Page 16 - Gateways_2018_FALL

Exceeding more lethargic than usual, and wasn’t
Expectancies showing much interest in food. He
also seemed to be experiencing a bit
In the wild, Bornean orangutans of discomfort around his abdomen.
have a lifespan of about 35 to 40 years.
While Ben is at the upper end of this These all could have simply
age range, he likely has a few more been signs of a common cold,
years—or decades—to spend enjoying but when Ben didn’t respond to
his habitat in Tropic World. initial medical treatment, the
veterinary team quickly decided
Animals who live under to take a closer look. They gave
professional care often live longer than him a comprehensive exam under
their wild counterparts—they have anesthesia. Blood tests, an ultrasound,
built-in protection from predators, and CT scan of his abdomen
disease, and natural elements. revealed that he had appendicitis
However, this means they may face and peritonitis. An emergency
some age-related complications that appendectomy was deemed necessary.
are typically not seen in the wild.
Chicago Zoological Society staff is The surgical team included
committed to providing the zoo’s 10 members of the Society’s
animals with the highest level of care, veterinary team, along with medical
and this means ensuring they remain personnel from AMITA Health
healthy and comfortable as they enter Hinsdale and La Grange. These
their twilight years. general surgeons had performed
appendectomies on many human
While animal care staff closely patients, and because anatomy
monitor all the animals who live at is similar between nonhuman
Brookfield Zoo, they pay particularly primates and humans, their support
close attention to the animals who are was invaluable. The surgery was a
a little more advanced in age. As soon success and Ben is fully recovered.
as an animal reaches the upper levels
of longevity for its species, it is placed By carefully monitoring
on a case list, even if it appears to be our animals and responding to
completely healthy and is displaying any variations in behavior or
normal behaviors. attitude, animal care staff can
quickly respond to any needs that
Animals on this case list receive arise and provide individualized
more routine monitoring, which treatment to ensure our animals
may include frequent weight checks are living high-quality lives.
and more frequent blood draws.
40-year-old Ben Orangutan is thriving in his habitat at Tropic World.
These routine check-ups and
careful attention to details are part
of what helped Ben get the medical
care he needed when he began
displaying a few unusual symptoms
in January. He suddenly seemed a bit

16 GATEWAYS | GOLDEN YEARS