Gorillas' Gut Health: A Zoo Dilemma

Gorillas in U. S. zoos are facing a serious health issue. Cardiometabolic disease, a big problem for these animals, is linked to changes in their gut bacteria. Scientists studied fecal samples from 57 gorillas across various zoos and wild habitats. They found that gorillas in U. S. zoos have the most varied gut bacteria. This variety isn't good news. It's tied to higher protein and carbohydrate fermentation, which might be bad for their health. The study compared gorillas in U. S. zoos with those in European zoos and wild gorillas in Central Africa. The results were surprising. Gorillas in U. S. zoos had unique gut bacteria traits. These traits included lower metabolism of certain amino acids and sugars, and higher levels of potential harmful bacteria. The gorillas also produced less of certain beneficial compounds, like butyrate and propionate. What's going on? The diet and environment in U. S. zoos might be causing these changes. This could be a big clue to solving the mystery of why gorillas in U. S. zoos are getting sick. The study used machine learning to find these patterns. This shows how technology can help us understand animal health better. The findings suggest that the way gorillas' diets and environments are managed in zoos could be a key factor. The study highlights the importance of understanding gut health in animals. This could lead to better care and healthier lives for gorillas in captivity.