San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal May 2023

Striving to Sustain

Biodiversity in the Pacific Islands

Journey Through Our Conservation Work This issue of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal focuses on the Pacific Islands hub. To learn more about our collaborative conservation programs around the world, including our wildlife care at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, visit sdzwa.org.

Contents

2 President/CEO’s Letter

3 By the Numbers

4 Findings

6 Meet Our Team

8 Hot Topics

26 Events

28 Wildlife Explorers Page

29 Last Look

Cover Story

10

Eyes on the ‘Io: Tracking the Hawaiian Hawk

Technology is helping us gather data about this enigmatic species that will help inform and enhance conservation strategies.

Features

14

Let’s Get Physical (Therapy)

With hands-on rehabilitation as part of our treatment plans, SDZWA is helping aging wildlife in our care move more comfortably—and for longer.

20

Clutch Save

It takes an innovative, comprehensive approach—encompassing entire life cycles—to bolster Hawaiian bird populations and ensure their future.

24

Visualize It

The characteristics that make atolls unique also contribute to the challenges faced by these land rings in the sea. See how they are formed—and how we can protect them.

On the Cover: ‘Io (Hawaiian hawk) Buteo solitarius. Photo by: Tammy Spratt, SDZWA photographer

Amazonia Jaguar Oceans Polar Bear & Penguin Asian Rainforest Tiger Savanna Elephant & Rhino Australian Forest Platypus & Koala

Burrowing

PHOTOS BY: (TOP) TAMMY SPRATT/SDZWA, (MIDDLE, BOTTOM) KEN BOHN/SDZWA

JOURNAL

SENIOR EDITOR Peggy Scott STAFF WRITERS

Donna Parham

Elyan Shor, Ph.D.

Ebone Monet

Alyssa Leicht

COPY EDITOR Eston Ellis

DESIGNER Christine Yetman

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ken Bohn

Tammy Spratt

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

Kim Turner

Lisa Bissi

Jennifer MacEwen

PREPRESS AND PRINTING Quad Graphics

Let's Stay Connected

Follow @sandiegozoo & @sdzsafaripark. Share your #SanDiegoZoo & #SDZSafariPark memories on Twitter & Instagram.

The Zoological Society of San Diego was founded in Octo ber 1916 by Harry M. Wegeforth, M.D., as a private, nonprofit corporation, which does business as San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

The printed San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal (ISSN 2767-7680) (Vol. 3, No. 3) is published bimonthly, in January, March, May, July, September, and November. Publisher is San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, located at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101-1646. Periodicals postage paid at San Diego, California, USA, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, P.O. Box 120271, San Diego, CA 92112-0271.

Copyright© 2023 San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved. All column and program titles are trademarks of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

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For information about becoming a member of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, please visit our website at ZooMember.org for a complete list of membership levels, offers, and benefits.

Subscriptions to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journa l are $25 per year, $65 for 3 years. Foreign, including Canada and Mexico, $30 per year, $81 for 3 years. Contact Membership Department for subscription information.

Conservation Soars in the Pacific Islands

From sprawling coastlines to lush mountain landscapes, the rich ecosystems of Hawai‘i are home to unique and remarkable wildlife species. Soaring above these majestic islands, the ‘io (Hawaiian hawk), ‘akikiki (Kaua‘i creeper), and ‘alalā (Hawaiian crow) represent the islands’ rich biodiversity and carry deep cultural significance for the people of Hawai’i, who have historically coexisted with these endemic species.

To safeguard and secure a future for these iconic birds—who currently face challenges from habitat fragmentation, non-native predators, and disease—San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has partnered with government and local conservation organizations to meet the emerging needs of wildlife. We often serve as first responders for endangered plants and animals, using our 107 years of expertise in wildlife health and care to help develop sustainable conservation solutions. Sharing our insights in bird recovery and reintroduction efforts with conservation partners on the islands, we are working to help restore ‘alalā, ‘akikiki, and ‘io populations, and once again fill the skies above the Hawaiian islands with their mesmerizing presence.

Conservation starts with people, and the connections we share with wildlife and the ecosystems that sustain us. As part of our conservation work, we believe in providing tools to local communities that help them join us in this journey. In Hawai‘i, we supply schools with educational resources and encourage students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through conservation. Our Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science—held in Hawai‘i and in San Diego—have helped middle school and high school educators reach more than one million budding conservationists who will be the world changers of our future.

Our ability to have a global reach depends on allies for wildlife just like you, who support our organization and a vision for a world where all life thrives. We bring conservation to life, starting with our two conservation parks—the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park—and help millions of people discover immersive, meaningful conservation experiences. Your next life-changing moment with wildlife is right around the corner, and we hope to see you at the Zoo or the Safari Park, perhaps experiencing your next connection with the remarkable birds you’ll find here.

Now, let’s soar to Hawai‘i and the other fascinating places within our Pacific Islands Conservation Hub, in this issue of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal

As part of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s commitment to conservation, this magazine is printed on recycled paper that is at least 10% post-consumer waste, chlorine free, and is Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC ®) certified. FSC ® is not responsible for any calculations on saving resources by choosing this paper.

Paul A. Baribault President and Chief Executive Officer

BY THE NUMBERS

United by the Pacific

2023 Board of Trustees

OFFICERS

Javade Chaudhri, Chair

Steven G. Tappan, Vice Chair

Gary E. Knell, Vice Chair

Steven S. Simpson, Treasurer

The maximum depth, in miles, of the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean—the deepest place on Earth.

With growth rates between 0.3–10 centimeters per year, it can take up to 10,000 years for a coral reef to form from larvae.

137 Islands, islets, and atolls make up the state of Hawai‘i.

Spanning a geographic area larger than the continental United States, the Pacific Ocean contains more islands and reefs than all the world’s other oceans and seas combined. Its islands have mineral-rich soils that support almost every kind of vegetation, and some of the planet’s rarest and most elusive wildlife call the region home. Despite their isolation, Pacific Islands increasingly face the impacts of climate change. We’re working together with our allies in the Pacific Islands conservation hub to safeguard the biodiversity of these fragile ecosystems. 800+

Richard B. Gulley, Secretary

TRUSTEES

Rolf Benirschke

Kathleen Cain Carrithers

E. Jane Finley

Clifford W. Hague

Linda J. Lowenstine, DVM, Ph.D.

Bryan B. Min

~1,570

Hawaiian monk seals remain in the wild, making them the most endangered seal or sea lion species in the US.

10,000

TRUSTEES EMERITI

Berit N. Durler

Thompson Fetter

George L. Gildred

Robert B. Horsman

John M. Thornton

Executive Team

Paul A. Baribault

President and Chief Executive Officer

Shawn Dixon

Chief Operating Officer

David Franco

Chief Financial Officer

Erika Kohler

Executive Director, San Diego Zoo

Lisa Peterson

Executive Director, San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Nadine Lamberski, DVM, DACZM, DECZM (ZHM)

Chief Conservation and Wildlife Health Officer

Wendy Bulger

General Counsel

David Gillig

Chief Philanthropy Officer

Aida Rosa

Chief Human Resources Officer

David Miller

Languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea alone. The Pacific Islands represent the most linguistically diverse region on Earth.

Chief Marketing Officer

(SDZWA)

Horticulture Visits Palau

San Diego Zoo Horticulture team members made a conservation trip to Palau, where their goal was to work with the local community to help preserve Palauan plant life—notably orchids, palms, and a cycad endemic to the region. Our team conducted propagation and seed collection workshops, contributed irrigation expertise to a local nursery, and collected seeds and other propagules for our ex situ plant collection. SDZWA has been involved with conservation in Palau since 2015, and we have several endemic Palauan plants in our greenhouses on grounds. The team is currently propagating seeds collected from the recent expedition.

Turtles Journey Home

Found only on the small island of Roti, Indonesia, the Roti Island snake-necked turtle is one of the rarest freshwater turtles in the world, having been pushed to near-extinction by habitat loss and rampant international pet trade. SDZWA is a participant in the ongoing effort to reintroduce the species. The San Diego Zoo has a group of Roti Island snake-necked turtles that laid 33 eggs just prior to the pandemic; the eggs were incubated and hatched in our facilities. After two years under our care, these turtles recently joined a group of additional turtles at Wildlife Conservation Society (Bronx Zoo, New York), completing the first leg of their upcoming journey to reintroduction on Roti Island.

Botanical Survey of the Ebo Forest

Delta Lion Genetics

We are working with partner Zambeze Delta Conservation Foundation to integrate genetics into their ongoing effort to monitor lions reintroduced to the Zambezi Delta, Mozambique. SDZWA conservation researcher Caitlin Curry, Ph.D., recently helped collar lions to monitor their movements, and collected biological samples to start accumulating genomic data. These data will help us in creating a pedigree (“family tree”) and in doing assessments of genetic diversity. This work supports the long-term survival and growth of the Delta lion population. We are planning to make additional trips in the future to collect more samples from this flourishing lion population, which has grown from 24 lions in 2018 to over 90 lions today.

Together with international partners, our African Forest team conducted the first-ever extensive botanical survey of the Ebo forest. This intensive fieldwork surveyed almost 1,000 square kilometers, encompassing all habitats within the forest. Trekking deep into the forest, the field team collected and dried samples for later genetic analyses; over 4,000 specimens were collected. The team was composed of world-renowned botanists working collaboratively to gather the best botanical information, which will likely result in scientific identification of new species and will be key to determining the future of the forest.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

protects and restores nature in eight conservation hubs on six continents. Below are recent discoveries and progress reports from around the world.

Sip, Snack, Save Species

Stay fueled up by enjoying a delicious treat at one of our specialty snack stands on your next visit. The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park thank our partners for their continued support!

QWhat is the coolest thing about your job?

I’m extremely fortunate to work with so many people who are dedicated to saving species. From our team here in Hawai‘i who prepare endangered birds for reintroduction; to our partners who restore the forest habitat and reduce threats to wildlife; to our neighbors, friends, and families who support wildlife in innumerable ways—there are so many people who make a difference. When I spend time building relationships with our community, I feel a profound sense of hope that we’ll achieve our conservation goals.

QWhat has surprised you about working with SDZWA?

During my time working with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, I’ve been continually impressed by the amazing conservation work we do around the world and in our organization's Southern California backyard. Although I live and work in Hawai‘i, I can relate to the challenges facing wildlife in the region: the area is a biodiversity hotspot, which means it is a biogeographic region with a significant variety of life that is increasingly threatened by human population growth and development—just like here in Hawai‘i. I'm inspired by the crucial, innovative, and effective work our conservation scientists are doing to save wildlife endemic to the Southwest hub, such as the Quino checkerspot butterfly Euphydryas editha quino, and the desert tortoise Gopherus agassizii. Successes in Southern California also benefit our efforts here in Hawai‘i, as our teams share what we learn to develop best practices for conservation.

Bryce Masuda

As a conservation program manager for SDZWA's Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program, Bryce Masuda is working on strategies to save the ‘alalā, ‘akikiki, palila, and other endemic Hawaiian forest birds. He supports our Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers, collaborating with our team and partners to recover and protect the biodiversity of these fragile ecosystems.

QWhat was a turning point or defining moment in a project or program you’ve worked on?

Together with our partners, we conducted an urgent rescue mission from 2015 to 2018 to save a critically endangered Hawaiian bird, the ‘akikiki Oreomystis bairdi. With the native population rapidly heading toward extinction, we successfully collected a total of 63 ‘akikiki eggs from the rainforest on the island of Kaua‘i. Thanks to our hard-working, passionate, and innovative team and partners, this mission allowed us to successfully begin to establish an assurance population, which, in short, is a group of critically endangered wildlife (or even wildlife extinct in the wild) that is kept under human care until the species can safely be reintroduced to its native habitat. Taking this drastic action was a sobering experience. It was during this effort that I realized the urgency and responsibility we have to return these native birds to their forest home on Kaua‘i.

QWhat is your favorite animal? Why?

I've always had a kinship with pinao—also known as Hawaiian dragonflies—often found in higher elevations on the Hawaiian Islands. We both enjoy spending time in water and hanging out along clean streams, pools, and wetlands. I also admire pinao for eating mosquitoes, which are the primary vector of avian malaria, an introduced disease that poses the main threat to many endemic Hawaiian forest birds. I’m most impressed that the ancestors of pinao lived long before dinosaurs!

MAY 26–SEPTEMBER 4

When the sun sets, your wild adventure is only just beginning during Nighttime Zoo. Visit this summer, and you’ll “rock and roar” until 9 p.m. with live music and other amazing specialty entertainment experiences. Stay with us for all the family fun and excitement of Nighttime Zoo!

Member Preview May 26!

TECH SUPPORT

Data’s Role in Wildlife Conservation

Mathias Tobler, Ph.D., San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s director of Population Sustainability, explores the development and application of new technologies and analytical methods for wildlife studies.

rtificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have emerged as powerful tools for wildlife research, with the potential to transform the way we study and understand wildlife, providing new insights into animal behavior, habitat use, and population dynamics. the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) Conservation Technology Lab has been working on training and implementing AI algorithms to support our conservation work around the world.

One of the main applications of AI and machine learning in wildlife research is the analysis of large data sets. Wildlife ecologists collect vast amounts of data on animal behavior, habitat use, and population dynamics using a range of tools, including remote cameras, satellite tracking, and acoustic monitoring devices. Traditionally, analyzing these data sets has been a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, requiring researchers to manually review and categorize thousands of images, track wildlife movements over time, and identify individual animals from acoustic recordings. With the help of AI algorithms, however, this process can be automated, significantly reducing the time and effort required to analyze these data sets.

For example, machine learning algorithms can be used to automatically classify images of wildlife taken by remote cameras, with a high accuracy. A typical 3-month trail camera survey for jaguars in the Peruvian Amazon can produce over 500,000 images and videos that would take researchers several months to classify manually. An AI algorithm trained to identify individual species can process the same data set in less than a day, allowing scientists to focus on answering their research questions or making informed management decisions. When combined with trail cameras that can send images over a cellular network, AI can also be used to create a real-time alert system that can notify rangers to the presence of

poachers, or communities to an approaching predator.

AI can not only identify species, but also individual animals. Scientists use fur patterns or other distinctive features to identify wildlife in photographs. However, these methods can be time-consuming and unreliable. With AI, researchers can use algorithms to automatically match patterns across large data sets. This has been particularly useful in studies of species with unique patterns such as giraffe, leopards, and tigers, but new methods based on facial features are being developed for species such as Andean bears and mountain lions, where traditional methods of identification are often impractical.

Behavior analysis is another area where AI can greatly improve our ability to answer novel questions. Scientists can use algorithms to analyze video footage or sensor data to identify patterns in wildlife behavior. For example, we use machine learning in combination with accelerometers to study the foraging behavior and energy use of polar bears, or the social behavior of elephants. This technology can provide insights into the behavior of animals that are difficult to observe directly, helping researchers to better understand their ecological roles and interactions.

AI and machine learning have the potential to revolutionize wildlife research, providing new insights into animal behavior, habitat use, and population dynamics. By automating the analysis of large data sets and developing predictive models, these technologies can help guide conservation efforts and inform management decisions. Population monitoring using AI can help identify areas where conservation efforts are most needed and where interventions will have the greatest impact, and behavioral studies can show how wildlife are affected by human activities or how their energy expenditures change in marginal habitats. As new developments in AI will change our personal lives, SDZWA is harnessing its power to increase our conservation impact around the world.

1. Wildife “selfies” Machine learning algorithms can help classify trail camera images accurately— and at astonishing speed. This gives scientists precious time to complete other tasks.

2. Crime watch AI can be used to create a real-time alert system that notifies rangers of poaching activity in the area.

3. Keeping track

This technology can give scientists a perspective on wildlife behavior that could be difficult or intrusive to observe directly; helping them better understand their ecological roles and interactions.

One of the main applications of AI and machine learning in wildlife research is the analysis of large data sets.

3 reasons to “log on”

Technology gives conservation a cyber-boost in numerous ways, including:

EYES ON THE ‘ IO

Keeping Track of the Hawaiian Hawk

BY JAMES SHEPPARD, PH.D., BRYCE MASUDA, AND AMY DURHAM

The ‘io, also known as the Hawaiian hawk, is a medium-sized species of raptor with a wingspan of about three feet. When they’re soaring across the open fields and dense forest canopies of their island home, you might catch a glimpse of the white undersides of the flight feathers of these otherwise dark-brown birds. The ‘io is endemic to the Big Island of Hawai‘i, where it plays important ecological and cultural roles.

Preserving an Avian Cultural Icon

The ‘io is a clever and adaptable bird that can thrive in a variety of habitats. They live in forests, grasslands, and even suburban backyards, at elevations ranging from sea level to over 6,000 feet. They typically bond and mate with one partner for life, building a nest together in trees, and taking turns incubating eggs. An important predator in ecosystems throughout the island, the ‘io opportunistically forages on a wide range of prey, including insects, small mammals, and even other birds. It plays a crucial role in controlling the populations of other wildlife, especially non-native, introduced rodents. For example, ‘io prey on mice and rats that can damage crops and spread disease. The ‘io is well-recognized and held in high esteem by locals. Native Hawaiians consider them an ‘aumakua—a visible manifestation of a family or personal god, and they occupy a central place in the culture, art, and traditions of the Hawaiian Islands.

PHOTO BY: TAMMY SPRATT/SDZWA

Despite their importance on the island of Hawai‘i, ‘io face a number of challenges that threaten their survival. Many challenges require further study. One of the main conservation issues is the loss of key vegetation, as the population of Hawai‘i continues to grow, and more land is developed for housing, agriculture, and industry. This has led to the loss of many natural landscapes that ‘io depend on for foraging, shelter, and nesting. The ‘io is also threatened by additional effects such as vehicle collisions, and perhaps the introduction and proliferation of non-native species, which likely deplete and degrade resources that ‘io rely on. Finally, the effects of climate change, including more frequent and intense storms, also raise concern for the conservation of the ‘io and many other native Hawaiian wildlife.

The Hawaiian hawk was protected under federal law as an endangered species from 1967 until 2020, when the population appeared to stabilize. Relatively little is known about the ‘io, however, and because the entire range of the species is restricted to a single Hawaiian island, any large-scale stressors may threaten their survival.

Technology Takes Wing

Wildlife scientists at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance have partnered closely with the State of Hawai‘i Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo to learn how to mitigate key ‘io conservation challenges. For such a high-profile species, the ‘io is remarkably understudied, with few formal scientific investigations of the birds in their native habitats. Consequently, there are major gaps in our understanding of ‘io behavior and ecological needs. Our goal is to conduct a large-scale GPS tracking program to gather vital data on the behavior and habitat use of ‘io, which will directly inform and enhance strategies for ‘io conservation management.

Our ‘io conservation team has capitalized on recent developments in the power and miniaturization of wildlife telemetry technologies to remotely track and monitor the movements of individual ‘io in their native habitat. We have been fitting wild ‘io with small, lightweight (~15 gram), low-profile GPS transmitters. These remarkable,

Getting equipped:

Above: James Sheppard holds an ‘io that is wearing an eye-covering hood to calm the bird while the field team assesses it. Right: A small, lightweight, solar-powered GPS transmitter is attached to the ‘io using a custom-fitted backpack harness that is designed to break off over time. Once the transmitter is attached, it will remotely provide daily high-resolution data on the bird’s movements.

PHOTOS BY: TAMMY SPRATT/SDZWA

DID YOU KNOW?

The ‘io is

high-tech tracking devices fit in backpack harnesses that are custom-fitted to each bird. Once the transmitter is deployed, our team can remotely collect large amounts of accurate location data from each ‘io without interference. Each transmitter acquires the GPS location of the ‘io multiple times each day and sends this information to us via a cellular network, eliminating the need for a biologist to relocate the bird directly in the wild. The transmitters are also solar-powered, which reduces weight and enables us to track the ‘io across multiple seasons. Furthermore, the custom-fitted backpack harness eventually falls off.

Eye in the Sky—and to the Future

Our team has successfully deployed over 40 transmitters on ‘io to date, thanks to a generous donation from the Dorrance Family Foundation and support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. While fitting an ‘io with a GPS transmitter, we also collect morphometric body measurements, evaluate its health and wellness, record feather patterning, attach a small ID band to its leg, and save a single feather for future investigations into ‘io conservation genetics. The process is quick, efficient, and comfortable for the bird. After an ‘io is fitted with a transmitter and released in the location it was found, our field team observes it visually for as long as possible, to confirm its well-being. We then closely monitor the transmitter location data to make sure that each bird is moving normally.

