Animal Behaviour

Scientific research is an integral part of the mission of zoological gardens and aquariums around the world. Granby Zoo is taking part  in several projects allowing different animal species, especially endangered ones, to be better known and protected as much in their natural habitat as in captivity.

Medical Research

Granby Zoo’s Animal Health team regularly take steps that have direct repercussion on the successful reproduction of threatened species.

Correlation Between Blood and Urine Hormone Profile in the Reproductive Cycle of the Female African Elephants.

Signs of oestrus in elephants are not obvious. Blood profile analyses generally help to estimate their regularity and their phase. Assisted by Granby Zoo’s Animal Health staff, Dr. Laura Graham is working on a technique that would use urine to make is easier to diagnose a female elephant in oestrus.

Artificial Insemination of African Elephants.

The reproduction of African elephants in captivity is relatively rare as few institutions keep males. An analysis of the age pyramid clearly indicates that a crisis is looming. This is why Granby Zoo has participated in efforts to develop an artificial reproduction technique for elephants. Although there are nine successful instances in the world thus far, much work still needs to be done to perfect techniques and equipment. Two (unfortunately unsuccessful) inseminations were performed in December 2001.  

Cell culture of Lowland gorillas

Granby Zoo is home to one of the rare Lowland gorilla that was not born in captivity or never had offsprings. The genetic value of Mumba for reproductive programs (SSP) is therefore significant. Taking into account the animal’s character, his environment, his history and his age, it is very unlikely that he will reproduce naturally. Harvesting of genetic tissue and cell culture were therefore the next steps. The cells were then frozen in liquid nitrogen. If need be, this unique gorilla DNA source will be available to researchers interested in cloning Mumba once technology allows.