Zoos and aquariums collaborate to launch first national database of animal diagnostic images

A CT scan of an angelfish from Denver Zoo Wildlife Alliance (Image courtesy of Denver Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

Brookfield Zoo Chicago, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Wildlife Conversation Society, Saint Louis Zoo, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance all have joined forces to release the Zoo and Aquarium Radiology Database (ZARD). With support from board-certified radiologists from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the University, the database comprises diagnostic images to help zoological veterinary professionals solve ongoing challenges while advancing the field.

According to an organizational release from Brookfield Zoo Chicago, the project was first inspired by a unique case for Layla, an endangered eastern black rhinoceros at Brookfield Zoo Chicago back in 2017. Layla had developed a growth in her sinus that began to obstruct her airway, making it hard for her to breathe. She received a computed tomography (CT) scan, which made her the first living adult rhinoceros to receive a CT scan.

Because her veterinary team had limited reference material to understand what “normal” looks like for Layla’s species, they needed imaging from deceased rhinoceros from museums. However, this presented a different challenge for her team because the images from the museum did not show soft tissue. The team realized through Layla’s case that there was a need for more comprehensive material for Layla’s species and others.

“Layla’s case shined a large spotlight on a challenge that zoological veterinarians and radiologists face when diagnosing non-domestic species like rhinos,” said Michael Adkesson, DVM, MBA, DACZM, DECZM (ZHM), president and CEO of Brookfield Zoo Chicago and the project’s principal investigator. “Working with experts across the country, we’re excited to provide a solution to that challenge with the unveiling of the Zoo and Aquarium Radiology Database. Undoubtedly, this new resource will be a game-changer for the zoological community and significantly improve our ability to diagnose and treat the animals in our care."

The database will be available to only zoo and wildlife professionals through a web-based user portal and can be searched based on species, age, sex, and body part. There will be over 10,000 diagnostic images featured within ZARD from over 500 different species that are common in zoos, aquariums, or under threat of extinction. There will also be an equal distribution of male and female animals from each species represented at a variety of ages, and each image will be made anonymous to protect the identity of patients. At this point, there are 1,000 images from 50 species in ZARD, but they expect to grow to its targeted goal of 10,000 within the next 2 years.

A radiograph of a giant anteater skull (Image courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago)

“Advanced diagnostic imaging is a game-changer in zoological medicine, allowing veterinarians to find more and do more in providing the best care possible for our patients,” expressed Jimmy Johnson, DVM, MS, CertAqV, DACZM, senior director of animal health at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.¹ “We are humbled to be a part of this transformative collaboration providing a broad resource to advance the care and conservation of zoo, aquarium, and wildlife species worldwide.”

The ZARD team disclosed that along with the benefits of filling knowledge gaps about the healthy anatomies of these species, the database will also address the fact there is limited availability of radiologists with the skillset needed to read diagnostic images for the species that are in zoological care. According to the release, all the images uploaded to ZARD will be reviewed by radiologists from the Zoo, Exotic, Wildlife Diagnostic Imaging Society of The American College of Veterinary Radiology.¹

“Currently there is no textbook to reference to understand the unique anatomies of zoological animals, leaving few radiologists with the experience to confidently assess radiographs," explained Eric Hostnik, DVM, MS, DACVR-DI, DACVR-EDI, the project’s lead radiologist and associate professor of veterinary radiology at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.¹ “This database will help address the shortage of trained radiologists for these purposes and provide an enormous teaching tool for aspiring veterinarians specializing in zoological medicine and radiology.”

The project was created in part by the National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS Grant MG-249218-OMS-21) as well as additional funding provided by Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Brookfield Zoo Chicago will also house and maintain the database in the long term.

Reference

Cohort of Zoos, Aquariums Launch First National Database of Animal Diagnostic Images to Advance Veterinary Medicine in Zoological Institutions. News release. Brookfield Zoo Chicago. September 25, 2024. Accessed September 27, 2024.