Zoo vets give an injection to a young chimpanzee. Photo/ GT

One of the most eco-friendly parks in Shanghai, the Shanghai Zoo in Changning district, is home to more than 6,000 animals, including many endangered species. Looking after the health of this animal kingdom is a team of veterinarians whose everyday tasks vary from giving injections to very small creatures to performing major surgery on very large beasts.

Nestled in a quiet courtyard at the northernmost part of the park, the veterinary hospital is comprised of animal inspection and quarantine rooms, operating rooms and laboratories.

The hospital is well-equipped with first-aid units, sterilizing and treatment facilities - and these are in interestingly varied sizes.

According to the vets working here, the smallest surgical needles in the hospital are designed for birds while the largest endoscope is reserved for black bears and tigers. These animal doctors have operated on pandas, elephants, chimps and panthers among many patients.