Dr. Copper Aitken-Palmer is a highly accomplished board-certified specialist in zoological medicine, currently serving as a Senior Veterinarian at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (Chicago Zoological Society) and the owner/creator of Pandas and Pangolins Consulting (www.PandasAndPangolins.com). She is widely recognized as a global expert in zoo housed animals, exotic pets, and wildlife medicine, reproduction, and conservation.

Education and Certifications

Dr. Aitken-Palmer has an extensive academic background combining clinical veterinary medicine with advanced scientific research:

  • B.S.: Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL

  • DVM & M.S. in Clinical Sciences: Kansas State University.

  • Ph.D. in Animal and Avian Sciences: University of Maryland, with a focus on giant panda reproductive physiology.

  • Board Specialist Certification: Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine (DACZM).

  • Zoological Medicine Residency: Completed a zoological medicine residency at the University of Florida, which included training at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and White Oak Conservation Center.

Career Highlights & Expertise

Throughout her career, Dr. Aitken-Palmer has held leadership roles in major conservation institutions:

  • Giant Panda Conservation: She served as the Chief Veterinarian for the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and worked to support the research of others and led training for zoo veterinarians in China. Her work in China and the U.S. has been instrumental in breeding programs, including performing artificial inseminations that led to the birth of 10 giant panda cubs.

  • Zoo Animal and Wildlife Research: Her recent research and publications focus on emerging health issues in endangered species, such as pangolin health (specifically hepatic lipidosis) and red panda adrenal dysfunction. Full list of publications on Google Scholar Profile, click here. 

  • Global Consulting: In addition to her role at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, she consults as a specialist teleconsultant for VetCT providing international expert advice on exotic, zoo housed species, and wildlife species globally.

  • Advocacy & Leadership: She serves on several scientific advisory groups (Reproduction and Endocrinology, Polar Bear Alliance, Reproductive Management Center) for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the IUCN’s pangolin specialist group. 

Awards and Recognition

  • 2024 Alumni Recognition Award: Presented by the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine for her exemplary role as a model for future veterinarians.

  • 2013 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award: Also awarded by Kansas State University for her rapid advancement and impact in the field of conservation medicine.

Dr. Aitken-Palmer continues to lead initiatives that bridge the gap between clinical care and field conservation, recently receiving a grant to establish the first-ever guidebook for monitoring the well-being of zoo species during transport.