Lincoln Park Zoo

Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of health at the population level. Lincoln Park Zoo established the Davee Center for Veterinary Epidemiology and Endocrinology to bridge the gap between population biology and veterinary medicine. The Davee Center studies ape health issues both in the wild and in zoos.

Apes in zoos are studied as one population in order to identify issues important to their husbandry and management, including the effectiveness of vaccines, maximizing the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy and performing cost-benefit analyses of preventive medicine protocols.

Scientists have determined that encroachment by humans and agriculture are likely responsible for the spread of diseases such as measles, mange and influenza to wild apes. The zoo’s scientists are working with the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Jane Goodall Institute in Tanzania, and with the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance in order to eliminate such occurrences in the future and to provide timely treatment should disease be detected.

Gombe Health Monitoring



Zoo scientists, in cooperation with the Jane Goodall Insitute (JGI) and Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), are conducting a baseline health-monitoring study of chimpanzees in Tanzania’s Gombe National Park. This study includes observational health data collection and fecal and urine sampling for diagnoses. By developing baseline measures of health in the population, scientists can help park managers decide when and if to take action to treat a sick chimpanzee. In addition, zoo staff and JGI investigate ways to prevent transmission of disease between humans and chimpanzees. Learn more about the zoo’s work with the Jane Goodall Institute by clicking here.

Blood Typing



At present, no standard blood type data has been determined for the great ape (gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans) population in zoos.  The knowledge of blood types would provide better acute veterinary medical care, and reduce transfusion reactions by knowing compatibility of donor and patient blood.  In March of 2006 Veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Gamble and Master Keeper Jill Moyse started the project “Cataloging blood types for SSP populations of great apes”, which aims to gather and test blood samples from zoo apes as the undergo their routine physicals.  The project enters its third successful year in March.  All four great ape species are being tested and the results are entered into a database coordinated at the Fisher Center.  Eldon Biologicals donated the bloodtyping cards that are used and validation of the cards is also being performed at the University of Chicago since the cards were designed for human blood types.  The project has also grown significantly, to include not only all accredited zoos that house great apes in North America, but also populations in European zoos (EEP), PASA (Pan African Sanctuary Alliance) sanctuaries and most recently the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.  Currently, we have received 539 completed blood typing cards. 

Partnering with PASA
While wild populations continue to decrease, the number of orphaned primates has increased. An umbrella organization called the Pan-African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) was formed in 2000 to help coordinate the efforts of 17 African sanctuaries. These facilities house more than 800 great apes. One of PASA's goals is to reintroduce primates to the natural environment. The Davee Center is assisting PASA with managing the risk of disease spread both in sanctuaries and in reintroduction efforts.

Partnering with MGVP
The Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP) provides veterinary services to endangered gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. MGVP initiatives include providing basic veterinary services as well as disease surveillance, risk assessment, outbreak response and targeted research for specific health issues. The Davee Center provides epidemiological expertise to MGVP in all of these areas.