James F. Wright Papers 1856-1997 (bulk 1957-1975)

Summary
Contents
Names/subjects
Using these materials
Please note that some historical materials may contain harmful content and/or descriptions. Learn how we’re addressing it.
Creator
Wright, James F. (James Francis), 1924-2008
Size
6.75 linear feet (4 boxes, 1 halfbox, 1 legal halfbox, 1 carton, 1 CD box, 2 artifact boxes)
Call number
MC 00373
Access to materials

Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice. Use of medical equipment in this collection requires permission from the head of the Special Collections Research Center.

The James F. Wright Papers contains membership lists, meeting minutes, and correspondence of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV), as well as case reports presented to the Association. Other materials include professional correspondence, reports, notes, articles, and five 16 mm films relating to early use of dart guns and tranquilizing agents. The collection also contains professional certificates, yearbooks from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, and pages from a scrapbook. Most materials date from the late 1950s to early 1970s, with a few earlier and later items.

James F. Wright was an honorary diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) and a researcher in the field of zoological health. He served on the faculty of N.C. State University from 1984 to 2004, and he was a pathologist and consulting clinical veterinarian at the North Carolina Zoological Park. He was the first clinical veterinarian at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and helped establish a national zoo in Senegal, Africa. He is notable for his contribution to refining early dart guns and tranquilizing agents. In addition to the American College of Zoological Medicine, he was a member of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, Wildlife Disease Association, American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, Society of Toxicologic Pathologists, American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association.

Language

English

Biographical/historical note

James Francis Wright (1924-2008) was an honorary diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine and a researcher in the field of zoological health. He served on the faculty of NC State University from 1984 to 2004, and he was a pathologist and consulting clinical veterinarian at the North Carolina Zoological Park. He was the first clinical veterinarian at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and helped establish a national zoo in Senegal, Africa. He contributed to refining early dart guns and tranquilizing agents. In addition to the ACZM, he was a member of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, Wildlife Disease Association, American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, Society of Toxicologic Pathologists, American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association.

Wright graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1951 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. He earned a Ph.D. in Radiopathology at the University of Califoria (UC), Davis in 1964. Following graduation, Dr. Wright practiced mixed animal medicine in Lawrenceville, N.J. for two years. In 1979, Dr. Wright was awarded the United States Public Health Service Commendation Medal. Also, he served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theatre.

Before working at NC State University, Dr. Wright held several jobs. In the 1950s, he worked as veterinarian-in-charge at the Department of Agriculture's Animal Disease Laboratory on Plum Island in New York. From 1957 to 1962, he became the head veterinarian at the Smithsonian Institute National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. He worked at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center from 1962 to 1964 and the Texan Primate Research Center in 1964. He later worked at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) where he researched the effects of environmental stress on animals. Specifically, he worked at the Hazelton lab outside of Reston, Virginia under the direction of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 1969 to 1972, and worked for the Public Health Service at the Raleigh Triangle Park (RTP) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) building in 1972.

In the early 1980s, Dr. Wright began teaching at NC State University. Later he served on the veterinary faculty of NC State University first as visiting associate professor and later as adjunct associate professor in the Department of Microbiology, Parasitology, and Pathology at the College of Veterinary Medicine. From 1984 to 2004, Dr. Wright was the North Carolina Zoo's pathologist, serving as a pathologist and consulting clinical veterinarian at the North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro.

Dr. Wright is also credited for his help in establishing a national zoo in Senegal, Africa, helping to refine the original dart gun and developing anesthetics in appropriate doses to be used as the tranquilizing agent.

Dr. Wright was a member of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Assocation, American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, Wildlife Disease Association, American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, Society of Toxicologic Pathologists, and American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums.

James Francis Wright was born in Philadelphia in 1924 and died on January 10, 2008 of a heart attack at the age of 83. Dr. Wright was married to his wife Helen. They had four children; two sons and two daughters.

Scope/content

The James F. Wright Papers contains membership lists, meeting minutes, and correspondence of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV), as well as case reports presented to the Association. Other materials include professional correspondence, reports, notes, research articles, and five 16 mm films relating to early use of dart guns and tranquilizing agents. The collection also contains professional certificates, yearbooks from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, pages from a scrapbook, and research materials related to the field of Veterinary Medicine and Zoology. Most materials date from the late 1950s to early 1970s, with a few earlier and later items.

Arrangement

Arranged in alphabetical order.

