AN INNOVATIVE STEP FOR POLAR BEAR CONSERVATION In March 2022, the Columbus Zoo’s Animal Care and Animal Health teams, in collaboration with a team led by Dr. Erin Curry at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Lindner Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), helped perform artificial insemination (AI) on polar bears, Anana and Aurora. AI is a relatively newer reproductive technology in polar bears that, at the time of these procedures, had been attempted with CREW’s expertise a total of only 14 times in North America, and an estimated 20 attempts worldwide. So far, none of the attempts, including those done at our Zoo this year, have been successful. However, more information is gained with each try. Our care team continues to work diligently with other scientists to explore new ways to help protect the future of this vulnerable species. If successful, AI could mean reducing the need to move bears to ensure genetic diversity for breeding, and providing valuable data that can benefit polar bears in their native ranges.
SHOWING SOME HEART FOR GREAT APE HEALTH It was an important year for great apes with progressive heart disease, thanks to procedures done right here at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. In collaboration with the Great Ape Heart Project and with the assistance of local medical specialists, our Animal Care and Animal Health teams implanted cardiac monitors in two gorillas, two orangutans and--for the first time anywhere--two bonobos. The monitors provide real time data and critical knowledge to advance veterinary care and help these animals live longer and healthier lives.
RHINOS AT THE WILDS CONTRIBUTING TO SCIENCE In 2022, Animal Management staff at The Wilds completed the first full year working in collaboration with the American Institute of Rhinoceros Science (AIRS). With its operations base located at The Wilds, this work strives to save rhinos through science by researching their physical condition, dietary needs, reproduction, and behavioral and environmental factors – all in an effort to maximize the wellbeing of the rhinos in human care. In just over a year, this project has grown from six participating zoological facilities to now over 50! Besides contributing data to the overall project, the rhinos at The Wilds have helped beta test parts of the project and helped train the students who are now collecting data at other sites.
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