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Vitamin D3 synthesis in black rhinos through exposure to sunlight is an ongoing research topic. To support this research, this project aims to track the degree of exposure to artifical UVB lighting of rhinos under human care during specially scheduled UVB exposure sessions managed by the caretakers. By combining footage from various cameras, the position of each rhino is tracked and reconstructed as a surface used to determine the degree of light absorption, which is recorded in a daily register. Additionally, the indoor and outdoor movements of the rhinos are tracked throughout the day to account for their exposure to natural sunlight. This UV-exposure register directly supports a concurrent research project in veterinary analysis carried out on the same animals, which includes the measurement of vitamin D3 levels through blood tests.

Project leader

Sander Snoeck, MSc student Game and Media Technology

Academic supervisors

Prof. dr. R.C. (Remco) Veltkamp, Stephan Lugthart (Animal Welfare Officer, Diergaarde Blijdorp - Rotterdam Zoo)

Other partners

Diergaarde Blijdorp - Rotterdam Zoo