From Kathleen Woods:
It is hard to compose a proper eulogy for Donald Zantop. He was my hero, my mentor, my larger than life figure (I spent most of my rehabilitation career terrified that I would disappoint him), and a true advocate for wildlife rehabilitators. He did not charge us or the people who brought him injured and orphaned native wildlife, knowing that we as rehabilitators were just trying to make ends meet with our non-profits.
Dr. Zantop devoted his professional life to giving us an exceptional level of care for his patients, whether cats, dogs, parrots or bearded dragons. He had a knack for diving into impossible treatment protocols, and encouraged us as we struggled. His approach was a team effort…your requests always considered, your fears allayed, your hesitations bolstered by his support. His praise meant the world. Even bad news delivered from him was acceptable, as you knew he had tried his best, and was making good end of life decisions. The void that his death has left us with is immeasurable.
Mrs. Zantop has shown much courage and compassion saying that he died surrounded by friends and doing something he loved. For me, everything in my life is different because he was a part of it. I will honor him and his legacy by continuing to be the best rehabilitator that I can be.
Kathleen Woods
Phoenix Wildlife Center
phoenixcenter@comcast.net
A memorial service for Donald Zantop, DVM will be held on Friday, October 28, at 4 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 3100 Monkton Road, Monkton, Maryland, 21111.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to the AAV Research Fund, 90 Madison Street, Suite 403, Denver, Colorado, 80206
Beth Rodney, DVM says
A beautiful tribute to an amazing man, Kathy. He made me a better person and veterinarian. My heart aches with the thought of never seeing him or laughing with him again. My selfish nature can’t accept that he will no longer be there if, no when, I need him to consult on a case. He can never be replaced…
Kim Sappington says
Dr. Rodney, you were they only other person I let handle my cockatiel. I wish you were still here. I saw Dr. Zantop a few weeks ago and we talked about you. He said I could trust you and I did. Now what am I going to do. I had an appointment with Dr. Zantop last Wednesday but was called on Friday to tell me the bad news. Where do I go from here?
Bettie Acks says
I met Don in 1991 when I bought a ball python from a pet store that was injured. He saved the snake and became my hero. From then on I saw no one but him with my reptiles and birds. A year or so later I met Gerda at his office and started working with her. Don and Gerda taught me so much about wildlife and I later went on to become a Wildlife Rehabilitator. Don helped me with injured wildlife and also cared for my personal pets. He will never be forgotten by me and many others. Such a terrible loss to the world. A very brilliant man and wonderful vet. RIP Don.
murph says
I first met Dr. Zantop in 1980 as my vet. He saved my cat who was then a kitten after being hit by a car. The cat lived to be twenty one under Dr Zantop s care. I continued at the Fallston vet clinic with all of my many pets and I am still a loyal customer. He died too young and may God bless his family during this sorrowful time.
Karen Green says
Don Zantop was truly an incredible man. I met him through my involvement with theatre and his wife, Suzanne and I shared many a stage, catwalk and dressing room during those years. A friendship developed and his love of all creatures, great and small, was infectous. I had the honor of being a guest at their home while he was incubating a parrot egg. He was expecting it to hatch in a few days, but it began to emerge while I was seated next to the incubator. I called him over and we witnessed that birth and as amazed as I was by seeing this hatchling, nothing compared to his joy and awe at this giant man smiling as he watched new life come into being. His loss will be felt by many his special qualities and compassion will be remembered by us for years to come. Condolences to the family and his co-workers whom heconsidered to be family.
Jackie Collins says
I never had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Zantop but spoke with him on several occasions about wildlife problems I had at the center when my local vet referred me to him. He was always willing to give his time and knowledge to help me. A rehabber once told me how he had repaired the broken wing of a hummingbird, and it was released. Rehabbers and wildlife have suffered a major loss in losing DR. Zantop.
Edmond Picard says
A wonderful human being taken from this earth way too soon. Bless him and his family and may he find peace with his beloved aminals in heaven.
Shannon Lloyd Ragan says
My heart goes out to Suzanne and her family right now. Dr. Zantop was a wonderful man and an inspiration to many.