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The analysis of feces and scat is basically, in real-world terms, dissecting poop. This seemingly icky process provides a lot of useful information to endocrinologists, pathologists, and reproductive physiologists at the Wild Animal Park. Feces most obviously reveal the diet of the animal, but through evaluating DNA from the feces much more information can be gained. For example, through evaluating fecal DNA, a DNA fingerprint can be obtained using techniques such as PCR, microsatellite analysis, and gel electrophoresis. These fingerprints are used to identify specific animals, just like in humans! Just like in “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” DNA evidence is routinely used to convict murderers in human homicide cases.

DNA can also be applied in another way: a paternity test. This is especially helpful in some bird species since many of them tend to stay with one companion but are many times sexually promiscuous. In this instance, memories of the “Jerry Springer” show come to mind (or other deliciously trashy daytime talk shows). Although birds surely experience less drama with their paternity test results, the DNA science used to link father to child is nonetheless the same.

Hormone and steroid levels can also be examined from feces. This can be applied both to mating systems and to pregnancy tests. Pregnancy can be diagnosed when an animal has elevated levels of progesterone; this information is important to know for captive breeding. Also, similarly in humans, the hormone corionic ganotrophin is produced during pregnancy, and a pregnancy test analyzes levels of this hormone.

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