Page 11 - Gateways_2019-Fall

Staff often collect health data
from our dolphins by using
ultrasounds (left) or taking
blood samples (below).

SCIENCE Diving into Data

Chicago Zoological Society researchers are now swimming in data! The first stage of the
first-ever, multi-institutional study of cetacean welfare is complete—participating institutions
have collected their data and submitted it to the Society for analysis.

This study aims to develop reference ranges of health and welfare for cetaceans in
zoos and aquariums, and to identify factors that influence the welfare of bottlenose dolphins.
43 institutions from seven countries submitted data, meaning we have data on more than
290 bottlenose dolphins, 20 beluga whales, and eight Pacific white-sided dolphins.

Researchers measured activity and movement through a bio-logging device voluntarily
worn by the dolphins, through observation of video-taped segments, and through measuring
hormones and other biomarkers of health and welfare.

Our staff are now analyzing this data, and are hoping to submit their findings for publication
in early 2020. So far, everything with the study has gone smoothly, and the team is excited
about the findings.

“Studies of this size don’t happen very often, so this is really exciting,” said Lance Miller, the
Society’s vice president of conservation science and animal welfare research. “When you
include all the pre-work we did for this, it’s really been a six-year commitment. We’re so
grateful to everyone participating.”

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum
and Library Services Grant #MG-30-17-0006-17.

Advance Your Education

An educational adventure awaits when you earn your nationally recognized
master’s degree through Project Dragonfly at Miami University in Ohio by taking
courses offered online, internationally, and at Brookfield Zoo.

The AIP (Advanced Inquiry Program) is an affordable, conservation-based,
inquiry-driven program that combines web-based graduate courses with
face-to-face experiential and field learning at Brookfield Zoo. Graduates earn their
Master of Arts in Teaching in Biological Sciences or their Master of Arts
in Biological Sciences while contributing to social and ecological change in their
communities. Students may even opt to earn credit for international travel.
Project Dragonfly helps provide students with essential tools necessary to make
changes in their lives, the lives of their students, and the natural world around
them. Find out how you can earn your master’s degree at Brookfield Zoo through
Project Dragonfly at Miami University in Ohio by visiting CZS.org/AIP.
Applications for the cohort beginning in Spring 2020 are due soon.

BROOKFIELD ZOO | FALL 2019 11