Indianapolis Zoo

Vultures provide important ecosystem services by rapidly disposing of carcasses and limiting disease transmission, yet their populations are collapsing across Africa. In West Africa, particularly Nigeria, this decline has been shaped not only by ecological pressures but also by deep-rooted cultural beliefs. This study examined how traditional perceptions and taboos influence regional disparities in vulture abundance and conservation across Nigeria. Using an ethno-ornithological approach, data were collected through 300 structured questionnaires across six states, 20 in-depth interviews, a focus group discussion, and market observations in two additional states (Akwa Ibom and Delta). Results revealed a pronounced regional divide in both vulture presence and public attitudes. In Kano (North) and Ekiti (West), negative perceptions portraying vultures as symbols of death and their use in traditional medicine have driven near-extirpation. Conversely, in Anambra (South-East) and Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Delta (South-South), enduring taboos and reverence, such as burial rituals for vultures, have sustained relatively stable populations. About 81% of respondents recognised a population decline, linking it to increased sanitation costs and higher disease risks. Awareness of vultures' ecological roles remained low (45%), pointing to the need for education and cultural engagement. The study concludes that useful beliefs and taboos are pivotal to vulture survival in Nigeria. Conservation efforts should integrate indigenous knowledge, strengthen enforcement against wildlife trade, promote community awareness, and establish culturally grounded 'vulture guardian' zones to preserve the country's remaining strongholds.

Outreach events are an excellent way to expose science disciplines to the public beyond the ivory tower of academics. In this paper, we describe how a zoo-academia collaborative team designed and hosted an interdisciplinary outreach event exposing thousands to the wonders of bio-inspired design and biomechanics. Over the past 4 years, we have run such a collaborative outreach event which has attracted 26,750 people, allowing children and adults to be exposed to diverse research fields through our annual Zoo Biomechanics Day. In partnering with labs, companies, and student organizations, we have hosted 17 unique booths highlighting human, plant, and animal biomechanics and bio-inspiration to showcase engaging demonstrations of science, technology, engineering, arts, and medicine principles. This event is low-cost ([Formula: see text] annually) while increasing attendance at the zoo by over 65% compared to similar non-event days. Furthermore, participating researchers get connected to the zoo, allowing discussions of new collaborative research between the zoo and universities. This paper will serve as a framework for others to host events which highlight the zoo-university collaborations that enhance the dual objectives of outreach and research at modern zoos.

Amphibians are among the most threatened vertebrates, with 41% of species at risk of extinction due to factors such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. One such species, the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), has experienced significant population declines, particularly in Indiana. Conservation efforts, including captive breeding and rearing, have been initiated to mitigate these losses. However, the rearing conditions that optimize the growth of this species in captivity are understudied. Higher temperatures are known to increase amphibian growth, but many captive rearing facilities rear Eastern Hellbenders at relatively low temperatures (e.g., 16°C). Our goal was to assess the effects of rearing temperature on Eastern Hellbender growth under captive rearing conditions. Eastern Hellbenders (N = 207) were reared at two temperatures (16°C and 21°C) at the Indianapolis Zoo. Every 8 weeks from February 2023 to July 2024, we collected mass and total body length on each individual to assess changes over time. Contrary to predictions, we found no evidence that higher temperatures increased the growth (mass or total length) of Eastern Hellbenders. This suggests that Eastern Hellbender growth is unlikely to be influenced by the rearing temperatures used at most captive facilities. These results challenge assumptions about the role of temperature in captive rearing outcomes and suggest that future research focus on other variables (e.g., diet, density) that might enhance captive-rearing efficiency.

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) provides a global framework for protecting migratory species, yet freshwater fishes remain underrepresented in the CMS appendices. Strengthening links between research, science communications, policy development and CMS implementation can generate synergistic effects that enhance conservation of migratory freshwater fishes.

BACKGROUND:Thyroid disease is reported in orangutans, but to properly diagnose and manage these disorders, reference intervals for circulating thyroid hormones are needed. METHODS:Commercial immunoassay kits for total thyroxine (TT4) and free thyroxine (FT4) were validated for use in orangutans (Pongo spp.). Archived serum (n = 133) was analyzed for TT4, FT4, total triiodothyronine (TT3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). RESULTS:Female orangutans had significantly higher TT4 and TT3 levels compared to males. Adolescent male orangutans had significantly higher FT4 levels compared to adolescent females. Adolescent orangutans had significantly higher TT3 levels compared to adults. Orangutans exhibiting three or more clinical signs consistent with hypothyroidism (n = 8) had significantly higher TSH levels compared to clinically normal orangutans (n = 125) but no significant differences in TT4, FT4, or TT3. CONCLUSIONS:Age and sex-related variation in circulating thyroid hormone concentrations in orangutans is described. Elevated TSH levels are the most consistent finding in orangutans with clinical signs of hypothyroidism.