The Minnesota Zoo‘s animal health staff, including veterinary technicians and a veterinary intern, joined the Zoo’s turtle conservation team in the field for the first time. They trekked through difficult terrain in southern Minnesota in search of wood turtles to collect genetic samples that could help save the species. The animal health staff had to be trained by veterinarians to collect blood samples from the turtles, following a specific protocol. The samples were sent to a lab for analysis, and the findings will be shared with wildlife conservationists and managers to better understand wood turtle populations and manage them effectively. This information could also help law enforcement combat illegal wildlife trade, as it would provide crucial information about the origins of confiscated wood turtles. The collaboration between conservationists and animal health staff at the Zoo is crucial for the success of these conservation efforts.
Summary:
– The Minnesota Zoo’s animal health staff, including veterinary technicians and veterinarians, joined the turtle conservation team to contribute to studying wood turtle genetics.
– The team collected blood samples from wood turtles in southern Minnesota to provide genetic information that can help conserve and manage wild populations.
– The study will help determine population relationships, identify lineages that need more diversity, and potentially aid law enforcement in combating the illegal wildlife trade.
– The partnership between the animal health staff and conservationists showcases the Minnesota Zoo’s commitment to wildlife conservation and the importance of collaboration in saving endangered species.
– Readers are encouraged to learn more about the Minnesota Zoo’s efforts to save freshwater turtles and find ways to contribute to conservation.
I was tromping through thick brush, sloshing through ankle-deep water, over slippery river rocks, and mastering a tricky procedure on a small subject. These are just a few of the unique challenges the Minnesota Zoo’s animal health staff faced as they joined the Zoo’s turtle conservation team in the field for the first time. In this thrilling adventure, their special skill sets were tested in pursuit of the elusive wood turtle and the genetic information that could help save its species.
Since 2017, the Minnesota Zoo’s wildlife conservation specialist, Dr. Tricia Markle, has been tracking wood turtles in southern Minnesota as part of the Zoo’s efforts for freshwater turtle conservation. This initiative collaborates closely with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which has studied and managed this threatened species for decades. With its unique characteristics and ecological significance, the wood turtle provides an invaluable opportunity for research and conservation.
In July 2023, while attending a turtle conservation conference, Dr. Markle was approached by a fellow researcher with an intriguing proposition. They needed genetic samples from wildwood turtles in southern Minnesota to study wood turtle genetics. The Minnesota Zoo seemed the perfect partner to help collect the necessary blood samples. However, there was a caveat – the personnel involved in the blood draws had to be trained by veterinarians.
Though knowledgeable in locating wood turtles, Dr. Markle did not possess the required veterinary training herself. Fortunately, the solution was just a few doors away from her office. The Zoo’s animal health staff, consisting of veterinary technicians Bob Korman and Jenny Prom and veterinary intern Dr. Maya Iyer DVM, gladly stepped up to the challenge. Their expertise and experience became vital assets in pursuing these elusive creatures.
Collecting the blood samples was a delicate operation that required precision and care. The animal health staff had to manage the wood turtles cleanly, carefully, and quickly to meet the research study’s protocol. Initially, the process posed a challenge, particularly when gently stretching the turtle to expose the vein in the neck or tail. However, with practice and teamwork, Korman, Prom, and Dr. Iyer quickly became adept at the procedure. One would hold the turtle while the other inserted the needle and filled the vial, ensuring the blood flow stopped after collection. Every step was meticulously recorded and labeled, allowing for accurate data analysis.
Once collected, the blood samples were returned to the Zoo, where they were stabilized for shipment to a lab for further analysis. The study findings will be shared with wildlife conservationists and managers across the North American range of the wood turtle. This genetic analysis will allow researchers to understand how populations are related, identify which lineages require more diversity, and provide vital information for managing and protecting wild populations.
The importance of this research extends beyond conservation efforts. Wood turtles face an additional threat – the illegal wildlife trade. Poachers capture these magnificent creatures and smuggle them overseas to be sold as pets. When these poachers are caught, they are rarely cooperative and provide no information about the origin of the turtles. As a result, confiscated wood turtles cannot be released back into the wild. Instead, they find homes in zoos or nature centers.
However, with the genetic information gathered through this study, there is hope for a more ideal solution. By understanding where the poachers operate, conservationists can protect wood turtles from poaching and keep them off the black market. With this critical data, confiscated turtles could be returned to their original population and area, allowing them to thrive in their natural habitats.
The research collaboration between the Minnesota Zoo’s animal health staff and the conservation team marks a significant step forward in wood turtle conservation. Their work showcases the power of partnerships and the importance of integrating expertise from different fields. The synergy between veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and researchers enables groundbreaking conservation efforts that would be impossible without their combined efforts.
The Minnesota Zoo’s commitment to wildlife conservation goes beyond the walls of its facilities. They actively contribute to preserving endangered species through collaborations with researchers like Dr. Markle. By shedding light on the unique challenges wood turtles face and the diligent efforts to conserve their populations, the Zoo invites the public to join in their mission.
Readers are encouraged to learn more about the Minnesota Zoo’s ongoing efforts to save freshwater turtles. Whether volunteering, supporting conservation projects, or spreading awareness, everyone can make a difference in protecting these remarkable creatures and their habitats. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for wood turtles and other endangered species, preserving the beauty and diversity of our natural world.
