Caring from the Heart: Little Rock Zoo's Role in the Great Ape Heart Project

(Little Rock – February 6, 2025) At the Little Rock Zoo, our work goes beyond providing a space for people to visit and learn about animals. Behind the scenes, we’re deeply involved in research, conservation, and innovative care that benefits wildlife both locally and globally.

Today, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the important work we do and highlighting one of the many ways zoos contribute to research and conservation of species with our participation in the Great Ape Heart Project (GAHP).

The GAHP is a collaborative effort focused on addressing heart disease—the leading health issue affecting gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and bonobos in human care. This joint effort allows experts from zoos, veterinarians, and researchers around the globe to work together to better understand, diagnose, and treat cardiovascular disease in great apes. Zoos like ours play a vital role in this initiative by contributing medical data, performing heart health evaluations, and helping to shape care standards that improve the lives of great apes everywhere.

Behind the Scenes: How Zoos Advance Science

What many people may not realize is that modern zoos are hubs of research and collaboration. The Little Rock Zoo is proud to participate in several projects including our work with the GAHP that benefit animals in both human care and in the wild. Our veterinary team has conducted echocardiograms—specialized ultrasound imaging of the heart—on several of our great ape residents.

These procedures allow us to monitor heart health, catch early signs of disease, and ensure that our apes receive care tailored to their specific needs. The data collected here is also shared with GAHP, contributing to a growing body of knowledge that helps improve care for great apes everywhere.

The Bigger Picture: Why Cardiovascular Health Matters

Just like with humans, cardiovascular disease is one of the leading health concerns for great apes, particularly as they age. By participating in the GAHP, zoos are not just responding to health challenges of the animals in their care—they’re driving research that could help save great apes worldwide.

As researchers better understand the factors contributing to heart disease in human care, they can apply that knowledge to conservation programs aimed at protecting wild great apes facing environmental stress, habitat loss, and other challenges.

Zoos as Research Leaders

Projects like the GAHP are a reminder that zoos are more than just places to see animals; they are centers for research, education, and conservation. From studying animal behavior to advancing veterinary care, zoos contribute to science in ways that the public may not always see. Every visit, membership, and donation support these efforts and helps create a brighter future for wildlife.