Spartan Profiles: Tara Harrison

POTTER PARK VET

When she was 13, she volunteered at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids and grew to love zoo work. Today, she has fulfilled that dream.  Dr. Tara Harrison, ’98, DVM ’00, is the chief veterinarian and curator for Lansing’s Potter Park Zoo.

Harrison is one of only two zoo veterinarians in Michigan, and just 100 world wide, certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine.  When the Greater Lansing Woman nominated her as a finalist for 2010 Woman of the Year, the magazine noted that Tara’s dedication has helped put Potter Park, a relatively small zoo, on the map alongside larger parks. “I love the work that I do,” says Tara, who is currently putting together a Black Rhinoceros exhibit under a survival species plan. “The animal collection here has great variety, and it more than keeps me busy.”

One notable animal is the zoo’s male tiger, Sivaki, whom Tara and others hand-raised. “He and his sister cubs nearly died,” says Tara, noting that their mother had contacted the Calici virus. “We had to hand-raise them, which is a lot of work. Now, whenever we go near Sivaki, he’ll chuff to us.”  (A “chuff” is a sound tigers make to say hello and to signal they’re in a good mood.)

However, the zoo’s spider monkeys do not greet her so warmly.  “They scream every time I walk by,” says Tara with a chuckle.  “They associate me with shots.” 

A couple of years ago, Tara put together a bald eagle exhibit, and has since followed up with an eagle owl exhibit.  She also launched VEZU—Veterinarians, Education, the Zoo and yoU—a community outreach program that introduces children to the world of animal medicine. She often lectures to MSU students, including many in veterinary medicine. Her lectures at the MSU Alumni Association’s Evening College are always packed.  “I want Potter Park to be at the forefront of conservation and education,” says Tara.

Her mentor at MSU, Dr. Jim Sikarskie, works at Potter Park two days a week.  As Tara puts it, “He taught me everything I know, and now we work together.”