I am writing to thank you profoundly for the scholarship awarded to me for the Elephant Ultrasound Workshop presented by Dr. Dennis Schmitt at Riddle’s Elephant Sanctuary. I found the whole experience to be exceedingly educational and motivational. After the workshop, I have felt much more comfortable with both the equipment and the application/interpretation of reproductive diagnostic imaging in elephants.
The facilities and staff at Riddle’s Sanctuary were very conducive to creating a strong learning environment. The on-site dormitory style housing and plentiful food made for a focused and pleasant time without the disturbances seen with workshops where lodging, transportation, and food are not provided. Furthermore, all the animals were very well trained and most patient with us. Personal safety was never a concern under the watchful eye of the Riddle’s staff who displayed remarkable pratience and gentleness with their elephant charges.
Both the practical and didatic sessions were informative and allowed me to gain a greaterDr.-Ferrell-2a.jpg understanding of elephant reproductive biology, medical/surgical management of reproductive issues, and routine husbandry care. Dr. Schmitt and the Riddle’s staff were most forth coming with information and answered all questions presented to them. The daytime ultrasounds in the numerous females and males of both African and Asian elephant species was astounding in the opportunity to compare and contrast the anatomy and any previously documented pathology in some individuals. Furthermore, abnormalities detected during the day or any special areas of interest were fully explored in the night classes with the help of Dr. Schmitt and the Riddle’s staff.
I cannot sufficiently relate the value of this experience to myself and the Fort Worth Zoo, and I hope to be able to put the knowledge I have acquired to good use in the following months. To summarize, I highly recommend this workshop for any biologist or veterinarian who works with elephants in any capacity as the workshop provides a wealth of knowledge, both reproductive and otherwise.
Sincerely,
Shannon Ferrell, DVM, DABVP - Avian
The facilities and staff at Riddle’s Sanctuary were very conducive to creating a strong learning environment. The on-site dormitory style housing and plentiful food made for a focused and pleasant time without the disturbances seen with workshops where lodging, transportation, and food are not provided. Furthermore, all the animals were very well trained and most patient with us. Personal safety was never a concern under the watchful eye of the Riddle’s staff who displayed remarkable pratience and gentleness with their elephant charges.
Both the practical and didatic sessions were informative and allowed me to gain a greaterDr.-Ferrell-2a.jpg understanding of elephant reproductive biology, medical/surgical management of reproductive issues, and routine husbandry care. Dr. Schmitt and the Riddle’s staff were most forth coming with information and answered all questions presented to them. The daytime ultrasounds in the numerous females and males of both African and Asian elephant species was astounding in the opportunity to compare and contrast the anatomy and any previously documented pathology in some individuals. Furthermore, abnormalities detected during the day or any special areas of interest were fully explored in the night classes with the help of Dr. Schmitt and the Riddle’s staff.
I cannot sufficiently relate the value of this experience to myself and the Fort Worth Zoo, and I hope to be able to put the knowledge I have acquired to good use in the following months. To summarize, I highly recommend this workshop for any biologist or veterinarian who works with elephants in any capacity as the workshop provides a wealth of knowledge, both reproductive and otherwise.
Sincerely,
Shannon Ferrell, DVM, DABVP - Avian
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Prior Scholarship Feedback 
