New Bedford, MA - September 27, 2007

Buttonwood Park Zoo announces the appointment of Dr. Michele Sims as its new consulting veterinarian. Dr. Sims will be working with Buttonwood Park Zoo's full-time veterinary technician Tina DeMedeiros and animal care staff in continuing to provide exceptional care to the collection of animals at Buttonwood Park Zoo.

After extensive research, field experience, and coursework in South Africa, Hawaii and New England, Dr. Michele Sims received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. She began her career as a veterinarian in small animal practice and wildlife rehabilitation. While continuing to be actively involved in both, Dr. Sims currently provides veterinary support to the National Marine Life Center, the New England Aquarium and to the Marine Animal Care Center at the University of New England in addition to consulting at Buttonwood Park Zoo. In what free time she might have, Dr. Sims is an outdoor enthusiast with a PADI Advanced Open Water SCUBA certification and experience piloting single engine land airplanes.

Dr. Sims stated "I am excited to be working with the dedicated staff at Buttonwood Park Zoo to care for their diverse collection of terrestrial and aquatic animals". She is an invaluable and welcome addition to the team at Buttonwood Park Zoo.

Photos of Dr. Michele Sims, DVM


Buttonwood Park Zoo is open year round, seven days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission: $6 adults, $4.50 Seniors and Teens, $3 children ages 3-12, children under 3 are free. For more information, call (508) 991-6178 or visit www.bpzoo.org.