This work investigates the daily professional responsibilities and clinical challenges faced by a veterinarian operating within the complex environment of a major metropolitan zoo. Author Bruce Buchenholz documents the medical care provided to a diverse array of exotic species at the Bronx Zoo. Through a combination of observational text and photography, the book examines the intersection of animal welfare, diagnostic medicine, and the logistical demands of managing wildlife in captivity.

Readers frequently note the accessible and humanizing tone of the narrative, which bridges the gap between clinical medicine and public interest. Experts highlight this as a valuable documentation of the specialized field of zoo medicine during the period of its publication.