October 23, 2023
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians presents Lifetime Achievement Award to James Carpenter
Professor Emeritus James W. Carpenter has recently been recognized by the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, or AAZV, with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award.
The AAZV Lifetime Achievement Award is made to honor a lifetime of contributions to the discipline of zoological medicine by a current or former member of the AAZV. Awardees must have been a positive force in the development of the discipline through their political, technical, scientific, teaching/mentoring, educational and/or service contributions that together represent a careerlong pattern of excellence and inspiration.
Carpenter was recognized for his 48 years of contributions as a clinical and research veterinarian in the field of exotic animal, wildlife — including endangered species — and zoo animal medicine. Carpenter is known for his assistance in developing an internationally recognized program in zoological medicine at K-State, where he has trained 46 interns and residents.
Carpenter is the author of numerous scientific papers, book chapters and proceedings articles; co-editor of "Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery"; and editor and author of "Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary." Carpenter is the past president of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, Association of Avian Veterinarians and American College of Zoological Medicine.
Other noted accomplishments include Carpenter being awarded the Edwin J. Frick Professorship in Veterinary Medicine from K-State in 2002, the Exotic DVM of the Year for 2000, the T.J. Lafeber Avian Practitioner of the Year for 2012, the Oxbow Exotic Mammal Health (Quest) Award in 2019 and the 2002 Murray E. Fowler Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the American College of Zoological Medicine.
In addition, Carpenter was named the Alumnus of the Year by the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. In 2013, the Veterinary Health Center at K-State named the new veterinary facility at Manhattan's Sunset Zoo the "James W. Carpenter Clinic at Sunset Zoo." Carpenter is also the former editor-in-chief of both the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine and the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery.