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MAMMALS
Conservation/Education
VANCOUVER ISLAND MARMOTS - Conservation Program.
 The Vancouver Island Marmot (VIM) is a uniquely Canadian species found only in the sub-alpine meadows of Vancouver Island, BC. It is North America's most endangered mammal with approximately 30 animals left in the wild. The main threat to the VIM is human activity. Landscape development has reduced and fragmented their habitat. Due to the rapid decline of the species, it was apparent that the marmot population would not be able to recover on its own.
The Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery Team established a captive breeding and release program to prevent the impending extinction. The Toronto Zoo was the first facility to partner with the Recovery Team and in 1997 received the first six wild-caught marmots.
Before acquiring our first VIMs, little was known about their behaviour and reproduction. It was difficult to study animals that spend seven months of the year hibernating underground. The Toronto Zoo has spearheaded research in such areas as: reproductive biology, mating behaviour, pup development, nutrition, and hibernation requirements. Information obtained from these studies has helped our staff to mimic the natural environment with an "environmental chamber" that was specifically designed with temperature and humidity controls for ideal marmot hibernation conditions. In addition, we also have developed husbandry protocols to maximize the reproductive potential of this species.
All the hard work and dedication was rewarded when, in 2003, Vancouver Island marmots bred and born at the Toronto Zoo were released back into the wild. More animals were released in 2004 & 2005.
Since we joined, three other facilities have partnered with the Recovery Team: Calgary Zoo, Mountainview Breeding and Conservation Centre, and the Tony Barrett Mount Washington Marmot Recovery Centre. The collective goal is to create a wild population of 400-600 marmots among three different sites by the year 2015. Together, this devoted conservation project will help to ensure that the Vancouver Island marmot will remain a living, Canadian treasure.
To raise awareness and support for the VIM, we have implemented an education outreach program geared to the primary school curriculum where students are provided with an example of the role humans play in environmental change. Students are then challenged to take action in their lives and communities by recycling, reducing waste, volunteering and holding fundraisers.
BLACK-FOOTED FERRET - Conservation Program.
 The black-footed ferret (BFF) was once widely distributed throughout the North American prairie ecosystem known as the Great Plains. European settlers converted much of the prairie into farmland and black-footed ferrets, as well as their primary food source, the prairie dog, lost most of their habitat. In the 1930's, extensive pest control campaigns drastically reduced prairie dog populations as they were thought to compete with farm animals for land.
Since 1937 black-footed ferrets had not been observed in Canada and by 1979 they were thought to be extinct in North America. Remarkably, a small population was discovered near Meeteetse, Wyoming in 1981. Within a few years canine distemper and sylvatic plague wiped out nearly the entire group. The last of the remaining 18 individuals were brought into captivity in 1987 as a final effort to save the species from extinction. Captive breeding programs were successful and subsequent reintroduction programs have re-established ferret populations in a few selected sites in the United States and Mexico.
The Toronto Zoo, as part of the Black-footed Ferret Recovery Implementation Team (BFFRIT), is the only zoo in Canada actively breeding black-footed ferrets for reintroduction. Since 1992, the breeding program at the Toronto Zoo has produced hundreds of kits, the majority of which have been released into the wild.
In 2004, the Toronto Zoo, in partnership with various government and non-government organizations, established a joint black-footed ferret and black-tailed prairie dog Canadian Recovery Team that is looking at the potential of reintroducing black-footed ferrets back into Canada. The anticipated release site in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan has the potential to support Canada's first wild population of black-footed ferrets since they disappeared from the country.
Other initiatives include a black-footed ferret educational outreach program. This program is a tool to illustrate the power humans have in creating change (both positive and negative) and the importance of habitat protection. It allows children to understand the behind the scenes work in one of the most important projects carried out by the Toronto Zoo and its numerous partners.
Reproductive Research
MAMMALS - Hormonal Evaluation of Reproduction Function.
As part of service/practical application activities in the Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, urine and fecal hormonal analyses are conducted to aid in:
- developing species baseline and evaluation of normal reproductive cycles
- assessing seasonality
- confirmation of breeding for induced ovulatory species
- early pregnancy diagnosis
- evaluation of contraceptive effectiveness
- determining sex
The following species are evaluated for reproductive function in an interactive fashion with Animal Care Staff or other zoos across Canada and the United States:
- Asian Elephants
- Camels
- Cheetahs
- Giraffes
- Gorillas
- Indian Rhinos
- Lions
- Red Wolfs
- Siberian Tigers
- Snow Leopards
- Sumatran Tigers
- Vancouver Island Marmots
CANINE - Understanding Canine Gamate Biology.
This study is concerned with the application of basic reproductive biology to assist in canid reproduction. The study uses domestic dogs as a model for wild canids, to evaluate the cooling and freezing aspects of sperm storage. The goals are to develop assisted reproductive technologies for the red wolf as part of a Genome Resource Bank to evaluate fertile vs. sub-fertile dogs and to provide information towards the development of a canine contraceptive.
CANINE - Development of a Genome Resource Bank for the Red Wolf.
This project is aimed at developing and refining procedures for processing and freezing sperm cells from the red wolf for use in artificial insemination. Because red wolf reproduction is extremely seasonal (breeding occurs only in late February - early March), the domestic dog is used as a model system to perform detailed studies during the remainder of the year. Research findings are then applied to the red wolf during its breeding season. Ongoing studies include methods of semen evaluation (including use of an "in vitro" sperm penetration test for studying the mechanisms of fertilization), cooling and freezing. Additionally, related studies have focused on reproductive endocrinology of this species through fecal hormone analysis to provide a means of non-invasively timing artificial insemination.
CAMELS - Developing Non-Invasive Endocrine Monitoring to be Used to Determine the Appropriate Timing of Artificial Insemination in Bactrian Camels.
Artificial insemination (AI) in Bactrian camels is a common procedure in Asia, where this species is domesticated. The appropriate timing for insemination is usually determined by ultrasound or palpation, both of which require restraining the female several times per week to determine the phase of her reproductive cycle. The purpose of this study is to develop a method of non-invasively monitoring hormone patterns in female camels, with the goal of using hormone analysis to determine the appropriate timing for AI in Bactrian camels. Initial results indicate that hormone patterns can be monitored in the camels non-invasively by measuring hormone metabolites in the urine. In future breeding seasons this technique will hopefully be applied for artificial insemination attempts in camels housed at the Toronto Zoo.
VANCOUVER ISLAND MARMOTS
Currently, little information exists on the reproductive biology of the Vancouver Island marmot. The purpose of this study is to increase understanding of the basic reproductive biology of this species, especially as it pertains to captive breeding and management. This information should contribute to the reproductive success of the marmot in captivity by increasing the understanding of marmot reproductive cycling and breeding behaviour. Researchers will also be establishing a baseline of behaviours and behavioural patterns, associated with successful mating in captivity. Data obtained in this study will provide important information regarding reproductive seasonality and the establishment of successful breeding pairs in captivity.
CLOUDED LEOPARDS - Estrous Cycle Manipulation in the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)
The objective of this study is to improve estrous synchronization and ovulation induction protocols in the Clouded Leopard with the GnRH agonist "Lupron", towards achieving the goals of successful artificial insemination of this species. Fecal samples have been obtained from the leopards, and are awaiting analysis.
ELEPHANTS - Providing Endocrine Expertise Essential to the Successful Artificial Insemination of Elephants in Canada
Artificial insemination (AI) is recognised as a potentially important tool in the captive breeding of both Asian and African elephants. AI has been successful several times in both the US and Europe but had never been attempted in female elephants housed in Canada, due to lack of proper facilities. Recently, two techniques were set up in the Toronto Zoo endocrine lab to measure reproductive hormones in elephants. As a result, hormone analysis is being performed at Toronto Zoo on elephants housed in several Canadian zoos (the Toronto Zoo, African Lion Safari, the Calgary Zoo, the Granby Zoo, and the Bowmanville Zoo), and the data is being used to determine the appropriate timing for the first artificial inseminations on elephants housed in Canada.
ELEPHANTS - Developing an Effective Protocol for the Storage and Cryopreservation of Asian Elephant Semen.
The development of assisted reproduction techniques, including artificial insemination (AI), is a priority for elephant conservation and the captive management of Asian elephants. Although hormone parameters and deposition of sperm has been established for this species, the application of AI is still limited by the inability to freeze semen. Reportedly effective storage and cryopreservation protocols for semen from African elephants have failed to result in acceptable post-thaw motility and viability in Asian elephants. The objective of this study is to develop an effective protocol for the storage and cryopreservation of Asian elephant semen.
TIGERS - Developing a Gonadotropin Induction Regimen for Artificial Insemination in the Tiger.
Of the eight recognized subspecies of tigers, three have become extinct within the last 60 years. All of the remaining subspecies are considered endangered. In 1993, the tiger Global Animal Survival Plan (GASP) was developed for the integrated management of tigers internationally. One priority of the tiger GASP is to develop assisted reproduction techniques, such as artificial insemination (AI), as tools for the genetic management of captive populations.
The initial AI protocol developed for tigers has resulted in a poor success rate. This new study intends to examine the response to varying levels and intervals of ovarian endocrine hormones in tigers and compare this response to naturally bred tigers, in order to develop better AI protocols.
GAUR - Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer: Analysis of a Novel Technique for the Production of Gaur (Bos gaurus) Embryos in vitro
Chromosomal abnormalities occur in all mammalian species and can result in a change in chromosome structure or number. The most commonly occurring abnormalities among the cattle family, as well as other families, are translocations. These occur when a segment of one chromosome is exchanged with a segment on anther chromosome. The most prevalent type of translocation is the Robertsonian translocation, which alters the number of chromosomes of the individual. Once the translocation appears in an individual, it is then perpetuated with each generation, since the abnormality is passed onto 50% of the offspring. Approximately 7% of the world's cattle are afflicted with a Robertsonian translocation. Translocation carriers appear normal, but there is evidence of a detrimental effect on their reproductive capabilities. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the incidence of translocations in Gaur is similar to that in domestic cattle, or whether it is elevated as in highly inbred breeds. Also this study will examine the possible impact the presence of translocations may have on the reproductive potential of a captive population. This project will also evaluate assisted reproductive technologies in the gaur and determine the effectiveness and feasibility of their use.
RED WOLVES - The Enigmatic Red Wolf: Developing Effective Reproductive Technologies for Conservation.
Conservation efforts for the endangered red wolf would benefit from comprehensive studies of reproductive biology, leading to the creation and implementation of a "Frozen Zoo". Currently, natural reproduction rates in the captive red wolf population are declining and semen freezing methods give poor results. While studies in the domestic dog model have allowed improvements, the red wolf differs markedly from the domestic dog; therefore, innovative approaches for studying sperm freezing, hormonal patterns of reproduction, stress and breeding success are needed to achieve improved natural and assisted reproduction. This project seeks to develop more effective reproductive techniques to address these problems.
GORILLAS - Assisted Reproduction Using Sex-Sorted Sperm: A Management Strategy for Captive Gorillas
In light of the precarious state of gorillas in their natural habitat, the AZA Gorilla SSP proposes to use assisted reproductive technologies as a means for achieving genetic contributions from animals that currently have either no offspring, or no relations at all in the captive population. This will increase the likelihood of long-term genetic health, helping to ensure survival of the species. Reproductive technologies offer an advantage in that they will allow breeding and combination of genes from recommended "breeding pairs" without actually moving the animals out of their familiar social groups and facilities. Recent developments have also enabled researchers to select for X-chromosome ("female") sperm, reducing the current problem of an excess of bachelor gorillas and inadequate housing for them in social groups. By producing female embryos (using sex-selected sperm), from male and female gorillas in the Gorilla SSP who are genetically underrepresented in the population, the chances for survival of the species will be increased. The resulting embryos will be transferred to females that are highly represented and have good parenting skills to ensure that the offspring are parent-reared and naturally socialized.
Veterinary Research
TUBERCULOSIS - Development of Diagnostic Tests for Tuberculosis in Non-traditional Livestock and Zoo Species.
The goal of this multi-partner project is to develop new test methods for TB. The current "gold standard" for TB testing of livestock is the intradermal skin test, which has not been validated for zoo species. It also requires that an animal be handled twice within three days, once for performing the test injection and again for reading of the skin reaction. It is hoped that one or a combination of tests based on a single blood sample from each animal may be more accurate than the skin test. This would only require a single handling of each animal. The Toronto Zoo is working in co-operation with: the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), the Canadian Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians, the Animal Disease Research Institute, and co-operating livestock stakeholders.
Behavioural Research
INDIAN AND SUMATRAN RHINOCEROSES - Behavioural Predictors of Estrous.
The purpose of this study is to determine if there are reliable behavioural predictors of estrous in the Indian rhino. By observing behaviour on a daily basis, we hope to chart behavioural patterns that correlate with hormonal changes. Both male and female rhinos exhibit unique behaviours at the time of estrous and we may be able to use this change in behaviour to establish peak fertilization times.
POLAR BEARS - Seasonal Behaviour Changes in Polar Bears.
Polar bear behaviour will be monitored across the seasons to determine changes such as pacing, which may be a natural behaviour or an increase in activity during the winter.
AFRICAN ELEPHANTS - Scent as an Enrichment Device in African Elephants
The objective of this study is to examine the use of natural scents, such as cinnamon, vanilla, garlic, etc., as an enrichment device for the Toronto Zoo's African Elephants. Scents will be placed throughout the animals' exhibit, and their behaviour will be recorded to determine which scents provide most positive stimulation. The behaviour of all the elephants will be compared to determine if certain scents appeal more to certain individuals. The effects of scent location will also be examined, to establish if certain locations are more preferable than others.
