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Unparalleled Veterinary Science Western lowland gorillas and red-tailed guenons are among the many species—
primate or otherwise—that receive advanced care in Tropic World.
The Tropic World animals receive enviable medical
care. Our team boasts AZA’s only board-certified veteri- cardinals, a CT scan and abdominal surgery for a mang-
nary anesthesiologist and radiologist. We harness the best abey monkey, preventive procedures like checking blood
information and practices to ensure the health and welfare work and cleaning teeth, treatments as basic as cold and
of the animals in our care. With access to the most flu medications, and managing complex diabetes cases.
advanced resources—including a CT scanner, a complete In 2016, our team performed hundreds of exams, analyses,
laboratory, innovative anesthesia monitoring equipment, and treatments of Tropic World animals.
and an intensive care unit—we prevent, detect, and treat
in ways unprecedented in zoo medicine. Our findings even World-Class Educational Opportunities
enlighten other practitioners’ care. Plus, our residency
program provides tomorrow’s zoo veterinarians with Our Advanced Inquiry Program master’s degree combines
unmatched opportunity. online graduate courses from Miami University of Ohio
with experiential study at Brookfield Zoo. Last year, 20
Training ensures that medical care is as easy as possible students took a semester-long course on primates and
for our animals. For example, animal care staff acclimate investigated the species represented in Tropic World,
smaller primates to enter a transfer box so it’s easy to relo- learning about nutrition and zoo veterinary care and aiding
cate them for exams or treatment. We’ve even trained animal care staff with data collection.
orangutans to let us brush their teeth.
The King Conservation Science Scholars are curious,
In any given year, we provide medical care that conservation-minded teens who love to learn about animals.
includes routine health checkups on a flock of red-capped During the summer, King Scholars led interpretation
activities in Tropic World, including helping guests to
32 GATEWAYS | ANNUAL IMPACT REVIEW understand great ape conservation. This exhibit inspires
more King Scholar research projects than any other.
Our Primate Connections classes for children
grades K to 12 are enriched field trips with a focus on
Tropic World. Younger children learn about primates,
