Leaving the animals behind

Claudia Peschiutta

LOS ANGELES -- The doctor is in -- but not for much longer.

Charles J. Sedgwick, known to most as “Doc,” is retiring from his

position as chief veterinarian of the Los Angeles Zoo later this month.

The 68-year-old Burbank resident has held the post since 1995, but his

history with the zoo began in 1964, when he came on for a five-year stint

as a veterinarian at the facility’s former home in Griffith Park.

Sedgwick will retire on Sept. 30.

P.K. Robbins, a veterinarian who has worked with Sedgwick since she

came to the L.A. Zoo two years ago, said she cried when she heard the

news.

“He’s amazing,” she said. “He’s just a gigantic, warm, wonderful

soul.”

Robbins also described Sedgwick as selfless.

This week, she said, he volunteered for a midnight-to-4 a.m. shift on

the 24-hour watch set up for Sweet Pea, a black rhino in ailing health.

“He wants only the best for the animals,” she said.

Sedgwick said he is just fascinated by animals, great and small.

“Even though it might be dangerous or something the average person

might not find beautiful, I find something in each animal that is worthy

of learning,” he said.

But as much as he cares for the animals at the zoo, Sedgwick said he

needs to spend more time with family.

He and his wife, Shirley, who has long been a docent at the zoo, plan

to move to Northern California to be near relatives.

Robbins said Sedgwick will be sorely missed.

“I’m really happy for him,” she said. “I’m really sad for us.”