The Great Ape Heart Project

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in great apes that are managed in zoological institutions. The impact of CVD on captive great ape populations is concerning and detection can be difficult because of the lack of definitive clinical signs prior to death. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the efforts of the Great Ape Heart Project ( GAHP ) and current understanding of CVD in captive great apes, and outline the key considerations for assessing and treating CVD in these populations.