Analysis of urine from free-ranging mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei) for normal physiologic values

Voided urine samples were collected from apparently healthy free-living mou ntain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei) and analyzed for normal physiolog ic values. Mountain gorillas were found to have a high urinary pH (x = 8.45 ) and low specific gravity (x = 1.013). Commercial dipsticks appear to be u nreliable for the measurement of specific gravity and leukocytes. The estab lishment of urinary reference intervals should aid in the noninvasive detec tion of certain diseases in the mountain gorilla and assist with prompt and effective decisions regarding the immobilization and treatment of individu al gorillas.