We have deployed GPS transmitters on wild ‘io within a range of different habitats across the island of Hawai‘i,

including rural neighborhoods, grasslands, and reserves. Since our project began in mid-2022, we have collected more than 200,000 GPS location fixes from the tracked ‘io. We are already seeing some fascinating movement behaviors in our preliminary analysis of this rich tracking data set. For example, it appears that ‘io home range sizes may vary according to landscape features of their habitat, and we are beginning to see how ‘io pairs partition their territories in densely occupied habitats throughout different times of the year.

By characterizing the extent to which ‘io move across the island, our project will greatly reduce uncertainty concerning the effectiveness of current and future measures to protect and restore areas of key ‘io habitat. The tracking data will also generate insights into landscape carrying capacity for the species, and will improve estimates of ‘io population derived from field surveys.

Knowing where and when ‘io use their habitats will help fine-tune our ‘alalā Corvus hawaiiensis reintroduction techniques to maximize ‘alalā survival, especially immediately after release, when they are vulnerable to ‘io predation. Our goal is to ensure that both species coexist in the wild as they previously did for many years. Our deeper understanding of the ecology of the ‘io and the role that it plays in ecosystems on the island will help us better protect this iconic raptor and ensure its survival for future generations.

James Sheppard, Ph.D., is a Recovery Ecology scientist for SDZWA. Bryce Masuda is a conservation program manager. Amy Durham is a research assistant.

currently only known to breed on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. PHOTO BY: MARK MARGERISON/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS

LET’S GET (Therapy) PHYSICAL

BY ELYAN SHOR, PH.D. | PHOTOS BY KEN BOHN

Those of us who have experienced the distinctive symptoms of getting older—perhaps a crick in the neck, an ache in the back, or finding that bending down is just not as easy as it used to be—know that try as we might, there is no escaping age or the physical changes that come with it. To address these symptoms, many turn to physical therapy, which has become a routine practice in human medicine for managing discomfort and maintaining normal function. But people are far from the only beings whose bodies age— animals across taxa similarly experience the natural wear and tear that comes with aging. As it turns out, physical therapy is a solution for animals, too, and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is at the forefront of the emerging field of veterinary physical rehabilitation.

Galápagos tortoise hatchlings are approximately 2 inches long—as adults, males can grow to reach 6 feet long and weigh more than 500 pounds

Galápagos tortoises are some of the longest-lived terrestrial vertebrates; the oldest tortoise on record lived to be at least 175 years old

2 175 16

The number of hours per day a Galápagos tortoise spends resting

Meet Wallace

Galápagos tortoise Wallace was prescribed a physical rehabilitation program to manage his arthritis and keep him moving comfortably for years to come.

Physical Rehabilitation 101

The underlying objective of zoological physical therapy—or physical rehabilitation, as it’s commonly called in veterinary medicine—is the same for animals as it is for people: to promote function, mobility, activity, and comfort. The underlying causes for needing these treatments are also the same, as illness, injury, or degenerative conditions (such as arthritis) can impair bodies regardless of species. Physical rehabilitation includes a variety of techniques, ranging from manual therapy and therapeutic exercise to the more high-tech photobiomodulation (therapeutic laser) and electrical stimulation; but regardless of approach, each of these techniques is gentle, noninvasive, and nonpainful.

At the San Diego Zoo, senior veterinarian Deena Brenner, DVM, DACZM, is embracing and encouraging the use of physical rehabilitation in zoological medicine. She became aware of these techniques after working with Tammy Wolfe, DPT, PT, CCRP, GCFP, a Colorado-based physical therapist specializing in physical rehabilitation for animals. Dr. Brenner was inspired by the significant physical health improvements arising from the subtle movements and gentle manipulations that can be accomplished with manual therapy. “Almost every treatment in medicine has potential adverse effects,” explains Dr. Brenner. “But since physical rehabilitation is so gentle and noninvasive, the worst thing that could happen is that it has no effect on the patient. So, with physical rehabilitation, we see improvements without risking a downside.”

Physical rehabilitation programs are prescribed in addition to—and not instead of—necessary medical interventions, such as analgesics for pain management. But incorporating physical therapy allows for a more complete approach to wildlife well-being: analgesics may reduce pain, but it is physical rehabilitation that will help restore and maximize function. This dynamic approach underlies San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s enduring commitment to holistic animal health.

Moving in the Right Direction

Dr. Brenner has developed physical rehabilitation regimens for more than 20 patients at the San Diego Zoo. They range in size and species from lizard to elephant, and the majority of cases have been geriatric animals (with postoperative cases accounting for the rest). She explains that

although animals do often live longer in zoos than in their native habitats, “All bodies age, whether they are zoo animals, wild animals, or companion animals. No matter what or where they are, we see the same type of predictable degeneration of joints and tissues that come with normal aging.”

