Aggie Goes Nat Geo Wild

Aggie fans of Nat Geo WILD may see some familiar faces in the television channel’s newest veterinary-centered show, “Dr. T, Lone Star Vet.” The show, starring Dr. Lauren Thielen ’13, a graduate of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, aired for eight weeks in fall 2019 and is now available for viewing on the Disney+ streaming service.

Thielen starred in the show alongside professor emerita Dr. Sharman Hoppes and Dr. Bruce Nixon ’85 as they treated exotic animal patients at the Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital in Grapevine, Texas. At their hospital, patients can seek specialized care in veterinary surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, critical care and dentistry services.

Thielen said she hopes the program will improve knowledge for how owners can properly care for their exotic pets. She believes it is her responsibility as a veterinarian to educate the public and hopes the wide-reaching format of television will help.

“Through television, I can talk to so many people at the same time, especially to those who are unlikely to have sought out veterinary help for their animal otherwise,” she said.