Use of these materials

The nature of the NC State University Libraries' Special Collections means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The NC State University Libraries claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials.

The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.

This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals represented in this collection without the consent of those individuals may have legal ramifications (e.g., a cause of action under common law for invasion of privacy may arise if facts concerning an individual's private life are published that would be deemed highly offensive to a reasonable person) for which North Carolina State University assumes no responsibility.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], James F. Wright Papers, MC 00373, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC

Source of acquisition

Gift from third party, 2010 (Accession no. 2010-0186) Gift from Dr. Michael R. Loomis (Accession no. 2015-0048) Gift from John D. Wright (Accession no. 2018-0111) Gift from Michael Stoskopf (Accession no. 2018-0265)

Processing information

Finding aid created by Judy Allen Dodson, 2010 November; finding aid updated by Todd Kosmerick, 2012 January; and Rachel Jacobson, 2015 April; processing and finding aid updated by Linda Sellars with assistance from Siouxxanne Ellis and Caitlyn Sosbe, 2018 February; updated by Linda Sellars, 2018 March; updated by Taylor Wolford, 2018 October.

Please note that some historical materials may contain harmful content and/or descriptions. Learn how we’re addressing it.
African and Indian Elephants, Cincinnati, Ohio, film undated
Format Note

16 mm film

Carton 5
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) 1960-1968
Box 1, Folder 1
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians bulk 1964-1968 and undated
legalhalfbox 4, Folder 1
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians 1970-1976
Box 1, Folder 2
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians 1996-1997 and undated
Box 1, Folder 3
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Binder 1968-1975
Box 1, Folder 4
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Case Reports (1 of 5) 1960s
Box 1, Folder 5
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Case Reports (2 of 5) 1960s
Box 1, Folder 6
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Case Reports (3 of 5) 1960s
Box 1, Folder 7
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Case Reports (4 of 5) 1960s
Box 1, Folder 8
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Case Reports (5 of 5) 1960s
legalhalfbox 4, Folder 2
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians History 1959-1961, 1978-1989, undated
Box 1, Folder 9
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians History undated
legalhalfbox 4, Folder 3
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Member Lists 1966-1968, undated
Box 1, Folder 10
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Meeting Notice 1961 (2018.0111)
Box 1, Folder 11
American Institute of Park Executives Yearbook and Roster 1959 (2018.0111)
Box 1, Folder 12
Animal Reproduction 1930s-1980s
Box 1, Folder 13
Automatic Projectile Syringe 1950s-1960s
Box 1, Folder 14
Cap-Chur Equipment Catalogues and History 1950s-1960s
Box 1, Folder 15
Cap-Chur Equipment for Zoo Use undated
Format Note

16 mm film; Approximate runtime: 30 minutes, 22 seconds; color and black & white; silent

Carton 5; CD box 6
Controlled Substance Registration Certificate and Registry Card 1953-1991 (2018.0111)
Box 1, Folder 16
Dog Film - Palmer Chen and Equipment, Douglasville, Georgia undated
Format Note

16 mm film; Approximate runtime: 3 minutes,25 seconds; color; silent

Carton 5; CD box 6
The Effects of Nuclear Weapons 1962
Box 1, Folder 17
The Effects of Radiation on Animals Research and Progress Report 1965-1975 (2018.0111)
Box 1, Folder 18
Great Smoky Mountains Black Bear Project undated
Format Note

