Dr. Gwen Jankowski passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on August 9, 2019. Gwen was a passionate and caring zoo veterinarian for the past 11 years. She received her DVM from Oklahoma State University and then spent one year in an internship in zoological medicine at Louisiana State University and the Baton Rouge Zoo. She completed a three-year zoological medicine residency at the University of Illinois, Brookfield Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, and Lincoln Park Zoo in 2012 before accepting a position at the Denver Zoo, where she was Associate Veterinarian for the past seven years. Gwen made tremendous contributions to animal health and well-being; with her patient, compassionate, and intelligent style, she was a favorite veterinarian everywhere she worked. She had an affinity for complicated medical cases and worked diligently to provide her patients the best possible care. She became an ACZM Diplomate in 2015 and authored several peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters. While a dedicated and talented professional, Gwen was also an amazing and devoted mother and spouse; she is survived by her husband, Ben, and her children, Nadia, Beckham, and Ryland.
On August 25, 2019, the Denver Zoo will host a celebration to recognize Gwen’s tremendous impact on animals and the people that care for them. The event will be held from 6 – 8 pm in Denver Zoo’s Conoco Pavilion. In order to help us prepare, anyone that is planning to come, including Denver Zoo employees, should sign up at https://tickets.denverzoo.org/selection.aspx?sch=336753
Denver Zoo is putting together a book for Gwen’s family that highlights her amazing career. If you have photos, stories, messages for her family, please send them to Anneke Moresco, amoresco@denverzoo.organd Becky Sturges bsturges@denverzoo.org, by August 18, 2019 to be included in the book.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to a college fund for Nadia, Beckham, and Ryland. Contributions can be sent to https://www.gofundme.com/gwen-jankowski-memorial-fund
