Research

Studies

Polar Bear De-Oiling Study (PI: Shannon Jensen, Alaska Zoo)

Polar Bear Fecal Metabolite Study (PI: Cincinnati CREW)

Characterizing Reproductive Cycles and Pregnancy in Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus): Assessment of Steroid Hormone Metabolites and Pregnancy Biomarkers in Urine

Katrina Knott, Ph.D., Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Conservation and Research Department, Memphis Zoo, Memphis, Tennessee

Andy Kouba, Ph.D., Director, Conservation and Research Department, Memphis Zoo, Memphis, Tennessee

Little is known about the reproductive physiology of polar bears. Relatively high mortality rates of cubs due to pregnancy loss and neonatal mortality is also of concern for both captive and wild populations. Urine is being collected from polar bears in North American zoos for non-invasive monitoring of reproductive hormones (i.e., metabolites of estrogens, progestagens, and testosterone) and an evaluation of potential pregnancy biomarkers (i.e., ceruloplasmin, prostaglandin, and cortisol). These data will be applicable to the conservation of both ex situ and in situ polar bear populations through characterization of reproductive events (i.e., optimal timing of breeding, implantation, pregnancy, and impending birth of cubs) as well as the concurrence of behavioral and physiological cues for successful breeding. Greater knowledge of the reproductive physiology of captive animals will also provide information regarding the timing and plasticity of reproductive events in free-ranging polar bears and insight into the potential causes of reproductive failures in declining populations.

Polar Bear Genetics Study

Past Studies

Polar Bear

Polar Bear Enrichment (Karen Cain, MS)
Factors Influencing Annual Fecal Testosterone Metabolite Profiles in Captive Male Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus)

Canadian Lynx

Red Backed Vole

Snow Leopard

Amur Tiger

Harbor Seal

Bear Proof Food Containers

Alaska Zoo Instutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

Beth Foglesong, Shannon Jensen, Terri Mitchell, Dr. Riley Wilson

Research Requests

Please send a study plan to Shannon Jensen, if interested we will request a full animal care form (if needed). Once approved we will arrange data collection with the primary investigator. If you have further questions please contact Shannon at 907-346-2133.