Pritzker Visiting Scientists Discuss Animal Behavior and Urban Habitats

Animal welfare scientist Shannon O’Brien and Urban Wildlife Institute Director Seth Magle presented at Morning Ex this week to discuss animal behavior and urban habitats, respectively, as part of this year’s 17th Annual Robert A. Pritzker Visiting Scientist•Inventor•Engineer in Residence, the Lincoln Park Zoo.  

O’Brien talked about animal welfare and the methods scientists use to determine how an animal feels and what it takes to make them happy. One way scientists capture this data is through ZooMonitor, an innovative app developed by the Lincoln Park Zoo used around the world to record animal behavior, visualize the information and export the data for shared analysis. This information helped with the redesign of the Zoo’s new lion exhibit and also led to the discovery that its penguins like to go for late-night swims! Now Zoo staff ensures the pool is accessible for the penguins’ enjoyment.

Magle then discussed his work for the Zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute, which studies the urban setting as an ecosystem and helps to minimize conflict between natural wildlife and urban development. Magle explained that the Zoo uses cameras and other technology to identify different species in urban settings tohelp influence policy and protections. 

“Animals belong here and they deserve a seat at the table,” Magle said. “They are citizens of Chicago just like you are.”

Prior to the Morning Ex, Upper School Advanced Biology students metwith the scientists to learn more about techniques to study animals in the field. Magle juxtaposed antiquated personal observational techniques with the latest Wi-Fi-enabled technology that provides the ability to capture animals in various urban habitats. O’Brien shared her use of old and new approaches in the field by using live traps to capture small animals and attaching  radio collars on them so scientists could learn more about their underground burrowing behaviors. This Biology class will continue to work with the Zoo throughout the year to help identify different species through cameras around the school. 

Scientists from the Zoo will return for a public evening event on Monday, April 29 in the Heller Auditorium. For more information and to register, please visit here. 

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