Physical rehabilitation has proven to be such an effective treatment for geriatric animals because it relieves the limitations in mobility that occur in aging bodies. Namely, the treatment works to maximize range of motion, build strength, increase body awareness, and enhance coordination and balance. Together, these improvements help patients move more comfortably and functionally. Every physical rehabilitation program begins with a thorough evaluation of the patient, including a medical exam, diagnostic imaging, and keen observations from our wildlife care specialists, whose familiarity with the animals under our care is unrivaled. Once the diagnosis is complete, Dr. Brenner and our wildlife care team create a custom physical therapy plan that specifically addresses the patient’s problems. One of the methods that she currently employs is therapeutic exercise. This approach utilizes basic exercises to build up elements such as muscle mass and fluidity of movement. The exercises are based on the patient’s natural behavior, so the movements—such as walking, climbing, or balancing—will be familiar. These aren’t designed to be strenuous or performative; rather, as Dr. Brenner explains, “We’re not asking an animal to do something that is outside of its abilities. We’re working through focused exercises that are ultimately going to promote the most functional movement of their body.” Some of the exercises she prescribes include walking up and down ramps, weaving through

A Diversity of Patients: Dr. Deena Brenner has developed physical rehabilitation regimens for more than 20 patients, including Galápagos tortoise Wallace (top) and Peanut the North American beaver (far left), both of whom regularly receive therapeutic massage. Another patient, Bola the three-banded armadillo (left), exercises on her custom-built staircase to help strengthen her limbs and maintain fluid movements.

All bodies age, whether they are zoo animals, wild animals, or companion animals. No matter what or where they are, we see the same type of predictable degeneration of joints and tissues that come with normal aging.

“

—DEENA BRENNER

Senior veterinarian, DVM, DACZM

PHOTO BY: (BOTTOM RIGHT) SDZWA

DID YOU KNOW?

The walking speed of a Galápagos tortoise averages 0.2 miles per hour.

cones, and stepping over and under branches. Another method that Dr. Brenner practices is the Wolfe Kinetic Technique, a tactile therapy technique based on gentle touch. Using only her hands, she carefully massages and manipulates the problem tissues and joints, avoiding motions that cause resistance while guiding correct movement patterns. As she does this, she is improving the animal’s body awareness and mobility through “neuromuscular re-education”—essentially, reprogramming the nerves and muscles by sending normal movement feedback to and from the brain, which gradually overrides the abnormal movement patterns, and instead resets the normal patterns.

All physical rehabilitation patients learn through positive reinforcement, and they participate in their programs voluntarily; the patient always gets to decide whether to participate on any given day. But you may be wondering how the animals know what to do during their sessions. “Animals are pretty smart,” says Dr. Brenner. “They generally enjoy moving around, and this is something that feels good. Once they realize what to do, they participate willingly, and it seems like they’re having fun!”

Slow and Steady

Wallace the Galápagos tortoise has been an active participant in his physical rehabilitation program since 2018. When our wildlife care team noticed that he was having difficulty moving around, Dr. Brenner got to work on diagnosing the problem: Wallace had developed arthritis in multiple joints—an unsurprising finding in

an animal that is approximately 100 years old and is supporting about 500 pounds of body weight on his legs.

Analgesic treatment alone had not resulted in significant improvements, so Dr. Brenner began twice-weekly physical therapy sessions that included the Wolfe Kinetic Technique and therapeutic massage to encourage joint mobility, as well as weight-shifting exercises to prompt balance and strength. After only a few weeks of these sessions, Wallace’s discomfort was resolved, and he returned to normal movement and activity. Today, he has no active issues associated with his arthritis and does not require analgesics. To ensure his well-being, our wildlife care team still maintains a few physical rehabilitation sessions with Wallace every month, so that he can continue to move—slowly, but comfortably—for years to come.

Our work with Wallace exemplifies the efficacy of physical rehabilitation, as well as our drive to embrace innovative care and the highest standards of wildlife health. Dr. Brenner is currently completing the Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist Program (College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University)—she is likely the only zoo veterinarian to undergo this type of training and certification in animal rehabilitation. Although physical therapy is not yet a common practice in the zoo community, Dr. Brenner hopes that it will one day become a routine part of wildlife medicine everywhere.

To learn more about physical rehabilitation at the San Diego Zoo—and to see it in action!— visit sdzwa.org/wildlifePT.

few hundred years ago, the sound of the Hawaiian rainforest was filled with the vibrant and diverse songs of Hawai‘i’s unique avifauna. Over time, the forest has become increasingly quiet as Hawaiian forest birds continue to experience sharp population declines due to human impact. One of the biggest threats to native forest birds has been the introduction of invasive mosquitoes, which carry

Taking Innovative Action to Save Hawaiian Forest Birds

BY MALIA ANDRADE STOUT AND MICHELLE CABUNOC

avian malaria and avian pox virus. Today’s challenge is not only to prevent further losses among Hawaiian forest birds, but also to find innovative ways to help these birds return to the forests and thrive like they once did. This is a challenge that avian recovery specialists are taking on at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center (KBCC) on Hawai‘i Island and the Maui Bird Conservation Center (MBCC) on Maui.

