Prolonged ovarian acyclicity is associated with a higher likelihood of developing hyperprolactinemia in zoo female African elephants
Hyperprolactinemia is a common disorder of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, and a cause of ovarian dysfunction in women. Currently, over half of non-cycling African elephant females in North America also are hyperprolactinemic, suggesting a similar link between these two conditions may exist. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between acyclicity and prolactin […]
Reproductive Management Plan of Toledo Zoo Lowland Gorillas Over the Past 25 Years
The breeding program for gorillas at the Toledo Zoo up to 1983 had resulted in five pregnancies over an 18 year period. In 1983, we began a multifaceted effort designed to improve reproduction through behavioral, physical, dietary, and physiological evaluations. Measurement of steroidal hormones in urine proved useful in monitoring ovarian activity and, in one […]
Selected aspects of female white-faced saki (Pithecia pithecia) reproductive biology in captivity
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430140506.abs Little is known regarding the reproductive biology of the white-faced saki. Although sakis have been in zoos since the mid-1970s, little attention has been paid to the reproductive biology of this threatened species. This study describes the results of a 3-year study of the reproduction of the white-faced saki in captivity. Using noninvasive […]
Pathology and diseases of great apes at the National Zoological Park
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430090204.abs Knowledge of the diseases of great apes in captivity is essential for captive management of self-sustaining populations. This survey of medical and pathology records of orangutans, gorillas, and one chimpanzee at the National Zoological Park was conducted to provide a data base for improving health care of captive apes. Strongyloidiasis, balantidiasis, and entamoebiasis […]
Factors Associated With Uterine Endometrial Hyperplasia and Pyometra in Wild Canids: Implications for Fertility
The ability to safely and effectively manage reproduction is central to the success of AZA captive-breeding programs. Although the AZA Wildlife Contraception Center routinely monitors contraceptive safety, there have been no studies that compare the effects of contraceptive use to separation of males from females, the other option for preventing reproduction. We used retrospective medical […]
“Use it or lose it”: Characterization, implications, and mitigation of female infertility in captive wildlife
Zoos and other ex situ wildlife institutions can play an important role in species conservation by maintaining populations for education and research, as sources for potential re-introduction or reinforcement, and as ambassadors for financial support of in situ conservation. However, many regional zoo associations are realizing that current captive populations are unsustainable, with many programs […]
Weighing the options for limiting surplus animals
The unsustainability of many animal programs managed by zoos and aquariums has brought renewed attention to unresolved questions about various management strategies. Solving the “sustainability crisis” for many species will require housing more adults and producing more offspring than there are existing spaces in accredited zoos and aquariums. Careful reproductive management is central to addressing […]