Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how Americans work, learn and interact with one another. Less obvious, but no less consequential, is how the tool is redefining the relationship humans have with animals. Quicker and smarter computing is helping society limit animal suffering, improve welfare and restore natural ecosystems in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago.
Put another way, AI and resourceful entrepreneurs are opening the door to a new era of “Animal Innovation.”
A clear example is in biomedical research. For decades, medicine relied heavily on animal testing in the development of new treatments and therapies, an approach backed and funded by the federal government. However, a growing body of research has shown that animal models often fail to reliably predict human outcomes. Significant biological differences between animals and humans make it uncertain to translate results. In fact, fewer than 1 in 10 drugs tested on animals ultimately prove safe and effective for people.
As scientific understanding advances, it is becoming increasingly clear that this legacy approach is not only flawed but unnecessary. As reported by The Post and Courrier, the federal government has begun phasing out some animal testing, recognizing that better alternatives exist.
Now, AI is making it possible to go even further. Machine-learning models can mimic biological systems and predict potential harms before a single conventional lab experiment is conducted. AI simulations are replicating human responses with growing accuracy, allowing researchers to conduct more humane science while delivering faster, cheaper and often more reliable results.
Beyond laboratory settings, the technology can help zoos and aquariums better serve as responsible stewards of the animals in human care. These institutions have long relied on human observation to detect subtle behavioral changes that could signal health problems. Now, digital monitoring systems can more closely track animal movements, vocalizations and social interactions.
Such systems can flag early signs of distress or illness before caretakers or veterinarians can feasibly do so. Experts at zoos and aquariums can then intervene early to stop minor health problems from snowballing into serious medical complications. Further investment in exploring practical applications can make these tools the norm at modern zoos and aquariums around the United States within the next decade.
AI can also be invaluable in efforts to preserve or restore biodiversity in the wild. Monitoring systems can be deployed to better track migration patterns and provide real-time data on animal populations across regions ranging from America’s Great Plains to the African savanna. The data can sharpen existing conservation policies, ensuring that laws such as the Endangered Species Act are focused on the right animals at the right time.
Additionally, the technology is driving innovation for a novel conservation tool called rewilding. The approach seeks to reintroduce native plants and animals to ecosystems that have been thrown out of whack by human behavior. With the capability to quickly model migration corridors, food availability and habitat stability, AI-powered computer simulations can help determine where species can be released with the greatest chance of success.
Next-generation tech alone will not solve the animal welfare and conservation challenges of the 21st century. Many of these problems are deeply political and shaped by economic forces that resist change. However, artificial intelligence gives us the opportunity to navigate these obstacles better than ever before.
Robin Ganzert is the president and CEO of the American Humane Society. She wrote this for InsideSources.com.