16 mm film; Approximate runtime: 17 minutes, 47 seconds; color; silent

Carton 5; CD box 6
Illustrated Guide Book to the National Zoological Park 1902 (2018.0111)
Box 1, Folder 19
The Immobilization of Wild and Zoo Animals Research and Notes 1960 and undated (2018.0111)
Box 2, Folder 1
Job Description Forms and Brochure 1957-1988 (2018.0111)
Box 2, Folder 2
Letters and Emails 1957-1966
Box 2, Folder 3
Literature on Cap-Chur Equipment 1950s-1960s
Box 2, Folder 4
National Zoological Park: Annual Reports for the Smithsonian Institute (1 of 2) 1888-1908 (2018.0111)
Box 2, Folder 5
National Zoological Park: Annual Reports for the Smithsonian Institute (2 of 2) 1888-1908 (2018.0111)
Box 2, Folder 6
National Zoological Park of the Smithsonian Institute: Daily Reports 1904-1915 (2018.0111)
Box 2, Folder 7
National Zoological Park of the Smithsonian Institute: Historical Data 1856-1961 (2018.0111)
Box 2, Folder 8
National Zoological Park of the Smithsonian Institute: Notations of the Daily Memoranda 1895-1937 (2018.0111)
Box 2, Folder 9
National Zoological Society of the Smithsonian Institute: Veterinary Report 1962 (2018.0111)
Box 2, Folder 10
National Zoological Park of the Smithsonian Institute: Safety Regulations 1959 (2018.0111)
Box 2, Folder 11
Necropsy Reports 1983 (2018.0265)
Box 8, Folder 1
Necropsy Reports 1984 (2018.0265)
Box 8, Folder 2
Necropsy Reports 1985 (2018.0265)
Box 8, Folder 3
Necropsy Reports 1986 (2018.0265)
Box 8, Folder 4
Necropsy Reports 1987 (2018.0265)
Box 8, Folder 5
Necropsy Reports 1988 (2018.0265)
Box 8, Folder 6
Necropsy Reports 1989 (2018.0265)
Half box 9, Folder 1
Newspaper Articles about James F. Wright 1959-1980 (2018.0111)
Box 2, Folder 12
North Carolina Veterinary Medicine Examining Board Certificate 1988 (2018.0111)
Box 2, Folder 13
North Carolina Zoo Reports and Correspondence 1970s
Box 2, Folder 14
North Carolina Zoological Park Brochures 1986 and undated (2018.0111)
Box 2, Folder 15
Notification of Personnel Action Forms 1949-1957 (2018.0111)
Box 2, Folder 16
Palmer Chemical and Equipment Company 1957-1962
Box 2, Folder 17
Pennsylvania State Veterinary Medicine Association Certificate 1953 (2018.0111)
Flat box 7
Personal Qualifications Statement Form and Curriculum Vitae 1970-1979 (2018.0111)
Box 2, Folder 18
Photographs: Hippo, Camel Undated
Box 2, Folder 19
Professional Correspondence 1949-1980 (2018.0111)
Box 3, Folder 1
Projectile Syringe Notes undated
Box 3, Folder 2
Red Tick Outbreak 1960-1962
Box 3, Folder 3
Roeding Park Zoo Annual Reports 1964-1968
legalhalfbox 4, Folder 4
Scrapbook undated (2018.0111)
Flat box 7
Tranquilizer Dart Injury in a Dog 1980
Box 3, Folder 4
University of Pennsylvania "Scalpel" Yearbook 1948 (2018.0111)
Box 3, Folder 5
University of Pennsylvania "Scalpel" Yearbook 1949 (2018.0111)
Box 3, Folder 6
University of Pennsylvania "Scalpel" Yearbook 1950 (2018.0111)
Box 3, Folder 7
University of Pennsylvania "Scalpel" Yearbook 1951 (2018.0111)
Box 3, Folder 8
Use of Flaxedil for Capturing Deer bulk 1953 and 1955
Box 3, Folder 9
Veterinary Journals and Articles 1958-1963
Box 3, Folder 10
Zambezi undated
Format Note

16 mm film; Approximate runtime: 21 minutes, 20 seconds; color; silent

Carton 5; CD box 6
Zoological Research Publications 1902-1963
Box 3, Folder 11
Zoological Society of Philadelphia Bulletin 1956
Box 3, Folder 12
Medical Equipment undated
Restricted

Use of these items requires permission from the head of the Special Collections Research Center. Please contact Special Collections to seek use of items.

Artifact box 1
Medical Equipment undated
Restricted

Use of this item requires permission from the head of the Special Collections Research Center. Please contact Special Collections to seek use of item.

Artifact box 2
Please note that some historical materials may contain harmful content and/or descriptions. Learn how we’re addressing it.

Access to the collection

Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice. Use of medical equipment in this collection requires permission from the head of the Special Collections Research Center.

For more information contact us via mail, phone, or our web form.

Mailing address:
Special Collections Research Center
Box 7111
Raleigh, NC, 27695-7111

Phone: (919) 515-2273

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], James F. Wright Papers, MC 00373, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC

Use of these materials

The nature of the NC State University Libraries' Special Collections means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The NC State University Libraries claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials.

The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.

This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals represented in this collection without the consent of those individuals may have legal ramifications (e.g., a cause of action under common law for invasion of privacy may arise if facts concerning an individual's private life are published that would be deemed highly offensive to a reasonable person) for which North Carolina State University assumes no responsibility.