How Diagnostics Make a Difference at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge

At Drucker Diagnostics, we believe the power of partnership extends beyond human healthcare. It’s about supporting the organizations that provide vital, compassionate care—no matter the species. That’s why we’re proud to work with Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, a one-of-a-kind sanctuary in New Jersey that’s changing lives one rescue at a time.

A Safe Haven for Animals in Need

Popcorn Park was founded in 1977 after a raccoon with a leg injury was deemed non-releasable and given a second chance at life just outside the doors of an animal shelter. Since then, the refuge has expanded into a haven for animals of all shapes and sizes—from tigers and monkeys to pigs, parrots, and reptiles. Every resident is a rescue, and every story is unique.

Some animals arrive from the local community through the Associated Humane Societies’ animal control officers, while others are brought in from across the globe. One Rüppell’s fox came from Kuwait after being attacked by dogs and losing a leg. A group of big cats arrived from a roadside zoo in Canada. Some were unwanted pets. Others were survivors of neglect, abandonment, or injury.

“All of our animals are rescued in some way, shape, or form,” explained Cory Scott, Executive Director of Popcorn Park. “They’re looking for their forever home, so they come to Popcorn Park to spend the rest of their life.”

Today, the refuge is part of the largest sheltering organization in New Jersey and operates alongside four other facilities focused on domestic animal care.

Replacing Outdated Equipment with Quality Tools

When Scott joined Popcorn Park in 2024, one of the first things he noticed was the outdated equipment in the on-site medical facility. Diagnosing and treating exotic and senior animals requires accurate, timely data, and the tools they had weren’t keeping up.

But Scott had a solution in mind. Before taking the role, he worked in emergency veterinary medicine and had experience with Drucker centrifuges. He remembered the ease of use, the clear sample separation, and the reliability. Once he reached out to Drucker, the response was immediate. “Eric [Wales, Director of Strategic Accounts at Drucker Diagnostics] was ready to jump on,” he recalled. “When I reached out, he was like, ‘I can be there tomorrow.’”

That enthusiasm led to the installation of a TrueBond veterinary centrifuge capable of spinning everything from high-volume tubes used with big cats to tiny hematocrit tubes for birds and reptiles—all in a single unit. “Having high quality equipment really helps us elevate quality of care,” said Scott, “which is really what we’re all working on. We’re always trying to find ways to be better.”

Popcorn Park team members perform a blood draw on an iguana as part of routine care. Every animal at the refuge receives individualized attention to support their health and wellbeing.

Solving Unique Diagnostic Challenges

Treating exotic and elderly animals is complex, and there are no second chances when it comes to some blood samples. Many of Popcorn Park’s residents must be sedated for even basic diagnostics, so accuracy and efficiency are critical. “A lot of our animals are quite elderly,” said Scott. “We’re regularly checking blood work, and especially with something like a big cat, we’re not going to be able to just go get a blood sample again.”

That’s where having high-performance equipment becomes vital. From routine bloodwork to post-surgical monitoring, Drucker Diagnostics’ TrueBond centrifuge helps the team analyze samples on-site and make fast, informed decisions. Hematocrit readings provide immediate insight into hydration and blood loss after surgeries. Regular blood panels help monitor organ function, especially when animals are on medications or showing signs of illness.

Even routine procedures—like spaying a tiger—require extensive coordination and advanced diagnostics. “We just did a spay on one of our tigers two weeks ago,” Scott shared. “Being able to get the PCV total solids with a hematocrit in the moment right afterwards and really get quality samples… that makes a huge difference.”

In a setting where reference ranges don’t always exist and every species is different, building strong baselines over time is key. “We’re working on getting more kind of baseline blood work for them,” Scott explained, “so that as we see them age, we can pick out those abnormalities a little bit quicker.”

Building a Partnership That Supports Lifesaving Care

At Drucker Diagnostics, we know that diagnostic tools are only part of the picture. For nonprofit organizations, even essential equipment can feel out of reach. That’s why we strive to make our support as accessible and flexible as possible.

“Having access to the equipment is such a huge step for us,” said Scott. “Being a nonprofit, getting the funds approved sometimes can be a challenge, so having high-quality equipment has been such a relief for us.”

The partnership with Popcorn Park is a shared commitment to providing better care. By equipping their team with the tools they need, Drucker Diagnostics is helping ensure that animals in need receive the same level of attention, precision, and compassion as any human patient. Whether it’s spinning tubes for a routine check-up or helping monitor a tiger after surgery, we’re honored to play a role in keeping these incredible animals healthy, safe, and thriving.