EMERGING TECH: Pelara Begins Collaboration with San Antonio Zoo to Explore Focused Ultrasound in Zoological Medicine

Evaluating how Pelara LIFU could be adapted for the specialized needs of zoological veterinary care.

SAN ANTONIO, TX, UNITED STATES, September 29, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Pelara, Inc., a veterinary technology company bringing low-intensity focused ultrasound (powered by Openater) to animal health, today announced the start of a collaboration with San Antonio Zoo. Pelara’s team met with the zoo’s veterinarians and animal care staff to demonstrate the Pelara LIFU system. They also heard directly from the people who care for some of the most diverse patients in veterinary medicine.

The session was led by Dr. Mandy Moody, DVM, of Pelara’s scientific team. It covered how focused ultrasound is currently being studied in other veterinary settings. Zoo staff raised the considerations that matter most in a zoological hospital.

“Zoo veterinarians solve problems every day that most of us never face in the traditional veterinary practice: different species, different anatomy, different behavior, and patients you cannot restrain with conventional techniques. We were able to learn more about what zoo animals and their caretakers need and look forward to our continued collaboration in using PELARA LIFU to help animals that need it.”
– Dr. Mandy Moody, Pelara

The visit was exploratory, and no clinical conclusions are being drawn. Pelara will stay in close contact with the zoo’s veterinary team as both organizations consider how PELARA LIFU could be adapted for zoological use.

“Our veterinary team is always interested in learning about technologies that may expand the options available for the animals in our care. The session gave our team an opportunity to evaluate the technology, ask questions and consider how it might be adapted for the unique needs of different species.”
– Dr. Danté Fenolio, Vice President of Conservation & Research, San Antonio Zoo

“This is about listening first. The veterinarians and care teams at San Antonio Zoo know these animals better than anyone. Their insight will shape how we think about adapting Pelara LIFU across species, with animal welfare and practical clinical use at the center of every decision.”
– Justin Jones, CEO, Pelara

The collaboration complements Pelara’s broader clinical research program. That program is evaluating Pelara LIFU in companion animals through structured, multi-site clinical trials.

Pelara plans to stay in close communication with the zoo’s veterinary team, gather feedback and take a measured approach to any next conversations about Pelara LIFU, workflow or species-specific considerations.

Angela Jones
Studio Citrine
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