15 Fascinating Animal X-Rays From the Oregon Zoo

Ball Python X Ray

Ball Python

For zookeepers, there's nothing more important than the routine checkups their animals receive—and this often includes x-rays. These images can give useful insight into what's happening under the surface and allow caretakers to intervene in health situations immediately. At the Oregon Zoo, they're lucky enough to have state-of-the-art digital radiology equipment that makes their veterinary care world-class.

Thanks to a donation by the Banfield Pet Hospital in 2009, the zoo owns specialized tools that make x-rays much quicker and allows them to both archive and share the results more efficiently. For the animals, this means less time under anesthesia; and for the zoo's veterinarians, it means a quicker turnaround time for results. While the x-rays are vital to the staff at the zoo, they are also fascinating for anyone who is an animal lover. After all, how often do you get to see the inside of a beaver tail?

Over the past several years, the Oregon Zoo has generously shared some of its incredible x-rays and allowed the public a glimpse of these animals in a new way. From the foot of an Amur tiger to the long legs of a flamingo, it's incredible to see the anatomy of these animals up close.

The zoo, which is located in Portland, is home to over 2,500 animals—including 15 endangered species and seven threatened species. By opening themselves up and sharing their work, they've allowed the public to see the great care they take to ensure the health of each animal living at the zoo.

Check out more incredible animal x-rays from the Oregon Zoo.

Toucan X Ray

Toco Toucan

X Ray of a Beaver Tail

American Beaver

X Ray of an Amur Tiger's Foot

Amur Tiger

X Ray of a Chameleon

Meller's Chameleon

Rodrigues Flying Fox X Ray

Rodrigues Fruit Bat

Golden Eagle Animal X Ray

Golden Eagle

Cape Porcupine X Ray

Cape Porcupine

Gecko X Ray

Fat-tailed Gecko

Flamingo X Ray

Flamingo

Hedgehog X Ray

Hedgehog

X Ray of a Screech Owl

Screech Owl

Animal X-Rays from the Oregon Zoo

Tamandua

Dwarf Mongoose Skeleton

Dwarf Mongoose

Wolf Eel X Ray

Wolf Eel

Oregon Zoo: Website | Facebook | Twitter 

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by the Oregon Zoo.

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Buenos Aires Zoo Finally Sets All Animals Free After 140 Years of Captivity

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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