RapportFondation_2026_V03 Pages LIGHT EN - Flipbook - Page 51
2025 REPORT
BELGIUM
©Luke Duncan
Observing without disturbing
New tools to monitor great apes
AMOUNT COMMITED TO DATE: WE CONTRIBUTE
THROUGH THE TIME AND COMMITMENT OF OUR TEAMS.
2025 > PRESENT
The Pairi Daiza Foundation supports an innovative research project focused on monitoring the health and wellbeing of Great apes in a completely non-invasive way, without direct contact or unnecessary stress for the animals.
Today, certain health checks still require sedation or physical restraint. This project explores gentler alternatives
using video and thermal imaging technology. Researchers can remotely analyse key indicators such as breathing
rate, heart rate, and body temperature.
At Pairi Daiza, an exceptional dataset has already been compiled, particularly for gorillas and orangutans. It is
considered one of the largest datasets of its kind for this type of research. Using advanced analytical techniques, the
images can be processed and validated with high precision. Initial results already show that reliable measurements
are possible when animals are calm and facing the camera.
In the long term, this research could lead to a fully automated monitoring system that continuously tracks the health
of Great apes, reducing invasive procedures and significantly improving their daily well-being.
©Luke Duncan
©Luke Duncan
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