CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE Dr. Jessica Comolli

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife recently welcomed Dr. Jessica Comolli as the research and medical director. The position performs original and supportive research and seeks partnerships with other research hospitals and local, state and federal institutions.

Comolli will oversee the hospital team and veterinary interns by leading complex medical procedures and ensuring the highest quality medicine is practiced.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Comolli to the team,” Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey said. “Her vast experience and knowledge will continue to serve our mission and our patients as we begin our next chapter here at CROW.”

Comolli was born and raised in South Carolina, where she completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in animal and veterinary sciences from Clemson University, as well as an Associate of Applied Science with a major in veterinary technology from Tri-County Technical College when she became a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). She then moved to Georgia to continue her education at veterinary school, where she obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine with an emphasis in zoological medicine.

Following veterinary school, which included multiple out rotations at various zoological and wildlife facilities, Comolli completed a one-year zoological/wildlife medicine specialty internship at Iowa State University. She then returned to Georgia to pursue a four-year zoological medicine residency training program at the University of Georgia, Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium, where Comolli also obtained a master’s degree in comparative biomedical sciences.

Her current professional interests include minimally invasive laparoscopic/endoscopic procedures, as well as any projects that involve improving conservation and welfare.

“I am passionate about animal welfare and love to be able to promote conservation while helping individuals that are in need,” Comolli said.

She has lectured and presented at numerous conferences locally and internationally, and Comolli has authored or co-authored over 25 publications and book chapters. She has credentialed to take the American College of Zoological Medicine Specialty Boards and is currently preparing to sit for the exam.

“Dr. Comolli will strengthen our current partnerships in Lee County and beyond,” Hussey said. “She will keep CROW at the front lines of research, advancing the field of wildlife conservation medicine. She has already proved to be so valuable as we rebuild from Hurricane Ian and reinforce our hospital and rehabilitation teams.”