassion and dedication to providing exceptional care for the animals that call Walt Disney World home.
Interested in learning more about Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team? Follow Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment on Facebook and Animals at Disney on Instagram.
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