The Zoo’s Research Program
The core of the mission of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is about saving wildlife and protecting wild places. The Zoo’s research efforts advance science to improve our knowledge of species we care for, contribute to animal health and wellbeing, and protect wildlife and the ecosystems they rely on.
The Maryland Zoo’s Research Program, part of the Conservation Department, strives to strengthen and advance science at the Zoo in order to:
- Improve upon the health, husbandry, and ultimately the wellbeing of animals in human care
- Use the Zoo as a living laboratory so that the animals in our care can further our knowledge about their species at the zoo as well as their wild counterparts
- Support collaboration among zoological parks, academic institutions, conservation organizations, government agencies, and the Maryland Zoo
- Empower and encourage staff to lead and take part in scientific projects
Recent Scientific Project Carried Out By Zoo Staff
Katharine Mantzouris, Conservation Programs Manager at the Maryland Zoo, completed a study on the Zoo’s wild population of eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina).
Records of eastern box turtle sightings in and around the Maryland Zoo and Druid park date back to 1999. After a deeper dive in the records of these turtles, it was discovered a subset of the turtles were translocated individuals from unknown origins, more than likely handed over to the Zoo from private handlers or wildlife rehabilitators. The practice of moving turtles, even for good reason, has largely been discouraged in wildlife management as it is now known that turtles will try and go back to their homes, no matter the distance and put themselves in danger crossing roads.
This study, however, found that the translocated turtles were found and had an overwinter survival rate (a period of high natural mortality in turtles) post-release, similar to the presumed native turtles found in the park.
This finding contributes to the idea that in certain cases, translocating turtles, when done strategically, may be a viable option for the conservation management of eastern box turtles.
Mantzouris, K., Barrett, K., Bronson., E. Confirmation of successful brumation of eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina): a comparison of translocated vs resident turtles through incidental encounters in and around the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Herpetological Review. 51 (1). 2020.
If you are a professional researcher interested in a research collaboration, email us at conservation@marylandzoo.org.