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Studying giraffes' behavior and analyzing their hormone
levels can help animal care staff provide these animals
with the best care possible all year long.
GIRAFFE
to validate several hormones for bottlenose dolphins to
provide a deeper understanding of cetacean welfare.
Bryant has also previously worked with research assistant
Catherine Razal and animal care staff to look at the welfare
of giraffes living in zoos, specifically with regard to their Fertilizing the Field
summer vs. winter habitats. Giraffes typically live in temperate
environments, so zoos that experience cold climates While the endocrinology lab is currently
(such as Brookfield Zoo) typically have an indoor habitat involved in some groundbreaking studies,
for these animals during the winter. Razal studied behavior, Miller and Bryant still are looking
while Bryant analyzed various hormone levels in giraffes at forward to what they can do next.
Brookfield Zoo—along with hormone levels in nine giraffes
from other facilities—to determine if there is any difference The endocrinology lab is one of just a few
in the animals’ welfare between the different seasons and if service labs in the country—meaning it receives
adjustments need to be made to either of the habitats (while samples from other zoological institutions and
the study is complete, results have not yet been published). analyzes them, along with providing consultation
and training services—and so analyzing outside
When behavior and hormones are analyzed together, tests takes up a decent amount of the lab’s time.
researchers are able to get the broadest picture of an animal’s
condition—with these multi-institutional studies, our The team also plans to continue expanding
research team will be able to help ensure the best welfare what they can measure. In addition to testing
for these animals at institutions around the world. fecal samples, they are interested in developing
tests for saliva, hair, feathers, reptile sheds, and
more. This will allow them to test additional
hormones and measures from different
physiological systems (such as the immune
system and nervous system), leading to an
even greater understanding of our animals.
“We’re continuing to push the envelope,”
Bryant said. “With each study, we’re
learning more and more, which leads to
ideas for even more studies! I can’t wait
to see what the future holds.” █
26 GATEWAYS | ENDOCRINOLOGY LAB
