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Carlos Sanchez , DVM
Veterinary Medicine

Carlos Sanchez joined the veterinary staff at the National Zoo in August 2003. As a member of the Department of Animal Health, he is involved in the daily clinical care of animals in the Zoo’s collection. In addition, he leads the Veterinary Preceptorship Program (a training program for fourth-year vet students) and the International Veterinary Training Program.

Before joining the Zoo as associate veterinarian, Carlos completed a three-year residency in zoological medicine at the Zoo. During his residency, Carlos developed the preceptorship manual and participated as clinical instructor and guest speaker in multiple courses in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia.

Carlos received his veterinary degree from the National University of Mexico (UNAM). He also received his master of science in wild animal health from the Royal Veterinary College/University of London. He was awarded the Overseas Development Award by the British Government to finance his studies in London. As part of his master's, Carlos traveled to Kenya and participated in field projects.

Carlos’s main interests are training, transfer of technology, anesthesia techniques, clinical research in zoo settings, and advanced diagnostic techniques such as endoscopy and laparoscopy. He has been involved in the development of a preventive medicine program at the Panda Base in Chengdu, China, and in performing annual exams on the cheetahs at the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia. He is continuously involved in veterinary training programs throughout Latin America, where he is invited to be a speaker and clinical instructor at zoos and veterinary colleges.

He currently serves as the co-chair of the International Committee of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. He is founder and Chair of the Latin American Zoo Veterinarian group, which encompasses more than 400 professionals from Latin America and Spain involved in zoo and wild-animal care.

Carlos was born in Colombia, where he lived until he was six years old. Then his family moved to Mexico City, where he grew up. He worked at the Mexico City Zoo (Mexico’s National Zoo) from 1992 to 1997.