CT for Conservation:

What happens when you look beneath the surface?

Last month, our mobile imaging team had the privilege of supporting the Animal Care team at Colchester Zoo for a full day of advanced CT imaging.

The visit formed part of Colchester Zoological Society’s commitment to delivering exceptional standards of animal care, using this state-of-the-art diagnostic tool to better understand the health of the extraordinary animals in their care. By bringing our mobile CT scanner directly to the zoo, imaging could take place in familiar surroundings for their animals, minimising stress and the need for transportation.

Our team met and scanned a fascinating variety of species throughout the day, including some rather unusual ones! These included: two aardvarks (Indie and Roo), red panda (Liwei), ring-tailed lemur (Rolo), buff-headed capuchin (Wicket), giant anteater (Furai), a Philippine spotted deer (Bongat), two sloths (Tucuri & Calypso) and a vulture (Hyde).

Watch the video below for a behind‑the‑scenes look at this remarkable CT scanning day.

Multiple Species, One Shared Goal: Detailed Insights

Each patient required a tailored approach, with species‑specific handling and positioning. Our veterinary-trained radiographer worked closely with the zoo’s animal care team and vets from the International Zoo Veterinary Group (IZVG) to ensure every scan was carried out calmly and efficiently, with animal welfare at the heart of every decision.

Advanced CT imaging provides highly detailed cross-sectional images. For those species that are experts at masking health concerns, this level of insight can be transformative, helping veterinary teams build a clearer picture of what is happening beneath the surface and enabling them to plan future care and treatment.

Angela Matthews, Animal Manager at Colchester Zoo, highlighted the value of the day:

“The CT scanning day was a huge success and very important for all the animals seen. It allows us to ensure the highest level of welfare is maintained and that our course of treatment for those animals is correct. It also allowed our team to experience the mobile imaging service to facilitate further visits in the future.”

Supporting Conservation Through Advanced Imaging

Advanced diagnostic imaging can play a significant role in zoological veterinary medicine. By enabling early detection of health conditions, accurate diagnoses, and informed treatment planning, it supports both long‑term animal welfare and wider species conservation programmes.

We wish the animals at Colchester Zoo all the best for their future!