Page 38 - Brookfield Zoo Chicago Annual_Report_2024

levels of animal welfare.
Animal Welfare Science BROOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO Dolensek, a trailblazer in zoological
Leadership health and innovation.
Veterinarian Wins
2,337
Brookfield Zoo Chicago continues Prestigious Award Novel Herpesvirus Detected
to lead professional standards HEALTH ASSESSMENTS ON WILDLIFE in South American Pinniped
Dr. Jennifer Langan, senior
of science-based animal welfare
veterinarian and director of In March 2024, Brookfield Zoo
thanks to the Zoo’s Animal 64,265
veterinary education at Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s animal care and veterinary
Welfare and Science team, 4,139 molecular
Chicago, received the teams made a significant contribution to
samples collected
led by Vice President of Animal diagnostic tests
prestigious 2024 Emil Dolensek Award marine mammal research
Welfare Science Dr. Lance Miller. performed during
during conservation
from the American Association of Zoo with the identification of a novel
conservation
research
research
In the spring of 2024, Miller was Veterinarians (AAZV). herpesvirus in South American
appointed vice-chair of the World This award honors outstanding pinnipeds. This groundbreaking re-
Association of Zoos and Aquariums contributions to the conservation, search, in collaboration with
NINE AZA SAFE PROGRAMS
(WAZA) Ethics and Animal Welfare care, and understanding of zoo the University of Illinois Wildlife
Committee, a role in which he and free-ranging wildlife. A clinical Epidemiology Lab, was published
represents Brookfield Zoo Chicago professor at the University of in PLOS One. It is a crucial step
on the global stage and brings focus Illinois Urbana-Champaign, forward in understanding and
to the importance of excellence in Langan has been instrumental managing the health of South
animal welfare. He also continues in advancing Brookfield Zoo American fur seals and sea lions in zoo-
to offer his expertise and leadership Chicago’s veterinary programs, logical care and wild populations.
to the Association of Zoos and training over 300 veterinary
The discovery was possible because of
Aquariums (AZA). At AZA’s annual students since 2004.
Sarasota Dolphin Research Program
the Zoo’s long-standing work
conference in September 2024,
was a top 3 finalist for the of ongoing health assessments.
Langan co-founded the Illinois
Miller led an important discussion
WAZA Conservation Award Veterinary teams utilized cutting- edge
Zoological and Aquatic Animal
about recent advances in zoo animal
Residency Program (IZAAR), now molecular diagnostic tools
welfare science.
globally recognized for excellence. to isolate and characterize the
Development Course, “Animal Welfare: 7 SDRP-LED previously unknown herpesvirus.
THREE
In the fall, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
A leader in her field, she has served as
This marks the first documented de-
AAZV president, delivered over
proudly hosted the AZA Professional
DOLPHIN
MEXICAN WOLVES
group.
Evidence-Based Management” at the 80 scientific presentations, and tection of a herpesvirus in this species
became Illinois’ first Board Certified
released into
RESCUES
Zoo. 19 participants from 16 different Specialist in Zoological Medicine™.
wild habitats The findings carry far-reaching implica-
facilities, including two international
With more than 70 peer-reviewed tions for the conservation and care of
participants from Singapore and
NEARLY
publications, Langan’s research spans pinnipeds. Herpesviruses are known to
Argentina, joined
species from penguins affect many species and can lead to sig-
$137K GRANTS GIFTED
us for the week-long course where
they learned through hands-on to pangolins and includes pivotal nificant health challenges. The research
studies on the Deepwater Horizon
experience and built the skills neces- THROUGH THE ZOO’S provides valuable insights into potential
BOTTLENOSE oil spill, which helped hold companies health risks and aids in developing pre-
sary to implement an
DOLPHIN CHICAGO BOARD OF TRADE ventive care protocols for pinnipeds
accountable for environmental
evidence-based management
ENDANGERED SPECIES FUND in managed and wild populations.
damages. Her achievements
program that promotes high
exemplify the legacy of Dr. Emil
Sharing Veterinary Expertise
Center: Dr. Lily Parkinson
Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s team
of veterinarians and animal welfare
experts frequently joins conferences,
workshops, and other professional
events to share their expertise with
peers. Their presentations aim to