Center(s) of Attention

KBCC and MBCC serve as conservation breeding centers, where a few of Hawai’i’s most critically endangered forest bird species are bred to preserve genetic diversity. Currently, the ‘alalā (Hawaiian crow) Corvus hawaiiensis and ‘akikiki (Kaua‘i creeper) Oreomystis bairdi are focal species at the centers. The goal is to be able to reintroduce populations in human care back into the native habitat when threats to these habitats have decreased. The widespread control of mosquitoes in native forest habitats is essential to return birds to this location. Still, until then, KBCC and MBCC focus on producing birds that demonstrate healthy behaviors— such as nest building, parent rearing, and foraging for food—that would enable them to survive.

Allowing birds to learn and display these types of natural behaviors in human care can be challenging, as it is difficult to fully replicate a “wild” environment. However, there is a constant

DID YOU KNOW?

Avian malaria and avian pox virus are major threats to Hawaii’s forest birds.

effort to provide birds with the tools they need to achieve behavioral outcomes that are adaptive and lead to reproduction in the wild. One way we do this is by offering live insects to the birds to practice foraging for prey. In-house invertebrate propagation has been a significant asset to the program, mainly because Hawai’i has strict laws that limit the import of many kinds of insects. At MBCC, a temperature- and humidity-controlled room produces thousands of crickets weekly, a favorite food item for the ‘akikiki. Other feeder invertebrates bred at the center on a smaller scale are spiders, cockroaches, pill bugs, mealworms, and springtails. Currently, none of the insects that have been bred and offered to the birds are native to Hawai’ i, which has sparked a new interest in the program to extend propagation efforts to native invertebrates.

Hawaiian entomology is intrinsically connected to avian conservation, as endemic invertebrates have evolved over thousands of years alongside Hawaiian forest birds and are an essential part of their natural diets. Looking at managed care practices through a holistic lens can help to promote desired behaviors in the birds in our care. For example, spiders are known to be an essential part of ‘akikiki’s natural diet. Hawaiian, native spiders are generally found on the underside of leaves, with certain species of spiders favoring the leaves of specific host plants. If we can identify a species of native spider and its native host plant, propagate the spider

species at our facilities, and present spiders to ‘akikiki along with their host plant, then ‘akikiki in our care can obtain the skills needed to forage for spiders in their native range, thus increasing their chances of success after release. Although native invertebrate propagation at KBCC and MBCC is still in its early stages, the early results of these programs present an opportunity for each center to be more progressive and innovative with conservation breeding practices in the near future.

A Delicate Balance

Another crucial element in the ongoing battle to ensure the survival of these species is understanding egg incubation. Whether it’s an ‘akikiki egg collected from native ranges on Kaua‘i or an egg laid by an ‘ alalā in human care, the eggs of these endemic

PHOTO BY: (TOP) TAMMY SPRATT/SDZWA, (MIDDLE) KEN BOHN/SDZWA

Local beauty:

Opposite page: Of the five corvid species endemic to Hawai‘ i, the ‘alalā or Hawaiian crow is the only one left, but it is extinct in the wild. This page, above: The Alakai Wilderness Preserve on Kauai is home to endangered bird species including the puaiohi, the akeke‘e, and (right) the ‘akikiki.

The happy face spider populations on four Hawaiian islands sport a variety of happyface patterns. This type of variation is called polymorphism (many forms).

PHOTO BY: BIOSPHOTO/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

Handle with care:

From top: An egg candler is used to look inside an egg to check for embryonic development; an ‘alalā chick demonstrates begging behavior during a feed; an ‘alalā chick is fed by a wildlife care specialist.

Hawaiian species are delicate, fragile, and require around-the-clock care. And while some females may be able to incubate their clutches, precious eggs are sometimes removed from the nest and incubated at the centers to give them the best chance at survival.

Although a few eggs will fail to hatch regardless of a bird or human caretaker’s best efforts—such as with infertile eggs or eggs with severe genetic abnormalities—the success or failure of most eggs frequently comes down to how they were incubated. Eggs, especially eggs from non-domestic species, require the careful balance of multiple factors. Temperature, humidity, and regular egg rotations are all crucial when it comes to proper embryonic development. With incubation at the centers, avian recovery specialists can observe and respond to an individual egg’s needs in a clean and safe environment.

Even chicks that may have struggled to survive on their own can be granted a second chance through human intervention. Hatching is a problematic and exhausting process, and a chick unable to get into the correct hatching position could suffer dangerous or even fatal consequences. For these chicks, assisted hatching—when an avian recovery specialist steps in to help a chick safely continue the hatching process—can be the difference between life and death.

All of these factors mean that maintaining a high standard of care and staying up to date on new incubation research and techniques is critical for the long-term success of these species. Avian recovery specialists from both KBCC and MBCC have had the opportunity to attend incubation workshops in the continental United States. Armed with the knowledge of these lifesaving techniques, these team members are better equipped to face the challenges posed by caring for endangered avifauna in remote facilities that may not have easy access to veterinary care.

Saving species from extinction is not easy, yet our teams are working hard to preserve these unique populations of endemic Hawaiian birds. Whether it’s ensuring an egg has the best chance at a successful hatch or making sure that adult birds have access to diet items that would prepare them for success in their native range, many factors have a part to play in the program’s overall success. Thanks to these efforts, these birds may one day be able to retake their rightful place in Hawai‘i’s unique ecosystem and return to their native ranges.

Malia Andrade Stout is an avian recovery specialist at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center. Michelle Cabunoc is an avian recovery specialist at the Maui Bird Conservation Center.

