WFL 61: Why Knowing When Orangutan’s Lose Their Baby Teeth May Help Protect Them In The Wild

The Toronto Zoo participated in a long-term study to observe when their young Sumatran orangutans would lose their baby teeth. The data collection was part of a larger study across many zoos in North America to provide more information surrounding the age range at which the primates lose their teeth. The purpose of the study was to help scientists better protect orangutans in the wild. By getting this data from zoo populations, it helps researchers better understand and rehabilitate wild orangutans who do not have known birth dates. Amanda Carroll, Zookeeper at the Toronto Zoo, sits down with me to discuss the study and how behavioural husbandry played an important role in collecting the data.

Om Podcasten

Wild For Life is the Toronto Zoo podcast that brings you behind the scenes and unveils the "hidden zoo." Each episode brings you information on the critical conservation work that protects endangered species and works to preserve biodiversity. You will hear from nutritionists, ecologists, veterinarians, social scientists, wildlife biologists, and more that are working hard to help protect wildlife from all over the world.