Podcasts · Ask the Vet

From the Zoo to AMC: Meet Dr. John Sykes, AMC's New Head of Zoological and Companion Exotic Animal Medicine

13 Aug 2026 · 48 min

Exotic pets can be wonderful companions, but caring for them comes with a unique set of considerations and challenges. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes her colleague, Dr. John Sykes, AMC’s new Head of Zoological and Companion Exotic Animal Medicine.

Drawing on his background in zoo medicine, Dr. Sykes shares what inspired him to make the move to AMC and what pet owners should know about choosing, caring for, and keeping exotic pets healthy.

Topics include:

• Why Dr. Sykes made the move from zoo medicine to his new role at AMC • What is considered an exotic pet • How to choose the exotic pet species that best matches your lifestyle • Where to acquire an exotic pet • How caring for an exotic pet can sometimes be similar to caring for a zoo animal • Recognizing signs of illness and when to visit a veterinarian • What preventative care looks like for an exotic pet

Also on this month's show:

• Trending animal story about Jimothy, a young raccoon who has been captivating audiences worldwide with his cryptid-like appearance • Animal news, including how a new study suggests that changes in the way senior dogs walk are associated with cognitive decline, much as they are in people • Pet Health Listener Q&A: How to protect indoor pets from poor air quality and wildfire smoke; how to protect dogs from getting sunburned; and how to feed multiple cats different diets

Do you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email AskTheVet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.