PHOTOS BY: KEN BOHN/SDZWA

VISUALIZE IT

Delicate Beauty

ATOLLS OF THE PACIFIC

In the warm, shallow lagoon waters of atolls, coral reefs and the wildlife that inhabit them flourish. Tens of thousands of people also call atolls home. Despite the idyllic appearance, the people and wildlife who live on atolls face growing challenges from the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels. To understand why atolls are so vulnerable, it helps to picture how they form.

By Alyssa Leicht | Illustration by Amy Blandford

Home Sweet Home

A large number of endemic fish, plus a variety of other endangered and threatened wildlife, call atolls home.

In the North Pacific, Midway Atoll's three islands provide a nearly predator-free sanctuary for the world's largest albatross colony

The loss of terrestrial habitat poses a threat to Hawaiian monk seals in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands, which are mostly comprised of low-lying atolls.

An Uncertain Future

When people degrade atolls with pollution, waste, and infrastructure, it can smother underlying coral. In 2018, ocean scientists from several US agencies and the University of Hawai'i projected that annual flooding will render most atolls uninhabitable by the middle of the 21st century. Now is the time for our generation to make important changes to safeguard the future of these fragile ecosystems.

The Birth of an Atoll

Before his famous theory of evolution, naturalist Charles Darwin proposed a theory about the formation of coral reefs and atolls. An underwater volcano (called a seamount) erupts. Over time, and with additional eruptions, the seamount grows.

The seamount rises above the surface of the ocean, creating an island. The volcano goes dormant and a coral fringing reef forms around the island.

You Can Help

By limiting our use of fossil fuels, we can slow the rate of climate change, including slowing its cascading impacts, like rising sea levels. You can help protect these ecosystems by making lifestyle changes, like carpooling or riding a bicycle when possible, turning off lights when you leave a room, and voting for policies that help curb carbon emissions.

Over hundreds of thousands of years, the island gradually sinks into the ocean as it is weighed down by the heavy reef and rock. This is called “subsidence.”

As the island sinks, the corals continue to grow upward. Eventually, a wide band of water called a lagoon forms between the land and the reef, creating a barrier reef.

The extinct volcano becomes completely submerged. As the corals keep growing and break the water’s surface, they turn into sand and rubble. Now, a coral rim surrounds a central lagoon, forming an atoll. This process can take up to 30 million years.

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May & June

MAY 19; JUNE 16

Plant Day

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MAY 20–21

Wild Weekend

Learn more about the wildlife of our Amazonia Conservation Hub, with special activities, wildlife care specialist talks, and more. (Z)

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MAY 26–SEPTEMBER 4

Nighttime Zoo

When the sun sets, your wild adventure is only just beginning during Nighttime Zoo. Visit this summer, and you’ll “rock and roar” until 9 p.m. with live music and other amazing specialty entertainment experiences. Stay with us for all the family fun and excitement of Nighttime Zoo! (Z)

MAY 21 AND JUNE 4

Member Exclusive Early Hours

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FOR MEMBERS

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SAN DIEGO ZOO

Member

SAFARI PARK

THROUGH MAY 14

Spring Safari featuring Butterfly Jungle

Experience thousands of colorful butterflies fluttering above and around you inside a rainforest at our Hidden Jungle (Butterfly Jungle experience purchase required)— and then enjoy a wide array of spring activities and entertainment throughout the Safari Park (free with admission or membership). For full details, visit sdzsafaripark.org. (P)

New Wildlife Presentation!

DAILY, STARTING MAY 4

Journey into the Wild

Join our wildlife care team as they introduce you to wildlife ambassadors representing San Diego Wildlife Alliance’s conservation work in our Amazonia Conservation Hub in South America; as well as right here in our own backyard in the Southwest. This allnew conservation presentation begins at 2 p.m. daily, at Benbough Amphitheater. (P)

MAY 21 AND JUNE 4

Member Exclusive Early Hours

Rise and shine with the sights and sounds of the Safari Park. One Sunday each month, members can enter the Safari Park one hour before the general public. To join us, simply present your qualifying membership card at the main entrance beginning at 8 a.m.

FOR MEMBERS

Wild Perks SM

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance members are eligible for Wild Perks SM . Show your membership card each time you make an on-grounds purchase and save up to 20%, depending on your membership level. Some exclusions apply; for details, visit sdzwa.org/ membership/wild-perks

PHOTO BY: FOTOVOYAGER/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS

Island Time

Surrounded by the sea, the Pacific Islands are home to amazing wildlife. In the grid below, there are 15 things that can be associated with the Pacific Islands. Can you find them all? Remember to look forward, backward, up, and down—like island wildlife, words may be hiding in plain sight!

One of the rarest plants on Earth, cabbage on a stick Brighamia insignis (also known as the alula) was once found on cliffs on the islands of Kaua'i and Ni'ihau. Its natural pollinator, a type of hawk moth, has become extinct—hampering the plant’s ability to reproduce. Horticulturists handpollinated the extant plants and saved the species. It can be seen in the the Zoo’s Hawaiian Native Plant Garden. Photographed by Ken Bohn, SDZWA photographer.

LAST LOOK

JOURNAL

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