Wildlife

Plague Vaccine Bait – Look Who’s Coming to Dinner

Foundation-funded researchers suspected and have now confirmed that plague vaccine bait, designed to protect prairie dogs and assist with recovery efforts of the black-footed ferret, is readily consumed by thousands of small rodents each year but with no apparent ill effect. Results were recently published in the journal EcoHealth.

Learn More About Our Wildlife Studies

Our health study database, searchable by species or area of study, houses our funded research that is making a difference in the lives of animals across the globe.

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Some of Our Wildlife Studies

From Around The World

Veterinary Advances for Wildlife

Since 1965, we have invested $24 million in more than 600 wildlife health studies. We’ve contributed to improved reproduction strategies for endangered species, identified the impact of environmental toxins on wildlife, and established in-the-field medical care for the mountain gorillas of Rwanda. We also fight wildlife health crises, with support from our Betty White Wildlife Rapid Response Fund.

Developing an Early Pregnancy Test for Species Conservation

Researchers will investigate an early indicator of pregnancy and use this new information to develop a pregnancy test for African lions, dama gazelle and maned wolf. This new test could be adapted for use in other species and will enhance assisted-reproductive techniques for vulnerable and endangered animals, critical for wildlife welfare and conservation.

Researchers Find California Sea Lions with Greater Genetic Diversity are More Susceptible to Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a deadly bacterial disease that affects a wide variety of animals, including marine mammals. In sea lions, it can cause dysfunction of the kidneys and liver, which results in dehydration, vomiting, stranding and death. Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers have shown that California sea lions with more genetic diversity are less likely to recover from leptospirosis.

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