Medical Training ermöglicht narkosefreie klinische Untersuchungen bei Großen Ameisenbären (Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linné, 1758) im Zoo Dortmund

In this study 14 Giant Anteaters from Dortmund Zoo (Germany) were examined under different aspects. Examination of Giant Anteaters could be fatal to humans, if animals react aggressively or feel cornered. To reduce stress and hazard the principles of Medical Training were adapted to Giant Anteaters in this study. The Anteaters were conditioned and accustomed with the help of the training to regular clinical examinations, weight management, urine collection, and abdominal sonography. Thus, the authors were able to provide first data of unstressed Giant Anteaters with regards to body temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate. It was clearly demonstrated that the body temperature is dependent on the ambient temperature.