African Lion Safari Shines at AAZK 2024: Monitoring Rhino Reproduction and Raptor Health Through Conservation Research

The 49^th Annual AAZK National Conference was hosted by the AAZK Omaha Chapter from September 22-26, 2024. The conference included professional enrichment, networking, and specialized training sessions.

African Lion Safari’s research team was invited to contribute to a 20-minute presentation with Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo’s (OHDZA) reproductive specialist Leon Krause. The presentation discusses both African Lion Safari’s and OHDZA’s collaborative project using infrared thermography (IRT) as a tool to monitor reproductive status in Greater One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis).

In addition to the presentation, African Lion Safari participated in the poster session during the conference. The poster describes African Lion Safari’s recent research on methodology development for vitamin E supplementation in Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis).

Red-tailed hawks are large, powerful raptors known for their distinctive reddish-brown tails and keen hunting skills. They primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, using their sharp talons and excellent vision to capture prey. Widely distributed across North America, they adapt well to various habitats, from forests to open fields and urban areas.

Proper nutrition is key for ensuring healthy animals under human care, but a common challenge when managing raptors is vitamin E deficiency, which impairs reproductive success and egg quality. However, currently available methods of vitamin E supplementation are not efficient. African Lion Safari aims to address this challenge by developing a more efficient method for increasing vitamin E intake in red-tailed hawks.

Increasing vitamin E intake in red-tailed hawks can enhance reproductivity, hatchability, eggshell quality, beak and talon quality, and overall health. To achieve this, quail were provided with a vitamin E supplemented diet and liver biopsies from quail of various age groups were conducted to assess stored vitamin E levels. Additionally, monthly blood draws from the red-tailed hawks were performed to measure circulating vitamin E, with samples collected from the brachial vein by a veterinarian. Overall, our results allow us to improve the nutrition of red-tailed hawks.

Please stay tuned as we prepare these results for peer-review!