Under the project, which is set to begin in June, scientists from the University of Surrey will work to develop the program, which will track a baseline for the animal’s nocturnal activity.
When their normal activity changes, it is hoped the software will be able to recognise this and flag it to veterinary teams.
The program could also be used to inform how the zoo lights and heats the animal’s habitats, as well as feeds the animals.
If successful, the software could then be used in other zoos and have potential applications in the wider veterinary world, Read and the university’s Prof Kevin Wells said.
Wells, a professor of AI in human and veterinary healthcare, added: “This is my first time working with exotic animals. This is an exciting project.”