Nominees

Mike Adkesson — Veterinarian

Brookfield, Illinois

Mike Adkesson, DVM, DACZM, DECZM, has dedicated his veterinary career to the conservation of wildlife and nature. He passionately believes modern zoos and aquariums play a pivotal role in educating and inspiring people to protect vanishing species and habitats around the globe.

As Vice President of Clinical Medicine for the Chicago Zoological Society, Dr. Adkesson works tirelessly to ensure that the thousands of animals under his care are healthy, happy and thriving. Leading a team of caring professionals, he advocates for pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible in zoological medicine and continually elevating the standards of care. Whether that means a CT scan on rhinoceros or knee surgery for a gorilla, Dr. Adkesson focuses on how to make it happen!

Dr. Adkesson is committed to the success of those around him. He is past-president of the American Association of the Zoo Veterinarians and an adjunct assistant professor with the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, where he has shared his knowledge, skills and compassion with hundreds of veterinary students, interns and residents over the years.

For the past decade Dr. Adkesson has led marine conservation programs in Peru that focus on protecting wild Humboldt penguins, fur seals and sea lions. Through his work in the field as a wildlife veterinarian he helps ensure the population health of these endangered species and shares his expertise with Peruvian veterinarians and marine biologists.

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