Melissa Hanson, third year DVM student, worked with chimpanzees at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Republic of Congo this summer. Through Engaged Cornell and the Jane Goodall Institute, Hanson analyzed behavior and social interactions of the chimpanzees, conducted wellness exams, and also developed a body condition score (BCS) system for chimpanzees that will allow caregivers in the future to monitor nutrition and well-being in a non-invasive manner.

She tells her story in WildLIFE, a new, student-run resource for prospective applicants and current veterinary students to share and learn about the amazing opportunities in zoo and wildlife medicine at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

WildLIFE: Chimpanzee Medicine in the Republic of Congo