Shark Hematology and Physiology: Integrating Ecological and Veterinary Approaches
The scalloped hammerhead shark is critically endangered, and data on their ecology, physiology, and habitat use is needed to improve management strategies. Our interdisciplinary team of field biologists and veterinary specialists are collaborating to gather critical baseline health data and develop improved tagging procedures. These data could improve and inform veterinary and field biology procedures for these endangered sharks worldwide.
Innovative tagging procedures
In collaboration with veterinary specialists trained in shark emergency medicine from the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Salt Lake City, Utah, we are developing and trialing new field procedures to reduce stress and post-release mortality in tagged individuals, including the use of massage and intravenous fluids. Juvenile hammerheads are particularly vulnerable to the stress of the tagging procedure.
The Elasmobranch Blood Project
Another key component of the project is our collaboration with AZA SAFE Elasmobranch Blood Project, a comprehensive initiative to establish critical baseline health data for shark species. The field of elasmobranch medicine is still in its infancy, and there is significant need in zoos and aquariums for baseline hematological values from wild populations. By creating the first comprehensive reference intervals for complete blood counts (CBCs) and blood chemistry values for scalloped hammerhead sharks, we are:
- Enabling veterinarians to better assess shark health in captivity
- Providing researchers with new physiological insights
Our Collaborators
Dr. James Ketchum
Director of Marine Conservation at Pelagios Kakunja
Dr. James Ketchum is Director of Marine Conservation, co-founder of Pelagios Kakunjá and President of its Board of Directors. He has studied sharks and migratory pelagic species since 1998 and holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from UC Davis.
Dr. Ari Fustukjian
Vice President of Zoological Operations, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Ari Fustukjian is a veterinary professional specializing in aquatic and exotic animal medicine, currently serving as Vice President of Zoological Operations at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. A Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine graduate, he is a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Fish Practice, with extensive research experience in elasmobranch reproduction. His scientific contributions include groundbreaking work on artificial insemination and parthenogenesis in whitespotted bamboo sharks.
Jennifer Edgel
Hospital Manager/Veterinary Technician, CVT at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
A dedicated wildlife professional with a comprehensive background in zoological and veterinary sciences, Jennifer Edgel holds a Zoology degree from Weber State University with a focus on Wildlife Conservation and Ecology. Her extensive experience spans diverse roles including wildlife research technician, veterinary technician, and current Hospital Manager at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, where she supports medical care for a complex living collection.