Lecture Notes on Gorilla Conservation at Cleveland Metro Park Zoo

Introduction

• The lecture focuses on the conservation efforts for Western lowland gorillas at Cleveland Metro Park Zoo.
• Key topics include the gorilla troop's dynamics, the prevalence of heart disease, dietary changes, and conservation strategies.

The Gorilla Troop at Cleveland Metro Park Zoo

• Members: McCullough (male), Frederica, KB Moya, and newcomer Nanika from San Francisco.
• Background: Changes in the troop occurred after the death of McCullough's former partner, B-Back.

Conservation and Breeding Efforts

• Kristen Lucas: Director of Conservation and Science, leads gorilla species survival plan.
• Goal: To ensure a genetically fit population of gorillas sustainable for the future.

Heart Disease in Captive Gorillas

• Prevalence: Over 45% of captive gorillas suffer from heart disease.
• Challenges: Difficulty in diagnosing due to risks associated with anesthesia.
• Management: Use of cardiac ultrasounds on awake gorillas to monitor health.

Research on Diet and Nutrition

• Past Diet: Primarily biscuit-based, similar to dog food.
• New Diet: High-fiber leafy greens leading to improved health and behavior.
• Impact: Reduction in regurgitation behavior, mimicking natural feeding patterns.

The Great Ape Heart Project

• Collaboration: Sharing health data with other institutions to improve treatment and prevention strategies.
• Focus: Investigating the potential link between diet, gut microbiome, and heart disease.

Innovations and Influence

• Operant Conditioning: Training gorillas for non-intrusive health monitoring.
• Influence: Other zoos adopting Cleveland's dietary and husbandry techniques.

Conservation Efforts and Public Education

• Zoo’s Role: Transition from wildlife extraction to conservation and education.
• Partnerships: Collaboration with the Dian Fossey Fund for in-situ conservation in Africa.
• Public Engagement: Educating visitors on conservation urgency and involvement.

Conclusion

• Future Goals: Continue improving gorilla care to inspire future generations in conservation efforts.
• Significance: Gorillas serve as a conduit for understanding broader ecological and conservation principles.