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The fellowship program appealed to arthritis. Because animals in zoos often CZS is such a unique powerhouse
Dr. Balko because she always had an live much longer than those in the wild, of talent—I don’t think I could have
interest in wild animals, but spent most and because we know animals often gained this experience anywhere else.”
of her time with domestic animals. hide their pain (this is thought to be a
survival mechanism), it has become more The Society is proud to pioneer
During her year at the zoo, she helped important for zoo veterinarians to find this important fellowship. “The
to investigate the use of a cutting-edge ways to identify and alleviate the aches potential impact for this program is
anesthetic monitoring device for fur seals and pains associated with aging patients. formidable—not just for our Brookfield
and sea lions both in zoos and in Punta The walkway senses gait abnormalities or Zoo patients, but for the treatment of
San Juan, Peru. (As diving animals, seals inconsistencies, which is especially useful non-domestic species everywhere,” says
and sea lions have unique physiology that in monitoring, and then treating, arthritis. Dr. Mike Adkesson, the Society’s vice-
can pose added risk when they receive The walkway can be used for many president of clinical medicine. “We
anesthesia, and so this makes anesthesia species in an array of environments, so are honored to guide the standard of
use more dangerous than in domestic the possibilities for the care of geriatric or care and benefit patients in the wild
animals and humans.) The device, which otherwise ailing animals are very exciting. and at zoos around the world.”
measures oxygen levels in the brain, is
portable and much more reliable than “The fellowship was an extraordinary With support, the Society will
traditional monitoring devices and may experience—a true partnership,” says continue to provide training to students
dramatically improve the care of these Dr. Balko, reflecting on the year she and post-graduate residents in non-
animals in zoos and in the wild. spent at Brookfield Zoo. “I was able to domestic animal anesthesia, develop
contribute anesthesia and analgesia skills new experts through our fellowship
Dr. Balko also evaluated a new from my prior training with domestic program, advance the level of veterinary
anesthetic drug on several species of animals and gained an unbelievable care through new research, and provide
birds, and tested the merits of a pressure- amount of clinical and research knowledge the animal welfare community with
sensitive walkway to more accurately from everyone on the CZS team. consultation and clinical service. █
understand pain associated with penguin
Setting the Standard 13 12 Studbook Keepers
for Animal Care (maintain records of
Veterinarians individual animals
Society staff is made and Veterinary in an SSP)
up of some incredible
individuals. Techs
9 Species 100
Survival Animal care
Plan (SSP) and welfare
Coordinators specialists and
researchers
Lab tests help paint a broader
picture of our animals’ health. 706
Staff are applying their expertise Hormone
in taking and analyzing these tests
samples.
They're leading a cutting-edge, 1,074 15,076
multi-institutional study on the
welfare of cetaceans (dolphins, whales, Blood Fecal samples
and porpoises) in institutions. samples
BROOKFIELD ZOO | SUMMER 2018
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