Page 36 - Brookfield Zoo Chicago Annual_Report_2024

Sharing Veterinary Expertise expertise on how epidemiology dolphin Lucky has been an enduring
of common pathogens identified symbol of resilience and inspiration,
Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s team
in North American turtles relates and his story is a testament to
of veterinarians and animal welfare
to the health, conservation, Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s dedication
experts frequently joins conferences,
and confiscation of animals. to innovative animal care and
workshops, and other professional
veterinary medicine.
events to share their expertise with Collaborating with
peers. Their presentations aim to Conservationists in Kenya Lucky’s journey began in 1977 when
advance veterinary medicine for zoo he was rescued off the coast of
A team, including Dr. Sathya
species, as well as wild populations. Galveston, Texas, after being entangled
Chinnadurai and Dr. Katie Delk from
The team shared their knowledge in a fishing net. Deemed non-releasable
Brookfield Zoo Chicago and Dr. Karen
across the globe in 2024. due to his injuries, he became an
Terio from the University of Illinois ambassador for his species, inspiring
For example, in August 2024, clinical Urbana-Champaign Zoological countless people to protect dolphins
veterinarian Dr. Lily Parkinson visited Pathology Program, travelled to Kenya in the wild. In 2021, Lucky faced another
Indonesia for a series of lectures and to share knowledge with conservation challenge when he was diagnosed with
workshops on orangutan medicine collaborators. The Mount Kenya squamous cell carcinoma, a common
for rehabilitation and conservation Wildlife Conservancy shared with cancer of the mouth. Brookfield Zoo
centers throughout Asia. Parkinson our team about the plight of the Chicago’s veterinary team used
gave lectures at the veterinary critically endangered mountain bongo advanced imaging technologies,
school in Yogyakarta and lectures and the success of the conservancy’s to determine the extent of his disease.
and workshops at the Orangutan 20-year Mountain Bongo Breeding The veterinary and animal care teams
Veterinary Advisory Group (OVAG) and Rewilding program. The group created a treatment program, including
Conference, while also visiting also met with conservation experts cryotherapy, that Lucky actively
Indonesian islands (Sumatra, Java, at the Ol Pejeta conservancy, a leading participates in. Today, Lucky continues
and Borneo) to see orangutans at organization working to conserve to receive comprehensive treatments
rehabilitation centers and in the wild. black and white rhinos in Kenya. for his cancer and other age-related
Our team provided training for the
Additionally, in October 2024, Dr. Matt conditions, all while maintaining his
Ol Pejeta staff on disease monitoring,
Allender represented Brookfield Zoo playful and engaging nature.
nutrition, and animal welfare. During
Chicago by presenting at the Wildlife
the visit, the team was humbled Over the three-day celebration,
Society’s Annual Conference in
to see Fatu, one of the last two Zoo guests sang “Happy Birthday”
Baltimore—one of the largest
northern white rhinos. during select Dolphins in Action
gatherings of wildlife professionals
presentations, signed a giant birthday
and supporters in North America, Lucky Dolphin Hits card, learned about Lucky’s story,
spotlighting the latest advancements
th
50 Birthday colored dolphin-themed artwork,
in wildlife management and research.
and purchased limited-edition Lucky
Allender, who is on the veterinary In September 2024, Brookfield Zoo
plush toys, with proceeds supporting
steering committee for the Associa- Chicago celebrated a momentous
BOTTLENOSE the Zoo’s conservation efforts.
tion of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) milestone: the 50 birthday of Lucky,
th
DOLPHIN The celebration was more than a tribute
American Turtle SAFE: Saving Animals one of the oldest male bottlenose
to Lucky’s extraordinary life—it was
From Extinction program, shared his dolphins in professional care at an
an opportunity for guests to connect
accredited facility. Rescue bottlenose
Center: Dr. Lily Parkinson with his story and commit to the
conservation of marine life.