Page 7 - Impact Report_2020

CZS’ Animal Programs department worked on 21 research
studies that were either completed or in progress in 2020.
They included the following two studies:
• Macronutrient requirements and intake of polar bears
Rapid declines in sea ice habitat have resulted in reduced seal
availability, a large and high-fat component of polar bears’ diet.
What are the implications of this change? What proportion of
fat versus protein would a bear consume if given the choice?
CZS has been collaborating with the U.S. Geological Survey
on a study to improve our understanding of polar bear nutri-
tional requirements. We are conducting 14-day feeding trials
in which our polar bears select from two dietary items, lard
and lean meat. The results will also help ensure diets fed to
polar bears in zoos are optimized for their long-term health.
• Nutrition research on white-bellied tree pangolin (ongoing)
Brookfield Zoo staff have been studying pangolin physiology,
optimal diet, and the animals’ day-to-day activities to create
husbandry practices that ensure pangolins in managed-care
settings receive the best possible care.
Field research on Humboldt penguins at Punta San Juan, Peru
Scientists from CZS and the University of Illinois published
a study on wild Humboldt penguins in Peru that found metabolic
differences between penguins nesting in sheltered burrows versus
more exposed areas. These findings provide evidence of the
importance of protecting ideal nesting habitat for the penguins
and will be used to strengthen conservation planning.

Long-term effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (ongoing)
In a collaborative effort, scientists with the Sarasota Dolphin
Research Program in Sarasota, Florida, have been conducting
studies on the long-term effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil
spill on the health and reproduaction of dolphins residing in the
oil-impacted waters off the Northern Gulf of Mexico.

Largest multi-institutional study of cetaceans
Center for the Science of Animal Care and Welfare scientists
led the collection and analysis of massive amounts of data from
43 accredited facilities in seven countries. The five-year study
examined how physical habitat, environmental enrichment,
and animal training promote positive welfare in common and
Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. Study findings were written
up and submitted for publication. █

CHICAGO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY | 2020 IMPACT REPORT 5