Dennis Schmitt, Ph.D.

Dennis Schmitt, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACT (Boarded Specialist in Veterinary Reproduction) is Professor Emeritus in the William H. Darr College of Agriculture at Missouri State University. As an author and co-author he has published over 100 papers on elephant health, reproduction and physiology. He was the veterinarian for the team that produced the first elephant born from artificial insemination as well as the first survivor of Elephant Endothelial Herpesvirus (EEHV) in the world. He recently retired as Senior Veterinary Advisor for White Oak Conservation in Yulee, Florida which holds the largest herd of Asian elephants in North America. He was the Director of Veterinary Care and Research for Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus and the Center for Elephant Conservation for 16 years. He has served as a reproductive and veterinary advisor for the AZA elephant TAG management group since 1987. He is a member of the EEHV Advisory group. Dr. Schmitt was a founding member of the International Elephant Foundation formed in 1999. Dr. Schmitt is a member of the IUCN Asian elephant Specialist Group and he continues to be active performing elephant reproductive exams, artificial insemination and providing consulting services regarding elephant health for elephant holding facilities.