As one of the foremost of its kind, the Calgary Zoo Wilder Institute, Canada, is committed to providing the highest welfare standards for its animal residents, ensuring that their habitats closely mimic natural environments. One of the critical aspects of this commitment is maintaining optimal water quality in enclosure ponds, which directly impacts the health and well-being of aquatic and semi-aquatic species. To achieve this, the zoological research institute has implemented the Proteus multiparameter sensor system, a cutting-edge real-time water quality monitoring solution.
Maintaining clean and healthy water in animal enclosures requires continuous monitoring of multiple parameters, including oxygen levels, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), turbidity, and the presence of coliform bacteria. Traditional water testing methods involve manual sampling and laboratory analysis, which can be time-consuming, labour-intensive, and reactive rather than proactive.
Without real-time data, zoo staff faced challenges in detecting water quality issues promptly, leading to the risk of habitat deterioration, animal health concerns, and increased maintenance efforts. On the ground, staff feel less anxious and more in control of the conditions required to ensure critically endangered species have the best chance of preservation.Â
Keepers receive real-time alerts if any parameter deviates from the optimal range, allowing them to take immediate corrective actions, such as adjusting filtration, increasing aeration, or performing water treatments. Significant future savings in the consumables used in regular sampling and lab tests will provide extra capital for system upgrades and optimised water treatment.
By leveraging Proteus real-time water quality monitoring, the Calgary Zoo Wilder Institute has strengthened its commitment to animal welfare and environmental stewardship. This innovative technology allows the zoo to proactively manage water quality, ensure optimal living conditions for its animals, and set new standards in zoo habitat management. The successful deployment of Proteus demonstrates how cutting-edge water monitoring solutions can revolutionise habitat maintenance, providing a model for other zoological institutions worldwide.
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