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

2. 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

3. Thermal Neutral Zone Kit
IR Thermometer
Pyranometer
Pocket Weather
Meter

4. 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

5. 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

6. The actual calculations

7. 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

9. Usda Zoned Spreadsheet Calculator

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