Pelara starts zoo collaboration to explore focused ultrasound for animal care

Pelara has begun a collaboration with San Antonio Zoo to evaluate whether its low-intensity focused ultrasound system could be adapted for zoological medicine. The exploratory effort centers on species-specific veterinary needs, animal welfare and practical clinical use.

Why it matters: - Pelara’s work with San Antonio Zoo could expand focused ultrasound research beyond companion animals and into zoological medicine. - The effort may help shape how a noninvasive veterinary technology is adapted for different species, anatomies and handling needs. - Animal welfare and real-world workflow constraints are central to any future use in a zoo setting.

What happened: - Pelara, Inc. announced the start of a collaboration with San Antonio Zoo on Sept. 29, 2026. - Pelara met with the zoo’s veterinarians and animal care staff to demonstrate the Pelara LIFU system. - The session was led by Dr. Mandy Moody, DVM, of Pelara’s scientific team. - The visit was exploratory, and no clinical conclusions are being drawn. - Pelara and San Antonio Zoo will stay in close contact as they evaluate whether Pelara LIFU could be adapted for zoological use.

The details: - Pelara describes itself as a veterinary technology company bringing low-intensity focused ultrasound, powered by Openater, to animal health. - The meeting covered how focused ultrasound is being studied in other veterinary settings. - Zoo staff raised considerations specific to a zoological hospital. - Pelara said the collaboration will include ongoing feedback from the zoo’s veterinary team. - Pelara plans to take a measured approach to any further discussions about workflow or species-specific considerations. - Pelara’s broader clinical research program is evaluating Pelara LIFU in companion animals through structured, multi-site clinical trials.

Between the lines: - San Antonio Zoo offers a test case with challenges that differ sharply from traditional small-animal practice. - The collaboration suggests Pelara is trying to learn from practitioners before making claims about broader use. - The zoo setting could surface limits around restraint, anatomy and care protocols that matter for any cross-species technology rollout. - Pelara framed the effort as listening first, which signals caution rather than a near-term launch.

What’s next: - Pelara will continue communicating with San Antonio Zoo’s veterinary team. - Both organizations will gather feedback on how Pelara LIFU might fit zoological care. - Future conversations will focus on animal welfare, clinical practicality and species-specific needs. - Any clinical or operational conclusions will come only after further evaluation.