Jean-Michel Hatt

Prof. Dr. Jean-Michel Hatt is a Full Professor and Director of the Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets, and Wildlife at the University of Zurich's Vetsuisse Faculty. He also serves as the Director of the University Veterinary Hospital and Associate Dean of the Vetsuisse Faculty. As Chief Veterinarian of Zurich Zoo since 2001, he specializes in zoo, exotic pet, and wildlife medicine with a focus on avian surgery, endoscopy, and nutritional diseases. His research explores comparative aspects of animal health, including dental pathology, vitamin D metabolism, and reproductive biology in species like giant tortoises and reptiles.

Education: Veterinary degrees from the Universities of Geneva and Zurich (1985–1991), followed by a Master of Science in Wild Animal Health from the Royal Veterinary College, London (1995–1996). Professional credentials include Diplomate status in the American and European Colleges of Zoological Medicine (avian subspecialty).

Research interests span wildlife health management, surgical techniques for exotic species, and nutritional impacts on animal health. He co-organizes veterinary training programs in Indonesia and teaches internationally. Recent publications emphasize zoo animal care, UVB-induced vitamin D synthesis, and dental wear mechanisms in mammals and reptiles.

He leads a clinic team managing diverse species at Zurich Zoo and the University Veterinary Hospital. His work bridges academic research, clinical practice, and conservation efforts for endangered and exotic species.