AU’s A-Day Weekend Includes Two Vet Med Activities

photo of teddy bear surgery
CVM Open House Teddy Bear Surgery, where children can help veterinary students practice their surgical skills by repairing stuffed animals.

Auburn fans making plans to attend A-Day Saturday, April 8, can expand their fun by attending two College of Veterinary Medicine events — the Southeastern Raptor Center’s “Wing Fling” on Friday, April 7, and Open House on April 8.

Wing Fling is set for 5 p.m., April 7 at the Raptor Center Amphitheater located at 1350 Pratt-Carden Drive. This is the center’s first event of this type, a non-flight educational program featuring owls, hawks, falcons, vultures and eagles. Admission is $5, but children under age three are admitted free. Following the educational programs, fans can have their photos made with the raptors.

Preceding the A-Day football game on Saturday, April 8, the college will host Open House, a variety of educational and fun-packed family activities. Open House runs from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on the Vet Med campus at 1130 Wire Road.

Open House is organized and conducted by veterinary students and staff volunteers. The more than 30-year tradition showcases the variety of educational opportunities offered through the veterinary medical profession.

Attendees will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours through the Wilford and Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital, where veterinary technicians and students will answer questions and explain various veterinary medicine exhibits on display. Lunch is available for purchase.

Several featured programs during the day include:

  • – Southeastern Raptor Center, 9:30 a.m.
  • – Canine Display of Breeds, 10:15 a.m.
  • – Detector Dog Demonstration by Canine Performance Sciences, noon.

Other activities will run from 8:30 a.m. until noon, including:

  • – Teddy Bear Surgery, where children can help veterinary students practice their surgical skills by repairing stuffed animals (bring your own), on the second floor of the Veterinary Education Center
  • – Petting Zoo
  • – Showcase of exotic animals
  • – Equine display of breeds
  • – Paleontology Dig

Members of the incoming Class of 2021 and their families are invited to meet in room 101 of the Veterinary Education Center at 9 a.m. for an orientation with staff from the Office of Academic Affairs.

Prospective students who have an interest in veterinary medicine will have the opportunity to attend a presentation to learn more about the veterinary medical profession, including career opportunities and admission requirements. The presentation is open to the public, and will be held at 10:30 a.m. in Overton Auditorium in the Veterinary Education Center.

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The College of Veterinary Medicine is the South’s oldest and nation’s seventh oldest veterinary medical program, celebrating 125 years. We prepare individuals for careers of excellence in veterinary medicine, including private and public practice, industrial medicine, academics, and research. The college provides programs of instruction, research, outreach, and service that are in the best interests of the citizens of the state of Alabama, the region, the nation, and the world.

Mitch Emmons (emmonmb@auburn.edu)