Dr. Copper Aitken-Palmer - DVM 2003
VMX Conference 2025
Dr. Copper Aitken-Palmer, La Grange, Illinois, has been selected by the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Alumni Association for its 2024 Alumni Recognition Award presented Jan. 25 in Orlando, Florida, during the annual Veterinary Meeting and Expo, or VMX. This award is given to veterinarians whose careers have served as exemplary role models for future alumni in a professional and community setting.
Dr. Aitken-Palmer earned her DVM and a master’s degree in clinical sciences, both from K-State University in 2003. She also holds a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland and is a board-certified specialist in zoological medicine with the American College of Zoological Medicine. She works at Brookfield Zoo Chicago and consults internationally with Vet-CT.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this esteemed alumni award,” Dr. Aitken-Palmer said. “This award not only acknowledges my professional achievements, but also serves as a reminder of the invaluable education and experiences I received at Kansas State. I must express gratitude to the faculty, staff, and fellow students who supported and inspired me throughout my time at Kansas State and throughout the decades since graduation.”
“Dr. Aitken-Palmer has made important contributions in the United States as an expert in panda reproduction,” said Dr. Bonnie Rush, Hodes Family Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “Her expertise in the field of exotic and zoological medicine puts her in high demand as a consultant. She is a tremendous representative for the profession and for her alma mater, so we are delighted to recognize her among her peers and colleagues.”
After graduating from K-State, Dr. Aitken-Palmer worked in Maryland as an associate veterinarian/small animal veterinarian in Maryland while working on her Ph.D. She studied giant panda reproductive physiology and went on to have success performing artificial insemination, which resulted in the birth of 10 giant panda cubs. Dr. Aitken-Palmer's work has contributed significantly to the conservation of giant pandas.
Dr. Aitken-Palmer completed a zoological medicine residency with the University of Florida in Gainesville Fla., which included specialized training in clinical zoo and wildlife medicine at White Oak Conservation Center and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Following her residency, Dr. Aitken-Palmer served as the chief veterinarian for the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, in its Department of Conservation Medicine, in Front Royal, Virginia. As part of her work there, she led training programs to build veterinary capacity for veterinarians working in zoos in China. Her expertise in their reproductive health and overall well-being has been instrumental in supporting breeding programs and ensuring the survival of the giant panda and other endangered species
For the last eight years, Dr. Aitken-Palmer has worked with Brookfield Zoo Chicago. There she has trained residents and continued to elevate health and well-being for zoo housed species. Her recent publications focus on emerging health concerns such as red panda adrenal dysfunction and pangolin hepatic lipidosis. She was recently awarded a grant by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to establish the first-ever guidebook to ensure and monitor well-being for zoo species during air and land transport.
Dr. Aitken-Palmer is a member of the American College of Zoological Medicine and American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. She has served as a member of the animal health committee with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the vice-chair of the AZA’s reproductive and endocrinology scientific advisory group and is on the board of the AZA’s Reproductive Management Committee. She is also a member of the IUCN’s pangolin specialist group. In 2013, she received the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award from the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Aitken-Palmer expressed her gratitude on being recognized for a second time by the College of Veterinary Medicine.
“I was grateful to be recognized in 2013 and am in awe again,” Dr. Aitken-Palmer said. “To be recognized by Dr. Rush and Kansas State University is a truly special privilege. I am truly indebted to this institution for stretching my young mind, introducing me to lifelong colleagues and friends, and giving me the foundation for success in future endeavors. Thank you for everything and thank you for this recognition.”
Dr. Aitken-Palmer is the solo parent of her son, William Aitken-Palmer, age 5. She said he enjoys animals, but is more passionate about Hot Wheels than pandas.