If you have ever stepped into a park in Australia, you may have seen the cute little monkeys. They are so adorable and have such big personalities. But did you know that there are some monkeys that have down syndrome? The good news is, there are many species that have this condition.
Chimpanzees
A chimpanzee with a genetic disorder similar to Down syndrome has been identified. The chimp, Kanako, is being housed separately from other chimps at a Japanese wildlife facility. She was born in captivity in 1992 and had stunted growth. Her teeth were underdeveloped.
Kanako was found to have three copies of chromosome 22. Trisomy 22 is associated with congenital heart disease. This chromosomal disorder stunts chimpanzee growth. It is also found in humans and other apes.
Scientists at Kyoto University in Japan have confirmed that a chimpanzee, Kanako, has a trisomy 22 chromosomal defect. Researchers are not sure how common this condition is among chimps in general.
Kanako was first studied at the Kumamoto Sanctuary and Wildlife Research Center. When she was 156 days old, Kanae, her mother, was separated from her. After her separation, Kanako was hand raised by human staff.
Once she was returned to her mother, Kanae did not take care of her. They were reunited in four days. By then, anesthesia had worn off, and Kanae bit her tongue.
Kanako has partial blindness due to progressive thinning of her corneas. She has crossed eyes and underdeveloped teeth. Her caretakers did not know that she had a chromosomal defect.
In addition to the chromosomal defect, Kanako has congenital heart disease and underdeveloped teeth. She is the second chimpanzee to be diagnosed with this chromosomal abnormality.
However, there are many animals, including gorillas, cats, and tigers, that do not have this chromosomal problem. While there is no definitive proof, it is likely that it is caused by a genetic mutation.
Until the condition is fully understood, researchers are not sure how to help Kanako. Kanako is being housed at Kyoto University, where she is allowed periodic interaction with a female. These interactions encourage social stimulation.
Elephants
A number of elephants with Down syndrome have been used in research. While the program is expensive, it has been proven to make a difference. Its benefits include a significant increase in balance control and the reduction of maladaptive behaviour.
One such study took place at the University of Chiang Mai. Participants were divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group. The former participated in regular school activities while the latter received animal-assisted therapy twice a week for two months.
The elephants used in the study were selected for their large size, empathetic disposition, and a tendency to be tolerant. They were also considered to have the best chance of attracting and retaining the attention of autistic children.
The programme consisted of intensive treatment for seven hours a day. Each session was designed to give participants a meaningful experience with an elephant. Activities included feeding and bathing, as well as playing games with peers.
Using motorized elephants for therapy has been shown to improve balance and motor planning. In addition, elephants have been found to have positive effects on social and sensory skills.
Several other studies have been conducted with animal-assisted therapy. The results have generally been good, but long-term studies with children from different backgrounds are needed to develop a strong research framework.
Although animals with Down syndrome are common, there are a number of other species that can benefit from this type of treatment. There are many types of therapy animals, including dogs and cats. However, most people do not have easy access to African and Asian elephants.
Animal-assisted therapy has been proven to be a boon for children with autism. Elephants offer a number of advantages that can help improve balance, motor planning, and visual motor integration.
Lions
Are lions with Down syndrome a thing? There are some out there, but they are rare. However, there are cats and monkeys that exhibit similar feats. In addition, there are genetically engineered mice that have a down syndrome-like condition.
Some animals, such as the tiger, show off the best of both worlds. They have a very long life span, but they are also able to display some pretty impressive brain power. Their size is not the issue, but they do have some weird body shapes.
A good example of this is Kenny the tiger. The tiger had a face that was similar to those with Down’s Syndrome. He was rescued from an unethical breeder in 2002. His parents were siblings forced into inbreeding. This caused Kenny’s ginormous face, which he never fully grew out of.
Another example of the tiger showcasing its best features is the one-of-a-kind white tiger. These animals are bred to produce a very distinctive fur pattern. Tigers have an average lifespan of over twenty years in captivity.
It is not known if any tiger has Down’s, but there are plenty of animal with down’s symptoms. Unlike humans, they are not given prenatal testing to make sure that they do not carry it. If they do, it is very unlikely they will survive.
Animals with Down’s may not have the best genetic makeup. However, they can still be affected by the disorder. For example, giraffes and cats can suffer from a shortened height. As well, cats can experience reduced mental capacities, even without a Down’s condition.
There is, of course, no way to guarantee that an animal with a down’s-like condition will survive, but they can still enjoy the benefits of having the condition.
Spotted hyenas
Spotted hyenas are socially organized animals, living in large groups, with females running the show. They are also fiercely loyal to their packs.
The spotted hyena’s social structure is composed of several matrilines of natal females. These matrilines are arranged in a strict linear hierarchical structure. Each clan is made up of up to 90 individuals.
During the first two years of life, juveniles of both sexes assume the complete social network of their mothers. However, the social rank of the mother is not a factor in the reproductive success of a juvenile.
Females dominate males in most species. This may be because females are physically larger than their male counterparts, and thus, they have a greater opportunity to win fights. Moreover, females usually bear litters of one or two cubs.
It is important to study how the social rank of the mother affects the success of a female spotted hyena. One reason is that reproductive success is dependent on the priority of access to food resources. Rank is also influenced by the social support that the adult female receives from her pack.
If there is a female spotted hyena who is more dominant than the rest, she is more likely to take multiple partners, which can further reinforce her dominance. In addition, she is more aggressive and has a higher chance of winning fights against other adult females.
As a result of their aggressive behavior, spotted hyenas are capable of catching and killing animals that are much larger than themselves. While this has not been shown to have an evolutionary origin, it appears to have emerged as a result of group living.
Another explanation for spotted hyenas’s tendency to live in large groups is that their food resources are limited. When there is food scarcity, their food supply diminishes, and they spend a lot of time alone. Therefore, they can gain benefits from large subgroups during cooperative defense of their resources.
Koalas
Koalas, also known as dumbirrbi, are arboreal herbivorous marsupials that live in the forests of Australia. They are among the largest tree-dwelling marsupials.
Males are typically about 50 percent larger than females. Adult males weigh between six and eight kilograms. Throughout their lives, they consume around 500 grams of leaves per day. Their diet includes a variety of eucalyptus leaves, as well as bark and sinew.
Females give birth once every two years. The gestation period is 35 days. Once the joey is born, they remain in the pouch for six months. After 12 months, they are weaned.
Adult koalas are known to be very territorial. They use their scent gland on their chest to mark trees. This is done by rubbing their chest up and down the trunk of the tree.
The genetic makeup of koalas helps them to survive in colder climates. Their fur is thick and furry, which keeps them warm.
Koalas are considered to be endangered and the Australian government has made efforts to protect them. However, they are threatened by bushfires, disease, and loss of habitat.
In the future, there is a need to develop better field tracking devices to monitor koalas. There are also efforts to research vaccines for chlamydiosis, the main disease that plagues koalas.
The koala is one of the most iconic animals in Australia. These adorable creatures are found only in the country. While their numbers are increasing, they are still vulnerable to threats. If you want to support the koala, you can do so by writing to federal members. You can also help by promoting awareness about koalas in your local newspapers.
A group of Queensland veterinary ecologists is working to improve the health of koalas. They are also looking into ways to speed up testing.