The Virginia Living Museum recently announced Dr. Kelsey Hayden as lead veterinarian.

Hayden is a graduate of Sweet Briar College, where she received her Bachelor of Science in biology, and St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Hayden will join the Museum Animal Welfare and Conservation Division on a full-time basis and will collaborate with a team of veterinary specialists who support the care of the museum’s diverse animal population of 240 species.

“Dr. Hayden’s experience and respect for such a wide variety of native species is exceptional. She is responsible for the comprehensive medical and surgical care of the collection, which includes animal health and nutrition, husbandry, quarantine and enrichment protocols. This is an important milestone for the museum,” said Executive Director Rebecca Kleinhample.

Animal Welfare and Conservation Senior Director Chris Crippen said one of the museum’s goals has been to create a full-time staff veterinarian. “Dr. Hayden believes in native wildlife conservation. By supporting the welfare and overall health of our many injured and rehabilitated resident animal ambassadors, she is imperative to our education mission,” said Crippen.

Prior to joining the museum, Hayden was employed as an associate veterinarian at Brentwood Veterinary Clinic in Chesapeake and participated in an internship at the Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine in Bothell, Wash. She is a member of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians and the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians.

The Museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News. For more information, visit thevlm.org or call 595-1900.