The efficient heart rate monitoring feature of the Apple Watch appears to extend beyond humans and can be used on animals as well. A conservation veterinarian found that wrapping an Apple Watch around the tongue of a sedated lion could effectively monitor its heart rate.
An Australian wildlife veterinarian, Dr. Chloe Buiting, discovered this functionality. A recent Instagram video showcased an anesthetized lion with an Apple Watch secured to its tongue. Dr. Buiting explained how the Apple Watch is aiding conservation vets in monitoring these powerful animals during medical procedures.
Innovative Use in Wildlife Conservation
The idea to use an Apple Watch on a sedated lion to track its heart rate was initially proposed by wildlife conservation vets Dr. Fabiola Quesada and Dr. Brendan Tindall. The smartwatch's utility isn't limited to lions; it has also been employed on other animals, including elephants. Dr. Buiting noted that the watch was taped to the elephant's ears, providing accurate heart rate readings.
The Instagram video, posted by user jungle_doctor, emphasizes the blend of technology and conservation. The post points out that this innovation is crucial because one of the major challenges in fieldwork with animals is monitoring anesthesia without the extensive equipment available in hospital settings. Furthermore, many monitoring devices are designed for smaller animals, which can compromise accuracy when used on larger or furrier animals.
Unintended Yet Beneficial Use
The discovery of this unexpected capability highlights the increasing role of technology in addressing challenges faced by wildlife conservationists. Apple has not released an official statement regarding the impressive use of their device. It remains unclear which model of the Apple Watch was used, though all models are equipped with heart rate monitoring features.
