ZooRisk

Ape Conservation Database
Although public concern for ape conservation is growing, no central clearinghouse exists for information about conservation projects and research sites. To help fill this gap Lincoln Park Zoo designed and maintains a comprehensive “Ape Conservation Database,” which organizes data on everything from scientific research projects to surveys of ape habitats.

Tarangire Elephant Modeling
This project focuses on analyzing and modeling the demography of the elephant population in Tarangire National Park in Tanzania, which has been studied since 1993 by Charles and Lara Foley. In collaboration with the Foleys, Lincoln Park Zoo scientists have been working to analyze the 10+ years of demographic data collected to document the dynamics of the population, which may be one of the most rapidly growing on record. We have also developed a demographic model to project future population dynamics, which will help assess the potential impacts of management options for the population in the park.

Gombe National Park Ecosystem Health Project

Avian Reintroduction Database
Reintroduction is a powerful conservation tool in the restoration of endangered species. In partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the zoo has developed a database on avian reintroduction and translocation programs that can help guide the design of future reintroductions, characterize past reintroduction practices, and compare and contrast procedures across programs. For reintroduction theory and practice to progress, it is essential that the design of future reintroductions be based on rigorous review of methods, results and lessons from the past. The Avian Reintroduction Database has been featured by National Geographic Today News in an article titled “New Avian Database to Help in Bird Species Survival.” The story can be found here.

Risk Assessment-Based Decision Tree Analysis for the Management of Avian Mycobacteriosis in Conservation Programs

African Wild Dog Behavioral Monitoring Project
Despite its popularity as an exhibit species in zoos, few scientific studies have focused on the behavior of captive African wild dogs. Lincoln Park Zoo’s behavioral monitoring study focuses on the general behavior and space use of our wild dog pack. Conclusions of this study will provide valuable information on the behavior of African wild dogs to help better manage this species in captivity.

Ape Behavioral Monitoring and Space Use Project

Data Standards for Studbook and Institutional Records
In 1997 the zoo received an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant to develop data-entry standards for studbook and institutional records. This process brought together 27 experts in mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, and zoo collections to develop data-entry guidelines that have been used for eight years across AZA institutions.  Click on the links to download a PDF of the studbook or institutional records standards:
Studbook Standards (1.8MB PDF)
Institution Record Standards (1.1MB PDF)

Gorilla Cholesterol

Investigation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Hornbills
The captive population of giant Indian hornbills (Buceros bicornis) consists of only 70 individuals and has experienced seven deaths due to invasive squamous cell carcinoma, a cancer that affects the hornbill’s casque (bill). Lincoln Park Zoo veterinary researchers are working to identify potential causes for this fatal illness by systematically sampling captive populations in the United States and Europe and in in situ populations in Asia. 

Ape Cognition

West Nile Virus Monitoring
In June 2001 Lincoln Park Zoo co-hosted a meeting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that brought zoo professionals together with human and veterinary public health experts from local, state and federal agencies in order to create a nation-wide surveillance system for West Nile virus in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This meeting resulted in a document entitled Surveillance for West Nile Virus in Zoological Institutions and the implementation of a one-year pilot study. The value of this system is two-fold; zoos receive affordable, reliable diagnostic testing, while public health officials increase the scope of West Nile virus surveillance data. The initial objective of this program was to detect geographic spread of the virus. Phase II included a serosurvey of archived blood to determine if viral activity could be documented before the first case found in any area. Now that WNV is endemic throughout most of the United States, the system is being redirected toward monitoring trends in captive wildlife over time.

Channel Island Fox Reintroduction Project

Tool Use in Apes

Quantifying UVB Emission
Special lights manufactured for use with captive reptiles claim to emit  ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation necessary for vitamin D production. These lights have not been scientifically tested for the quantity of UVB they produce orfor the length of time they produce UVB radiation. Zoo researchers are testing lights to quantifying the amount of UVB detected at different distances and the duration that UVB radiation is emitted.