VIEW - Veterinary Initiative for Endangered Wildlife

18/02/2025

Elk braving a cold winter day 🦌❄️

Photo credit:

17/02/2025

One possible explanation for this mass die-off is the presence of disease, toxins, or pollutants. This tragic event highlights the urgent need for robust systems to investigate causes of death, process biological samples in laboratories, and secure accurate diagnoses. Only with a clear understanding of what’s killing these creatures can we devise effective strategies to protect them.

The mass death of once-endangered olive ridley turtles in January has prompted an increase in wildlife patrols and a crackdown on fishing boats

14/02/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Jennifer Yu on being awarded a 2-year Wildlife Health Training Fellowship funded by Morris Animal Foundation oundation. This fellowship supports her research on Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) as part of her PhD in Wildlife Epidemiology at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine vis School of Veterinary Medicine. Since EEHV is the leading cause of death among young elephant calves in western zoos, her project aims to better understand the impact and epidemiology of EEHV in select Asian elephant range countries, addressing a critical gap in knowledge and diagnostic capacity.

About the project: In collaboration with on-the-ground NGOs for in-country project implementation, blood samples will be collected from semi-managed Asian elephants and calves for EEHV serology, along with f***l samples from wild elephants for EEHV PCR analysis. The overarching goals are to enhance our understanding of the seroprevalence and impact of EEHV, identify the timing of seroconversion in at-risk calves, and apply epidemiological approaches to understand risk factors for developing this disease.

Additionally, the project will utilize VIEW’s Wildlife Health Information System to digitize historic medical records and create a comprehensive health database for this semi-managed elephant population. This study was made possible with the Support from Morris Animal Foundation.

12/02/2025

New viral variants are of particular concern for for people as it has already caused one mortality and one very serious illness. If the new administration is not vigilant to stymie its spread, very serious consequences can occur. Communication is vital in the face of a disease outbreak.

The strain of bird flu is distinct from what has previously been found in dairy cattle. The finding raises some worrying questions — and concerns over the Trump administration's muted response.

10/02/2025

We’re happy to announce our newest scholarship recipient: Emmanuel Nyandwi and Emmanuel Tuyishime! With support from Conservation Nation onservation Nation, these two dedicated veterinary students are being awarded scholarships by VIEW and the University of Rwanda to research antimicrobial resistance in elephants and rhinoceroses.

This study will shed light on how AMR impacts wildlife health and guide conservation strategies for these species. We’re proud to support their journey toward becoming leaders in wildlife veterinary medicine and can’t wait to see the impact of their emerging research.

Read more about their project here: https://www.viewildlife.org/post/view-and-the-university-of-rwanda-award-scholarships-to-two-rising-wildlife-vet-leaders

We're proud to announce scholarship awards to two deserving young veterinary students: Mr. Emmanuel Nyandwi and Mr. Emmanuel Tuyishime.

30/01/2025

Citizen Zoo hosted the 2025 Rewilding Conference in Cambridge on January 17–18, marking a significant milestone since its 2019 Rewilding Symposium. Over the past few years, rewilding, the process of restoring ecosystems to their natural states and promoting wildlife population growth has gained worldwide recognition. The conference posed an important question: where will rewilding go in the coming decades?

Held in the world-renowned David Attenborough Building at the University of Cambridge, the two-day event featured leading voices in ecological restoration and conservation, including VIEW’s founder, Dr. Deborah McCauley. More than 450 participants attended—from industry professionals, academics, and landowners to representatives from NGOs, government bodies, and the private sector. In addition to expert presentations, attendees could take part in networking events, workshops, panel discussions, and more.

Reflecting on the conference, Dr. McCauley commented: “In a world where human populations and their domestic and agricultural animals have grown exponentially, wildlife faces significant challenges, including habitat loss, population decline, and climate change. In order to preserve endangered species, we must adopt innovative measures such as the rewilding and reintroduction programs showcased at the 2025 Rewilding Conference. However, for any rewilding initiative to be successful, we also need to include comprehensive health strategies as an integral part of the effort. Otherwise we might risk losing the very animals we want to save.”

Learn more about the conference here: https://sites.google.com/citizenzoo.org/2025rewildingconference

From January 17-18th, Citizen Zoo are hosting the 2025 Rewilding Conference in Cambridge. In the years since the 2019 Rewilding Symposium, the sector has expanded and transformed dramatically, with more rewilding widely recognised and gaining traction across the planet. Now, as nature recovery

27/01/2025

We’re excited to share our 2024 Annual Report! Over the past year, we’ve made a great impact on projects across three continents. With the help of our supporters and partners, we’ve achieved a truly global reach—from empowering young women in the Greater Yellowstone and Africa to facilitating gibbon conservation efforts in Asia.

We also expanded training for veterinarians, refined our data tools for better decision-making, and formed new partnerships with communities and conservation organizations worldwide. Our vets participated in and led numerous workshops, training, and seminars, laying the groundwork for sustainable wildlife health programs.

In 2024, we launched two major initiatives: the East Africa Center for Wildlife Health in Kenya and the Gibbon Health and Rehabilitation Project. Thank you to everyone who supported us last year, we look forward to continuing these efforts in the year ahead!

Read the full report:https://www.viewildlife.org/_files/ugd/c81c07_a514ad5a95d34c01a830c413ecd3b982.pdf

14/01/2025

Gibbons in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya face multiple threats—from deforestation and illegal wildlife trade to hunting for bushmeat and electrocution from power lines. Yet, they hold deep cultural and ecological importance. As seed dispersers, they help maintain healthy forests and mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration. For centuries, the Garo people have protected gibbons through ‘asi namja,’ a strict ban on harming them, believing that breaking this taboo invites curses on the land.

