Page 13 - Bookfield Zoo Chicago Annual Report 2024

Brookfield Zoo Chicago Leads

RADIOLOGY DATABASE EFFORT

Since 2021, several leading zoologi- Currently, understanding what looks
cal institutions in the U.S., led by normal and what looks abnormal in
Brookfield Zoo Chicago, have been an X-ray or a CT study is challenging
collaborating in the development of for veterinary professionals who
a massive digital database that will work in zoos and aquariums because
hold X-ray images and CT studies of reference images that depict normal
healthy zoo and aquarium animals. radiographic anatomy of non-domes-
Partner institutions are San Diego tic species are limited.
Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the Wildlife
The Zoo and Aquarium Radiology
Conservation Society, the Saint Louis
Database (ZARD) will hold 10,000
Zoo, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the
digital radiographs (X-rays) and
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and
CT studies of 500 species, including
Denver Zoo.
those under threat of extinction.
These images will be reviewed by
board-certified veterinary radiologists
to ensure they depict normal radio-
graphic anatomy for each species.
Veterinary professionals all over
the world will have access to this
free and critical resource through
a web-based user portal.

ZARD is being housed with
This project is being made possible in part by
Brookfield Zoo Chicago, a leader
the Institute of Museum and Library Services,
in the field of veterinary diagnostic Grant MG-249218-OMS-21.
imaging. We were the first zoo to
employ board-certified veterinary
radiologists and to create a radiology
consulting service, BZC Radiology
Consulting Service, focused
exclusively on zoo animals and
wildlife. ZARD is scheduled to
launch in late 2024.

ANNUAL REPORT 2023 9