|
You are here: Home > Accreditation > Accreditation Inspector Bill Boever |
2007 Accreditation Inspector of the Year
William J. Boever, DVM: Veterinary
Director Emeritus, Saint Louis Zoo
In his 30 years of volunteer service to AZA's accreditation program, Bill Boever has participated in 21 inspections, serving as team chair 8 times. Bill has served two terms as a member of the Accreditation Commission, 1979 - 1981 and more recently 2002 - 2007.
After receiving his DVM from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1970, Bill joined the St. Louis Zoo as the zoo's first full-time staff veterinarian. He later became the Director of Research, which was followed by a promotion to Director of Zoological Operations in 1993. Bill became Assistant Director of the St. Louis Zoo in 1996 and was appointed Director/COO in 2002. Recently, Bill retired as Director Emeritus after 37 years of service.
During his career in St. Louis, Bill established and served as both Director and Major Advisor for the first Veterinary Residency in Zoo Animal Medicine. This cooperative program with the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri, was established to provide training in the clinical specialty of zoo animal medicine for veterinarians. He also developed broad-based scientific research at the Zoo and initiated several conservation programs. His research interests include reproduction, anesthesia, and clinical medicine for both free-ranging and captive wildlife.
Bill has authored several books and over 100 articles on scientific literature. He has served as a reviewer for the "American Veterinary Medical Association Journal" and the "Journal for Zoo Animal Medicine." Bill was instrumental in the design and implementation of the Endangered Species Research Center and Veterinary Hospital, which opened at the St. Louis Zoo in 1993. For the past ten years, he has been intimately involved in the design and implementation of all animal exhibits at the zoo.
Bill has served on AZA's Board of Directors, the Ethics Committee, and as Chairperson of the Scientific Council for AZA's Elephant SSP. In addition to his active role in the AZA, Bill has also served as past President of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, the American College of Zoological Medicine, and the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association. Among the many honors that Bill has received throughout his career are Veterinarian of the Year for the State of Missouri (1983) and Charter Diplomat, American College of Zoological Medicine (1984). Bill is a true asset to the zoo/aquarium industry, veterinary medicine, and to AZA.
© Copyright 2008 Association of Zoos and Aquariums. All Rights Reserved.