Current Research
Field Research and Conservation
There are currently 62 active research projects at the Zoo including projects involving animal behavior, endocrinology, genetics, epidemiology, veterinary medicine and social science.
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Elephant Exhibit Renovation: a Post-Occupancy Evaluation
Jenni Mueller: Case Western Reserve University; CMZ
The upcoming renovation of the elephant exhibit is designed to provide the elephants with increased roaming space and more enrichment opportunities. This study will evaluate the behavioral effects of the new exhibit. |
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 Descriptive Epidemiology of Captive Slender-horned Gazelle and Gerenuk in the U.S.
Pam Dennis, D.V.M., Ph.D., Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and The Ohio State University
As part of the Epi-Zoo program, this multi-institutional epidemiological study aims to determine risk factors associated with chronic infections in slender-horned gazelle and gerenuk. The goal of the study is to elucidate whether outbreaks of infections are associated with environmental conditions or genealogical descent. |
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Polar Bear Stereotypy Reduction Project
David Shepherdson, Oregon Zoo and Beth Stark, Toledo Zoo
Multi-institutional zoo research has shown that polar bears exhibit high rates of stereotypic behaviors such as pacing. This study tests the hypothesis that stereotypic behaviors may be reduced through environmental enrichment and training programs. |
Surveillance of Exposure to Avian Influenza Virus in Selected Bird Species at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Pam Dennis, D.V.M., Ph.D., Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and The Ohio State University
Surveillance to monitor the presence of avian influenza virus in selected bird species in the zoo. This study will establish
baseline exposure and monitor changes in exposure levels. Surveillance will consists of measuring titers to avian influenza virus
from banked samples.
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 Hand Preference in Orangutans
Kimberly Phillips: Hiram College
This study will collect hand preference data on the six orangutans housed at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Hand preference will be assessed by using a introducing a tube which holds a food reward, such as peanut butter, or sugar-free jelly. In order to get the treat, the orangutan will have to hold the tube in one hand and fish out the food with the other. Data collected will be added to an existing set of data to allow for a larger sample size, permitting the researcher to more fully address the question. |
 Investigation of Diabetes in Tamandua in AZA Institutions
Dr. Pam Dennis: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Ohio State University
In an effort to gain a better understanding of diabetes in tamandua in AZA zoos, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is conducting a retrospective study of health and nutrition in tamandua. All AZA institutions are free to participate. Blood and urine samples provided will allow technicians to test the levels of insulin and glucose of the animal. Test results will give AZA zoos a better understanding on how to manage this disease within the population. |
 Evaluation of Treatments for Hemochromatosis
in Egyptian Fruit Bats
Christopher J. Bonar, D.V.M: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Hemochromatosis, or iron-storage disease, is extremely common in captive Egyptian fruit bats. This study evaluates the effectiveness of two treatment options for treatment of this serious and potentially fatal condition. |
An Examination of Atelopus varius Antimicrobial Peptides and Resistance to Chytridiomycosis
Brandon Sheafor: Mount Union College
We propose to collect and analyze immune response of Golden Frogs in order to determine if there are individual frogs with
antimicrobial peptides of higher potency against B. dendrobatidis, either due to variation in peptide type or quantity produced. If
this is so, then the frogs with the higher level of antimicrobial peptides would be selected for future breeding efforts. Breeding
golden frogs that have a more effective production of antimicrobial peptides may produce offspring with higher resistance to
chytridiomycosis. This would speed the evolutionary process that would occur naturally in the wild, without the risk of
extinction.
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 Effects of Dietary Resistant Starch on Cardiovascular Parameters, Colon Health and Abnormal Behavior in Gorillas housed at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Dr. Pam Dennis: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Ohio State University
Dr. Kristen Lukas: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Elena Hoellein: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Case Western Reserve University
This study will look into the addition of resistant starch to the diet of two Western lowland gorillas to improve cardiovascular risk factors, colon health and abnormal behavior. |
 Using Innovation Training in Western Lowland Gorilla to Enhance Performance on Two Tool-use Tasks
Elena Hoellein: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Case Western Reserve University
Last fall, the zoo conducted a study to examine the ability of gorillas at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo to obtain an out-of-reach food reward using a tool. Two male silverbacks, Mokolo and Bebac were the subjects of the study. Mokolo used tools proficiently, while Bebac exhibited no sign of tool use abilities.
This new study will administer a tool-use test looking at the highest level of accomplishment for each gorilla. A new puzzle device will then be introduced and the gorilla must use a tool to retrieve the food from within it. The puzzle will act as a second test that the gorillas are not just acting based on familiarity from the previous study. Once the tests are administered, innovative training will be conducted to help both gorillas think more creatively. After training has been administered for a set period of time, both tests will then be given and results compared to those of the first set of tests. |
 A Multi-Institutional Study of Male Gorillas
in a Variety of Social Contexts
Dr. Kristen Lukas, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
This study examines the behavioral and physiological correlates of stress in captive gorillas. The gorilla group at CMZ provides an opportunity to study these dynamics in an all-male group. The results will be compared among institutions and assist in gorilla management decisions. |
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Cercopithecine Infant Development
Grace Fuller: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
This study examines the socio-cognitive development of African monkeys. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo currently houses breeding groups of Allen's swamp monkeys and Wolf's guenons, both of which produced offspring this year. Both groups also contain juveniles. This study examines infant and juvenile behavior in both groups with reference to the following questions:
- When do infants gain independence from mothers, and how is proximity between infants and mothers regulated?
- What patterns of interaction develop between infants and other group members as infants mature?
- How and when do grooming relationships develop?
- How and when does object-directed behavior develop?
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 The Role of Male Hormones in the Development of Sexual Dichromatism in White-Faced Saki Monkeys
Marilyn Norconk, Ph.D.: Kent State University
This study investigates the relationship between testosterone levels during development and male white facial color. |
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Comparative Neuroanatomical Investigations
of Primatesand Other Mammals
Chet Sherwood, Ph.D.: Kent State University
This project may shed light on many subjects including the evolution of language.
A Retrospective Study of Amazon River Dolphin Hematology
and Serum Biochemistry Values
Christopher J. Bonar, D.V.M: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
One goal of this study is to determine blood values that are potentially good predictors of disease states in river dolphins.
Conservation Genetics of the Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo
T.J. McGreevy: University of Rhode Island
Studying the genetic composition of captive populations may ensure their long-term viability. |
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Disease Surveillance of Cleveland Metroparks Deer Herds
Pam Dennis, D.V.M., Ph.D., Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and The Ohio State University
As part of the Epi-Zoo program, investigators from Cleveland Metroparks, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and the Zoo veterinary sciences team collaborate to monitor the health and disease status of Cleveland Metroparks deer herds.
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