ZOO atlanta received this award, which was later transferred to the detroit ZOO, to investigate the underlying causes of cardiovascular disease in gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and bonobos…

The Detroit Zoological Society received a $483,624.37 Project Grant award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the National Leadership Grants program to investigate the underlying causes of cardiovascular disease in great apes. The research aims to advance knowledge compiled through the IMLS-funded Great Ape Heart Project by comparing clinical and pathological data to determine the most predictive diagnostic tests for heart disease. A pathology-dedicated postdoctoral fellow and veterinary students will assess apes for hypertension, atherosclerosis, and investigate potential causes of fatal aneurysms. The results are intended to enable zoos to better prevent and treat disease and enhance stewardship of endangered species. The project period is January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022.

ZOO atlanta received this award, which was later transferred to the detroit ZOO, to investigate the underlying causes of cardiovascular disease in gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and bonobos using the investigative tools of pathology. The work will advance the research compiled through the imls-funded great APE heart project by utilizing the project database and new digital tools to compare clinical and pathologic data to determine which diagnostic tests are most predictive of heart disease. The research team, including a pathology-dedicated postdoctoral fellow and veterinary students, will also assess apes for hypertension and atherosclerosis, and investigate potential causes for fatal aneurysms. The project will answer fundamental questions about the development of cardiovascular disease in apes, while training a new generation of ZOO professionals. The results will enable the nation's zoos to better prevent and treat disease and enhance stewardship of these endangered living collections.