AFRICAN ELEPHANTS - Elephant Stereotypical Behaviour
The purpose of this study is to examine the elephants' behaviour while inside the elephant house. Two of the elephants have shown stereotypical "swaying" while inside the house and a preliminary has study suggested that visitor noise may have an effect on that behaviour. Observations will continue throughout the year to monitor this behaviour and to determine other factors that may trigger it.
CHEETAHS - Mate Selection Preference in Captive Female Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus)
Mating and breeding difficulties have been widely recorded in the cheetah, with low libido, lack of behavioural estrous, and con-specific complacency being common problems. Based on previous studies, it has been established that visual, chemical and vocal signals all play an important role in the social and mating behaviour of this species. This project proposes to examine the signals an evaluating female cheetah reacts to when presented with dummies, feces, urine, and male vocalizations from known successful and unsuccessful males. The results of this study should help in the development of improved breeding management techniques for this species as well as providing behavioural enrichment for the cheetahs involved.
GORILLAS - Observation of Space Use in the New Gorilla Exhibit
The purpose of this study is to observe how the gorillas are adapting to their new rainforest exhibit, and specifically, what areas of the exhibit they use most often. This data will be compared with previous data to determine if the behavioural profile of the animals has changed since their move.
GREAT APES - Concept Formation in Captive Orang-utans (Pongo pygmaeus) and Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla)
The objective of this study is to examine how orang-utans and gorillas view and organize their world. It is generally accepted that some species are able to classify and categorize items in their surroundings essential to survival, such as food versus non-food items, and predators from prey. However, it has been hypothesized that more complex classifications, such as understanding relationships, are dependent on language. Pilot studies performed at the Toronto Zoo have suggested that the orang-utans and gorillas are capable of forming abstract concepts such as differentiation between primates and non-primates, and may be capable of more complex differentiation, such as identification of individual animals within a species. With the aid of a touch-screen computer, digitized photos of objects and animals, ranging from orang-utans and other primates, to landscapes, to food items are displayed. The animals are then "asked" to group the photos into categories, by touching the screen, and receiving a small food reward when they are correct. In this way, we can determine if the orang-utans and gorillas have "concepts" like "primate", "animal", "food", etc.
ORANG-UTANS - Behavioural Assessment
The effects and documentation of effective enrichment techniques, including finger-painting, spatial foraging tasks, and computer touch-screen games will be recorded.
POLAR BEARS - Polar Bear Stereotypy, Stress and Temperature Study
Stereotypic behaviour, the constant repetition of certain meaningless gestures or movements, is believed to be an indicator of reduced welfare because of its association with environments found by other measures to be "stressful" or "frustrating". However, research has largely failed to demonstrate a relationship between welfare and the occurrence of stereotypic behaviours. Instead, it appears that stereotypy represents a broad category composed of diverse behaviours that have complex and different motivational underpinnings which are strongly individualistic in form. In general, bears are thought to be one of the most prone to stereotypic behaviours, with polar bears documented as being the most susceptible. By combining an understanding of physiological mechanisms with behavioural assessments, it is anticipated that the complex mechanism responsible for stereotypic behaviour will be better understood. Subsequently, physiological or environmental factors can be altered to alleviate the occurrence of these abnormal behaviours in polar bears.
SUMATRAN AND SIBERIAN TIGERS - Scent as an Enrichment Tool in Felines
The objective of this study is to examine the use of scents, such as perfume, as an enrichment device. Scents will be placed throughout the animals' exhibit, and their behaviour will be recorded to determine which scents provide the most positive stimulation.
VANCOUVER ISLAND MARMOT - Behavioural Profile
The Toronto Zoo is studying the behaviour of these highly endangered mammals, using hundreds of hours of videotape recordings. This data is vitally important to understanding this species and allows us to look at some behaviours that are inaccessible in the wild population, such as mating, birth, and parental care. We hope this data will also help us design housing conditions that maximize the natural behaviours of these animals.
MANDRILLS - Mirror-Directed Behaviour in Mandrills
The objective of this study is to look at the use of mirrors as an enrichment device for mandrills. A mirror and a piece of clear glass, used as a control, will be placed outside the animals' exhibit, and responses to each will be measured. The social reactions to the mirror will be monitored, as well as the effect of the mirror on behaviour within the group before the mirror is present, during mirror presentation, and after the mirror is removed. |
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