Fossil Rim Wildlife Center’s scimitar-horned oryx (SHO) herd helps answer important research questions often contributing directly to the conservation of the species in the wild. Right now, veterinarians at Fossil Rim are studying the anesthetic combination butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine (BAM®) in SHO, as there is a lack of published research on this combination in antelope. So far the combo provides quick, safe immobilization in this species, without any major complications. These study animals needed to be moved out of the herd for management purposes, and since they required anesthesia for the move anyway, they are spending just a few more minutes under anesthesia to provide some much-needed information. Vets are collecting serial parameters such as heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, direct blood pressure and blood gas values, as well as milestones such as time to recumbency post darting, and time to standing after reversal drugs are given. Muscle relaxation and quality of induction and overall anesthesia are also rated and recorded. This information will help other veterinarians choose an appropriate and safe protocol when considering SHO anesthesia.

Every year Red Wolf experts across the country convene to discuss plans for the critically endangered mammal and the only wolf exclusively found in the USA. “It’s a great meeting, bringing together not only the ex-situ managers of Red Wolves, but also the in-situ USFWS team, and a multitude of organizations that are working hard to reintroduce and preserve the Red Wolf” says Adam Eyres, C2S2 Interim Executive Director. Adam attended this year’s meeting in Saint Louis, Missouri and is able to give us a behind-the-scenes look at the meeting.