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PROPOSED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into a Partnership Agreement with the University of Illinois (the “University”), Champaign, Illinois and the Chicago Zoological Society (“CZS”), Brookfield, Illinois.
Reason: The Forest Preserves is proposing to partner with the University of Illinois (the “University”) and the Chicago Zoological Society (“CZS”) to support a three-year veterinary residency program focused on wildlife health management.
The resident would participate in clinical programs at the Forest Preserves, including providing dedicated veterinary care for managed animals within the Forest Preserves’ nature centers, medical services and biological sampling for wildlife field studies, assistance with the application of wildlife disease management programs, and interpretation of diagnostic test results. The resident would also work with the Wildlife Epidemiology Lab at the University of Illinois, and practice zoological medicine for wildlife under human care at the Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo in association with Forest Preserves research programs. These efforts will further investigation into zoonotic disease, and the role of wildlife health towards the sustainability and success of conservation efforts in Cook County.
The program is available to post-graduate students who have received their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and consists of three (3) years of clinical study, research, presentations at conferences and symposia, and formal coursework. It is designed to provide the resident with advanced training under the guidance of clinical faculty and mentors at the Forest Preserves, the University, and CZS to satisfy requirements for certification as a specialist in free-ranging wildlife health management. If approved, this would be only the second American College of Zoological Medicine residency program primarily focused on wildlife health management, out of twenty-two (22) total institutional programs nationwide. Upon successful completion of the program the resident is expected to apply for their credentials, which would then allow them to take the exam for board certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine.
The resident would be employed by the University. Candidate selection would occur through a nationwide search coordinated through the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program. Total cost for the three-year program is $206,532.15, which includes a base salary, fringe benefits, and a $2,000.00 annual stipend for travel expenses.
Contract Period: Thirty-six (36) months from date of execution, with an additional one-year renewal option to be exercised at the discretion of the General Superintendent to account for any delays in initial recruitment
Fiscal Impact: $206,532.15 (FY 2022 $68,109.50; FY 2023 $68,844.05; FY 2024 $69,578.60)
Account(s): Professional Services 51030.520840; Grant and Mitigation 51010.521314 and 51010.521444; and all future Professional Services accounts
Concurrences:
The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final agreement is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): Districtwide
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