Jb Minter
Director of Animal Health and Chief Veterinarian
North Carolina Zoo
Dr Jb Minter is the director of animal health and chief veterinarian at North Carolina Zoo, where he combines clinical expertise, research, mentorship and conservation advocacy.
A respected leader in zoological medicine, Minter is committed to advancing animal health while helping the public understand the veterinary care that supports animal welfare and the zoo’s wider conservation mission.
Through his Instagram account, he shares insights into a zoo veterinarian's daily life, using humour, positive anecdotes, and educational content to engage audiences. His posts explore preventative medicine in zoos and highlight the work involved in caring for animals, making veterinary science more accessible to the public.
Research and professional development are also central to Minter’s work. He mentors veterinary residents, contributes to more than five peer-reviewed publications each year, and now helps train veterinarians through the same residency programme he completed.
He is committed to continually improving the programme and promoting a healthy work-life balance for those entering the profession.
Beyond the zoo, Minter advocates for conservation at local, national and international levels, including work with forest elephants in Côte d’Ivoire. Through his clinical practice, research, public engagement, and mentorship, he helps strengthen zoological medicine and inspire the next generation of veterinary professionals.
