Thermal Neutral Zone Monitoring at the Brookfield Zoo John Kanzia Environmental quality manager Chicago zoological society/Brookfield zoo

History Concept and methods developed by USDA’s APHIS Division in partnership with Biophysicist Dr. Vaughan Langman, PhD Early work done with elephants Kit and spreadsheet calculator developed to offer zoos the opportunity to monitor collections, and in effect, self-regulate Biophysics workshop in Chicago in 2005 spurred CZS to invest $5K in a kit

Thermal Neutral Zone Kit IR Thermometer Pyranometer Pocket Weather Meter

The gadgets Long-range IR Thermometer with Scope Pocket Weather Meter 105:1 distance to spot ratio (at 105 feet, looking at a 1-foot diameter spot) Able to switch between °F and °C Able to change Emissivity value if needed for different types of materials Pocket Weather Meter Measures, wind speed, temperature (standard temp, wind chill, heat index, dew point, and wet bulb), relative humidity, and barometric pressure) 3 customizable User Screens for most-used parameters Pyranometer Measures longwave radiation from all directions 15-second average for no-hassle spot-check Zoned Spreadsheet Calculator

Taking a Measurement Using scope, take and record enclosure temperatures (right wall, left wall, floor, and ceiling – you need at least 3 Using scope, take measurements of animal (head, side, back rump) – you need at least 3 Record ambient weather conditions with the pocket weather meter Record longwave radiation with Pyranometer

The actual calculations

The simplified calculation Heat Gain = Heat Loss Mb + Qa = Qr Mb = metabolic heat Qa = heat gain from longwave radiation Qr = heat loss from animal’s surface If heat gain > heat loss, animal is hot If heat gain < heat loss, animal is cold Up to 30% either way is allowed, >30% is cause for action

Usda Zoned Spreadsheet Calculator

So how much does all this stuff cost??? IR Thermometer with scope - $3,341.00 from Cole Parmer Instrument Co. Kestrel 5000 Pocket Weather Meter - $259.00 from Forestry Suppliers Li-Cor 200R/LI-250A Combo - $790.00 from Li-Cor Scientific Pelican Case - $262.53 from VWR Scientific