Despite these cultural bans and wildlife laws, gibbons remain vulnerable. The HURO Programme works to reverse their decline by enforcing protections, rescuing illegally kept gibbons, and restoring them to the wild. Their efforts blend traditional beliefs, legal action, and scientific conservation to help protect India’s only non-human ape.

Learn more about these initiatives and Garo traditions in this StoryMap by IUCN Section on Small Apes → https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7c4001863dad423ab72bb92959b11e62

Sharing the traditional stories of the singing, swinging small apes

02/01/2025

This is absolutely heartbreaking news, and it serves as a stark reminder of how crucial it is to keep a close watch on bird flu and its devastating impacts. Our hearts go out to everyone at the sanctuary who is mourning these incredible animals.

03/12/2024

This Giving Tuesday, your impact can be doubled! A generous donor is matching gifts up to $25K, meaning every dollar you give will go twice as far.

At VIEW, we’re tackling wildlife health challenges through training, innovative research, and policy advocacy to protect habitats for wildlife, people, and domestic animals.

From mentoring students in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to researching wildlife diseases in Africa, your donation helps us improve the health of wildlife populations—and create a healthier planet for all.

Give Now → https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/pJFgIvm7HYhIXk6e7f-SqQ

28/11/2024

This season, we’re incredibly grateful for each of you—our supporters, partners, and team members—who make our mission to protect wildlife and empower conservationists possible. Your dedication and generosity drive real change for some of the world’s most critical species and ecosystems.

Together, we’re creating a future where wildlife thrives, and communities are strengthened. Thank you for being part of our VIEW family.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful Thanksgiving!

Warm regards,
Dr. McCauley & the VIEW Team

27/11/2024

Dr. Rutagengwa is leading a baseline study to assess the potential exposure risk of pesticides to wildlife, including elephants and rhinos, in Akagera National Park. As farming expands around the park, chemicals used in agriculture often make their way into the park's waterways, like Lake Ihema, putting wildlife—such as elephants, rhinos, and vultures—at risk of exposure. This research is made possible thanks to the invaluable support from our partners Conservation Nation and Yale University .

Read more about the study in our latest blog --> https://www.viewildlife.org/post/dr-rutagengwa-investigates-pesticides-exposure-risks-in-akagera-national-park

Dr. Charline Rutagengwa, is leading a study on pesticide exposure in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park (ANP).

19/11/2024

Mark your calendars for Giving Tuesday on December 3rd! Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’re excited to share a special matching gift opportunity:

💚 $50,000 for the Greater Yellowstone Project

💙 $10,000 for the East Africa Health Center Project

💛 $50,000 for the General Fund

Every dollar you give will be matched, supporting our work to protect endangered species like Yellowstone’s grizzly bears and Kenya’s black rhinos.

Save the date or donate early using the link below—let’s make a lasting difference together!

07/11/2024

Recap: The 2024 Gibbon Husbandry, Health, & Conservation Conference in Malaysia brought together veterinarians, rehabilitators, and husbandry experts to address critical health challenges facing endangered gibbons. VIEW was represented by Drs. Dawn Zimmerman and Jennifer Yu.

A conference highlight was the donation of two microscopes and accompanying supplies to the Gibbon Conservation Society, along with an additional microscope from Project AnimalAid for the Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center, to support their gibbon rehabilitation efforts. Dr. Zimmerman and Dr. Yu also led a Gibbon Health Working Group workshop on standardized protocols for gibbon health.

Conferences like this help push our mission forward by strengthening collaboration among gibbon centers and addressing knowledge gaps in gibbon medicine and welfare.

Read the full conference recap on our website: https://www.viewildlife.org/post/recap-2024-gibbon-husbandry-health-conservation-conference-in-raub-malaysia

The Gibbon Husbandry, Health, & Conservation Conference convened in Raub, Pahang, Malaysia

30/10/2024

Catch up on all the latest with VIEW’s October newsletter!

This fall, VIEW’s conservation work is in full swing! Giving Tuesday is right around the corner, making it a perfect time to support our mission. We also have a brand-new brochure highlighting our projects across three continents—check it out and learn how VIEW is making a difference.

Stay connected and subscribe for more updates: https://viewildlife.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=38d8a9fd6fa2f083ddddf3d18&id=cb7bf47161

Check out past newsletters here: https://www.viewildlife.org/newsletters

As the seasons change and we move deeper into fall, we’re reminded of the vital work we do at VIEW to protect endangered wildlife across the

22/10/2024

Avian flu has devastated wildlife, with over 280 million birds dead since October 2021. But it’s not just birds—fur seals, elephant seals, and penguins in the Antarctic have been affected, and more than 20,000 South American sea lions died this year. The virus has now spread to US cattle and even humans.

Understanding these disease dynamics and increasing surveillance is critical to protecting both wildlife and people. At VIEW, we’re committed to tackling these emerging threats.

Learn more about this evolving crisis in The Guardian’s article ➡️ https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/sep/04/forgotten-epidemic-with-over-280-million-birds-dead-how-is-the-avian-flu-outbreak-evolving

New data reveals the virus has spread to endangered species in Antarctica – yet the H5N1’s risk to biodiversity, farming and human health is little explored

16/10/2024

At the edge of Yellowstone National Park, the cougar waits in silence.
©️ 2024 Vernon Smith

08/10/2024

As Avian Influenza sweeps across the planet, endangered wildlife are particularly vulnerable. Tigers, polar bears, and elephant seals are just a few examples of mammals that have died from this global epizootic (a pandemic affecting animals).

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bird-flu-deaths-tigers-lions-panther-vietnam-zoos-state-media/

The World Health Organization says there have been increasing reports of deadly outbreaks among mammals caused by influenza viruses, including H5N1.