Dr. Sathya Chinnadurai is the Senior Vice President of Animal Health, Welfare & Science, leading Veterinary Services, Conservation Medicine and Science, and Animal Welfare Science and Zoological Nutrition Services to maintain an exceptional level of animal care and welfare at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. As a clinical veterinarian and researcher, he offers mentorship and support to the Zoo’s clinical and training programs. And as a leader, he trains, teaches, and empowers other conservation leaders to raise awareness and save species near their own homes and communities.  

Dr. Sathya first joined the Zoo in 2013 as a Clinical Veterinarian. After he was the Director of Animal Health at Saint Louis Zoo from 2019-2021, he rejoined Brookfield Zoo Chicago in his current role. A Board-Certified Specialist in Zoological Medicine, Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia and Animal Welfare, he has had the opportunity to shape veterinary programs in and out of the Zoo. In 2016, for example, he designed a unique post-residency fellowship in zoo animal anesthesia and analgesia.  

A prolific writer and educator, he is an adjunct clinical assistant professor at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. He also serves on the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Executive Committee, is a part of the FDA Animal Health Veterinary Innovation Expert Panel, and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Animal Welfare Committee. He is the associate editor for the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine’s anesthesia section. 

He obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Missouri, where he also completed a master's degree in wildlife sciences. He has a Bachelor of Science in biology and environmental science and policy from Duke University. 

Dr. Sathya might not be allowed to have a favorite animal, but if he had to pick, it would be Layla the black rhino!