Premium
Reproductive management plan of Toledo Zoo lowland gorillas over the past 25 years
Author(s) -
Reichard T. A.,
Favata G. F.,
Petiniot C.,
Gheres A.,
Czekala N. M.,
Lasley B. L.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/zoo.1430090209
Subject(s) - biology , reproductive physiology , luteal phase , reproduction , captivity , zoology , ecology , hormone , endocrinology
The breeding program for gorillas at the Toledo Zoo up to 1983 had resulted in five pregnancies over an 18 year period. In 1983, we began a multifaceted effort designed to improve reproduction through behavioral, physical, dietary, and physiological evaluations. Measurement of steroidal hormones in urine proved useful in monitoring ovarian activity and, in one case, led to successful treatment of a luteal‐phase deficieny in pregnanediol‐3‐glucuronide. Various social manipulations of colony members and infant‐rearing regimes are described.