Health & Disease Program

Prevalence of Toxoplasma in samples of meat fed to Perth Zoo carnivores

Toxoplasmosis is a protozoal infection which affects a wide range of species.   In Perth Zoo (PZ), clinical toxoplasmosis has been diagnosed in meerkats, macropods and wombats.  It is postulated that a significant source of infection with Toxoplasma in carnivores is the ingestion of raw meat, and samples from PZ meat sources have tested positive on PCR for this organism.  However, preliminary testing of animal tissues has found that the Toxoplasma strain isolated from affected meerkats is a different strain from that detected in meat used at PZ.

The aim of this project is to determine the role of meat products in the transmission of Toxoplasma to Perth Zoo carnivores.  The project will further investigate the Toxoplasma strains present in chicken and horse meat fed to PZ animals.  This would then be compared to banked samples from meerkats, and possibly other carnivore species (although to date no clinical cases of toxoplasmosis have been identified in other carnivores at PZ). 

Hons

Post vaccination serology of vaccinated animals

To investigate the level of immunological protection provided when using domestic animal vaccines in zoo animals. This project would involve a literature review and serological examination of sera from various species of animals pre and post vaccination, to assess stimulated immunity to various infectious agents. During of immunity could also be investigated by testing sera at different time intervals post-vaccination. Numerous serum samples are stored in -80 freezers at Perth Zoo. The study may be able to be expanded by use of samples from other zoos within Australia. Support or involvement from a commercial animal pathology laboratory may be possible.

Effectiveness of hormone implant in an Australian Sealion

To investigate the effect of hormonal implants on the testosterone levels of Sea Lions. GnRH analogue implants are used as a reproductive and behavioural control in captive male Sea Lions. Faecal samples can be used to monitor circulating testosterone levels and to calculate the longevity and effect of the hormonal implants. This work will require a literature review, extraction and assay of the reproductive hormones from the stored faecal samples and interpretation of results. Samples from other zoo institutions may also be available to expand the study.

Nutrition Program

Literature review on browse phytotoxins and phyto-oestrogens

Conduct a review of the literature for identification of phytotoxins of the various parts of the browse for all species fed to primates and to conduct a nutritional analysis on the different parts of the plant species, e.g. young leaf tip versus mature leaf, buds versus blossoms flowers etc.  This project is very relevant for a broad range of spp and is a high priority for orangutans.

ISC

Reproductive Biology Program

Frog/hormone analysis

Captive Management Program

There are currently no projects available.

Wildlife Management Program

Detection of Chytrid fungus in soil and water.

Development of qPCR tests of rsoils and water using fungal DNA standards. Work to be carried out off-site (SABC) at Murdoch University.

Hons

Invertebrate/microclimate study at Perth Zoo and Perth Zoo’s Bakers Hill conservation property

Compare the captive microclimate conditions (temperature, humidity, light levels, etc) of various invertebrates maintained in captivity at Perth Zoo with conditions found for similar species in the wild at Perth Zoo’s Baker’s Hill Conservation property.

Hons

Evaluating level of usage/effectiveness of interpretation facilities at Perth Zoo

To ascertain which interpretive devices/facilities engage visitors most; explore location, style, design etc of signage and other interp facilities to allow us to implement the most engaging interpretation facilities.

3rd year/ISC/Hons

Evaluating effectiveness of science communication of our education programs and of Perth Zoo as an organisation.

a) To find out how effective selected education programmes are in communicating conservation messages to students.
b) To find out how effective the Zoo is in communicating conservation messages to the visitors.

Hons

Evaluating scientific validity of Night Stalk data.

To compare Night Stalk generated data to those that are more scientifically gathered and see if the former can be considered valid and useful.

Hons