Husbandry of wild-caught song sparrows (Melospiza melodia).

Conservation and research efforts occasionally rely upon bringing wild animals into human care to establish breeding programs and to understand their biology. Wild-caught birds may have husbandry requirements that differ from captive-reared animals due, in part, to their social development in the wild and potential exposure to novel pathogens. We developed husbandry techniques to minimize stress and monitor health in a population of wild-caught song sparrows (Melospiza melodia). We describe enclosure conditions, diet and enrichment, and best practices for stress reduction. In addition, we describe several health monitoring strategies, including assessing feces quality, body condition scores, and specific signs of infection. These techniques led to successful housing of song sparrows during formal behavioral and developmental studies. This information will be useful for guiding the husbandry of wild-caught passerine birds in the future.

The evolving role of zoological parks and aquariums in migratory bird conservation.

As threats to migratory birds in the Western Hemisphere, including North America, intensify and bird populations decline, there is a growing interest among zoo biologists in the conservation and management of these taxa. The purpose of this article is to explore the role that Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos and aquariums either are playing or could play in the conservation and management of migratory birds. Topics explored include: (1) Public education and advocacy; (2) Captive breeding and reintroduction; (3) In situ conservation; (4) Tracking and monitoring; (5) Research/technology development; and (6) Sustainability/green practices; and (7) Partnerships. Zoos and aquariums could play an important role in increasing the public's access to understanding migratory birds and the threats they face, ultimately helping to protect these remarkable species.

COMPARISON OF CIRCULATING IRON, TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY, AND PERCENT TRANSFERRIN SATURATION IN WILD AND CAPTIVE KORI BUSTARDS ( ARDEOTIS KORI).

The kori bustard ( Ardeotis kori) is one of the largest extant flighted birds and is displayed in zoos primarily in North America and Europe. In captivity, kori bustard diets are primarily based on animal proteins, whereas in the wild these birds eat a wide variety of plants, insects, and small vertebrate prey. The purpose of this study was to compare circulating iron, total iron binding capacity, and percent transferrin saturation levels in apparently healthy wild and captive kori bustards. Adult captive kori bustards had slightly higher percent transferrin saturation levels than juvenile captive birds, although this finding was not statistically significant. This information can be referenced as a guide for the assessment of nutrition and health in captive birds.

Differences in fecal androgen patterns of breeding and nonbreeding kori bustards (Ardeotis kori).

To better understand breeding conditions to promote reproduction in captive kori bustards, fundamental endocrine studies measuring fecal androgen metabolites in male and female kori bustards were conducted. Feces collected weekly from males and females were analyzed for testosterone using enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results from adult males (n = 5), adult females (n = 10), immature males (n = 10), and immature females (n = 10) revealed seasonally elevated testosterone concentrations in fertile, but not nonfertile adult males and females (P > 0.05). Adult females that were not maintained in a breeding group, or that did not produce eggs, did not demonstrate increases in testosterone compared to egg laying counterparts. In males, but not females, seasonal testosterone increases were accompanied by weight gain. Peaks in male fecal androgen metabolites ranged from 10- to 22-fold higher than nonbreeding season (181.5 ± 19.1 vs. 17.0 ± 0.94 ng/g; P < 0.05). Mean breeding season values for adult males were 83.6 ± 6.1 ng/g vs. nonbreeding season values of 12.3 ± 0.73 ng/g (P < 0.05). In females, average breeding season testosterone concentrations were approximately 4-fold higher than nonbreeding season (55.9 ± 6.0 vs. 14.5 ± 1.8 ng/g), with peaks 10- to 30-fold higher. Results show that noninvasive fecal androgen metabolite analysis can provide a means of predicting fertility potential of male and female kori bustards and might be utilized to assess effects of modifying captive environments to promote reproduction in this species.

Causes of morbidity and mortality in captive kori bustards (Ardeotis kori) in the United States.

The kori bustard (Ardeotis kori) is a popular avian resident of zoos and wild animal parks throughout North America and Europe. As this species' numbers continue to decline throughout its native African range, the need for its successful captive management becomes increasingly apparent. To this end, an understanding of the factors causing morbidity and mortality in the captive kori bustard population is critical. Here, the demographics, husbandry practices, and causes of morbidity and mortality of 94% of captive kori bustards (198 individuals) housed in zoos throughout the United States between 1988 and 2008 are described, and suggestions for captive management targets in this species are presented. The most common clinical and pathologic findings observed were lameness (48 cases), gastrointestinal parasitism (45 cases), and wing integumentary trauma (32 cases). Trauma was a very common cause of morbidity (135 cases) and was the most common cause of mortality (53 individuals, 40% of deceased animals). Considering the high prevalence of traumatic injury and death observed in this population, captive management of kori bustards should focus on developing strategies that minimize opportunity for injury. Priorities include preventing exposure to potentially hostile exhibit mates, decreasing stress associated with human interactions, and researching the effects of diet on skeletal development of young birds.

Intralesional application of ribavirin in two American flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) with poxvirus infection.

We report the successful treatment of poxvirus lesions in two juvenile American flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) with experimental low-dose intralesional ribavirin injection. In the first flamingo, the size and location of a beak verrucosity interfered with feeding, and after multiple surgical interventions, an experimental therapy of low-dose intralesional ribavirin was implemented with close blood parameter monitoring to minimize any potential side effects due to systemic antiviral administration. The second flamingo had a poxvirus lesion on the tibiotarsus, which recurred after unsuccessful conservative medical treatment and surgical intervention and a course of intralesional ribavirin therapy was implemented. Regression of the lesions in both flamingos commenced within 3 days of ribavirin treatment resulting in complete resolution within 6 weeks of onset of ribavirin treatment.