Schwarzman AMC Expands Zoo Care with New Department Head

The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York City has named John Sykes, DVM, DACZM, as the head of its Zoological & Companion Exotic Pet Medicine Department. He will launch an ambulatory program to provide primary and specialty veterinary care directly to zoos.

Sykes brings over 20 years of experience in zoological medicine. He spent more than 17 years at the Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo, serving the last decade as clinical department head. His prior experience includes a role as a staff veterinarian at the Los Angeles Zoo.

New Ambulatory Program for Zoos

The new program aims to bring primary veterinary care and clinical support to zoos across the region. It will also offer on-site specialty care and virtual consulting services for zoological institutions in more remote locations. According to a hospital announcement, Sykes stated he is "honored to be part of the team and help grow the hospital’s existing expertise in clinical zoological medicine." He aims to strengthen partnerships and expand access to specialty care for zoo animals.

Sykes earned his DVM from Cornell University and completed a residency at the University of Tennessee. He is board-certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine and serves as treasurer for the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.

Veterinarian Joins Atlanta Practice as Owner

In a separate update, Arista Advanced Pet Care in Atlanta has welcomed Nick Berryessa, DVM, DACVIM, as a board-certified veterinary internist and owner of the hospital. Berryessa has nearly two decades of experience, with interests in endocrinology, infectious disease, and ultrasound.

He currently interprets about 300 ultrasound cases per month through his own telemedicine business. In an organizational news release, Berryessa said, What stood out to me about Arista was the culture and the opportunity for the veterinarians providing care every day to have a real voice in how the hospital operates.

Berryessa earned his DVM from Cornell University and completed his residency at UC Davis. He has been practicing in the Atlanta area since 2008.

Mars Pet Nutrition Appoints Digital Officer

Mars has appointed Varun Kakaria as chief digital and information officer for its Pet Nutrition North America business. Kakaria joins from Reckitt, where he spent 13 years in digital leadership roles.

He holds over two decades of experience in digital and technology leadership across more than 40 geographies. In his new role, Kakaria will focus on advancing digital transformation through digital products and data-driven solutions for the pet nutrition segment.