Siku, a polar bear at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, started showing signs of allergies in 2018. He exhibited hair loss and skin irritation, prompting veterinary staff to investigate potential causes. Kathryn Gamble, the zoo's director of veterinary medicine, suspected allergies and conducted skin tests on Siku, which revealed reactions to house mites, elm, mulberry, red cedar pollen, and notably, human hair dander.
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Allergies among zoo animals are increasingly recognized as treatable, similar to those in humans. Experts attribute the rise in allergies in both humans and animals to their environments. Animals raised in sanitized conditions—like pets and those in farms and zoos—are often less exposed to the microbes and parasites they normally encounter in the wild, which may lead to an overactive immune response. Annette Petersen, a veterinary dermatologist, noted, "The numbers in dogs and cats have definitely gone up," and speculated that the same trend could be true for zoo animals, although research in this area is lacking.
Symptoms of allergies can vary significantly among species. While humans often experience respiratory issues like sneezing and watery eyes, many animals display symptoms through their skin, such as itching and rashes. Andrew Rosenberg, a veterinary dermatologist, highlighted issues in animals like cats and dogs, where scratching, hair loss, and repeated ear infections are common.
Observations suggest that captive animals might develop allergies due to their well-cared-for environments. Frequent cleaning and reduced exposure to outdoor conditions could alter their immune systems, making allergies more prevalent in human-altered settings compared to their wild counterparts.
Research indicates that animals raised in more natural environments might have fewer allergies. For instance, a comparison between Amish and Hutterite children found that those exposed to traditional farming practices had significantly lower allergy rates, emphasizing the role of microbial exposure in immune regulation.
Siku's move to Chicago two years prior to his allergy diagnosis may also have contributed to his sensitivity. Other factors, such as climate change, which affects pollen levels and seasons, could be influencing the rise in allergies among pets and zoo animals. Rosenberg noted a trend of increasing severity in allergies.
To address Siku's condition, veterinary staff administered a treatment regime similar to allergy shots used for humans, gradually introducing him to small amounts of allergens. This approach significantly reduced his allergic responses, as confirmed by follow-up tests. The treatment involved mixing these allergens with organic honey, which facilitated absorption.
As research into allergies continues, experts are hopeful that findings applicable to humans may also enhance understanding and treatment for zoo animals, potentially leading to new methods for maintaining their health.