Henry Ascencio - Uganda
This summer I traveled to Entebbe, Uganda to work with captive African lions at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC). I chose Uganda for its rich biodiversity, wildlife, and beautiful culture. By networking with Global Programs and a student who had previously done her research at UWEC, I was able to get in touch with UWEC’s animal manager to begin a discussion on my own research project. UWEC is a zoo, rescue, and rehabilitation center which provides care to many wild African animals. The staff cares for a variety of species including African lions, white rhinos, African buffalo, shoe-bill storks, and many more!
My project focused on determining if there was an association between stereotypic behavior and intestinal parasite prevalence in captive African lions at UWEC. For my project, I collected behavioral observational data in the mornings and evenings, and was particularly interested in stereotypic behavior such as pacing and excessive grooming. I collected fecal samples from the lion’s overnight enclosures and analyzed them at UWEC’s laboratory using the simple flotation method. I worked alongside Jackson, the lab technician who helped me run my samples and identify parasites.
The results of my study showed the African lions at UWEC mostly doing stereotypic behavior in the evenings just before feeding. The only stereotypic behavior observed was pacing. I did detect gastrointestinal parasites in the fecal samples that had roundworm (Toxocara). Although I did not find a significant association between stereotypic behavior and intestinal parasites, this was an amazing learning experience. I learned how to develop an ethogram, collect behavioral data, and analyze fecal samples through this project.
Outside of my research project, I spent time with the staff and veterinarians at UWEC. I worked alongside Dr. James and Dr. Victor and did hands-on clinical experience with health checks, necropsies, and medicating wildlife species. I also got the opportunity to go into the field with Dr. Racheal to go on a monkey rescue. Through this experience, I got to practice loading a dart gun, calculating drugs, and coming up with a strategy for a successful capture. I also assisted the caretakers in husbandry duties in the primate, hoofstock, carnivore, avian, and reptile sections. The veterinarian and animal keepers were welcoming, respectful, and highly motivated to give the best care possible. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to see how the amazing veterinarians and animal keepers care for these animals at UWEC. This experience helped me realize the importance of international collaboration and solidified my goal to become a wildlife veterinarian in the future.
After my project was over, I left UWEC and traveled to the western region of Uganda with my fiancé, and visited five national parks. At Bwindi National Park I saw gorillas in the wild, a life-changing experience on its own. Through self-driving, we emersed ourselves in local foods and different tribal cultures, and saw breathtaking wild species like leopards, chimpanzees, chameleons, and many more.
My project was supported by Dr. Carly Moody, associate professor at UC Davis Animal Science Department, Dr. Patricia Conrad, former UC Davis faculty parasitologist and Dean of Global Programs, and Dr. James Watuwa, UWEC’s veterinarian. This amazing group of doctors enabled me to have an amazing experience, and I am very thankful to Global Programs for having made this opportunity possible.
