Zoo Miami’s adult male lowland gorilla, “J.J.” was anaesthetized Thursday to undergo a cardiac exam. (Source: Zoo Miami/Ron Magill)
JJ Exam a
The 475-pound great ape was examined by Dr. Alan Schwartz, a human cardiologist who performed the echocardiogram. The entire procedure was supervised by Zoo Miami Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Chriss Miller and Associate Veterinarian Dr. Meredith Persky. (Source: Zoo Miami/Ron Magill)
JJ Exam c
As part of the exam, the 33-year old patriarch received vaccinations, had his blood drawn, his blood pressure taken and underwent an echocardiogram as well as an electrocardiogram. (Source: Zoo Miami/Ron Magill)
JJ Exam b
In addition to being part of an overall preventative medicine program, all of the procedures that were done are part of a long term study designed to better understand ongoing problems that J.J. has had with hypertension. (Source: Zoo Miami/Ron Magill)
JJ Exam e
Initial results indicate that other than the need to lose a little weight, J.J.’s cardiac condition is good and the doctors were pleased with what they saw. (Source: Zoo Miami/Ron Magill)