Thursday was an extra special day at the rescue because we had 3 veterinarians and 3 scientists visiting us who were here on one of the most important zebra missions ever attempted! We have worked with several of them in the past with Stanford University on a project researching how it is that, even though a zebras skin is all black, they have white stripes! With that project complete, they have begun a new project with us. Never before have complete genome studies been done on all three species of zebras. As you know, at Hearts & Hands Animal Rescue part of our mission is the conservation of rare and endangered equids, including Przewalskis horses and zebras. Our decades of behavioral research here has enabled us to be hands on with the zebras in a way that few in history have ever has been able to do, with Friendship Training TM. We have learned the secret of becoming true friends with these wild and truly amazing animals, (we share this knowledge) while they come so close to extinction in the wild because of human encroachment on their land and legal as well as illegal killing of these beautiful animals. We chose three of our zebras, one of each specie, the Plains zebra, a Grants, Zena, a Hartmanns Mountain, Zakota, and a Grevys, Zatira (Zattie), to pull blood to enable our guests to finally complete a full genome study on each of the three species. Without tranquilizers, we were able to collect the blood samples from the three animals. Tranquilizers affect the blood for this kind of study in a negative way, so it was important to be able to collect without their use. Collecting from an animal that is ill can be achieved more easily, as they generally are not resistant, but a healthy zebra is another story! We are excited to be able to have contributed to this very important study and look forward to their findings. (Photos to follow as soon as we get them) We also want to thank our veterinarian, Dr. Jon Matthews, for collecting the samples, as well as Meaghan Berg, who assisted throughout and handled her best friend, Zattie, Jeanette Smith and Rob Brewer who also assisted in handling protocols, and Sandra Clark, Polly, and Madi, who assisted in preparation for the visit. And, of course, we want to thank Zattie, Zena and Zakota for their cooperation and trust in us in Friendship to allow us to perform these delicate procedures for the good of zebras worldwide.
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 19:52:43 +0000
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