Zoo and Aquarium Radiology Database

The Zoo and Aquarium Radiology Database (ZARD) is a collaborative, online veterinary imaging resource that provides access to high-quality X-rays and CT scans from over 500 animal species. Based at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, the ZARD brings together diagnostic imaging from leading zoological institutions across the United States.

The ZARD is a centralized radiology database designed for veterinarians, researchers, and animal health professionals working with zoo, aquarium, wildlife, and aquatic species. By housing diagnostic images in one accessible platform, the ZARD helps clinicians compare anatomy across species and improve diagnostic accuracy for complex cases.

This shared resource supports:

• Zoo and aquarium veterinary medicine

• Wildlife health and conservation

• Comparative anatomy and research

Diagnosing disease in non-domestic species can be challenging due to limited reference imaging. The ZARD addresses this gap by making peer-contributed diagnostic imaging available to professionals who care for animals under human care and in conservation settings.

The database enhances:

• Early disease detection

• Treatment planning

• Cross-institutional collaboration

• Training of students, interns, residents, and radiologists

Diagnostic imaging for more than 500 species was primarily contributed by ZARD’s seven leadership partners:

• Brookfield Zoo Chicago

• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

• Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

• Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment

• Saint Louis Zoo

• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

• Wildlife Conservation Society

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (MG-249218-OMS-21).

The Great Ape Heart Project is dedicated to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular disease in great apes. By coordinating cardiac-related research and establishing standardized approaches to cardiovascular health, we aim to improve the quality of life and longevity of great apes. Through global collaboration among zoos, research institutions, and sanctuaries, we foster a unified community committed to sharing knowledge and enhancing veterinary care for great apes under human care.

The ZooMu Network is funded by an NSF Research Coordination Networks Grant (RCN) to build a lasting network of biological collections staff who are equipped to work between collection types, and will open broad new opportunities for biological collections research by linking living and preserved collections, databases, and professionals.

By providing otherwise difficult-to-access diagnostic references, ZARD supports evidence-based veterinary care that enhances zoo and aquarium animal wellbeing, strengthens global wildlife conservation, and advances veterinary and comparative medical research.