Taking Care of the Zoo’s Veterinarian

If you’re familiar with our Animeals blog series, then you know the more than 700 animals at the Virginia Zoo have to eat and Chef Yohn and Sous Chef James are the culinary geniuses behind daily meal prepping. What may not be top of mind when it comes to food at the Zoo is that staff also need food, and who doesn’t love a good surprise of a warm meal? Dr. Tara Reilly, the Zoo’s very busy Veterinarian, has officially been taking care of the animals’ health and well-being for the Zoo for a whole year, and Chef Yohn knew exactly how to honor her work anniversary, which falls on a Tuesday this year. There’s only one appropriate food for Dr. Tara on this Tuesday, and that’s a plate of tacos!

hands over platter of tacos

Chef Yohn ventured off Zoo grounds to source this Animeals, first visiting a nearby store for a platter of fresh street tacos, and then heading to a local coffee shop, Cafe Stella, for one of Dr. Tara’s favorites – a mocha iced coffee! Dr. Tara was completely surprised by her delicious meal, which was hand delivered and put together by Chef Yohn himself. See Tara’s reaction to her meal below, and stay tuned for next month’s Animeals featuring more deserving Zoo staff!

  • man puts together taco for woman
    Chef Yohn crafts a street taco for Dr. Tara Reilly in honor of her first year of working at the Zoo..
  • hand holding taco under spoon
    The street taco included chicken, slaw, cheese, salsa, crema sauce, and a fresh squeeze of lime on a corn tortilla.
  • woman in mask holds taco
    Dr. Tara Reilly enjoying her taco and coffee!
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