Diagnostics services at Chester Zoo
We can help you and your institution find success in conservation breeding.
At Chester Zoo we have over 20 years of experience in non-invasive wildlife endocrinology, providing regular diagnostic services to BIAZA and EAZA accredited zoos, and leading collaborative research on the use of hormones associated with reproduction and animal health and wellbeing.
We can help you and your institution find success in conservation breeding and enhance animal welfare.
The questions we can help you answer
Is an animal cycling regularly or is she acyclic?
Is an animal a seasonal breeder?
When is the best time to mix the male and female?
Has an animal become pregnant?
When did pregnancy occur and when will an animal give birth?
Has the application of contraception been effective?
Have habitat or management changes affected an animal?
We use non-invasive sample collection methods, as we are able to extract hormones metabolites from a range of sample types, including urine and faeces. We can also measure from blood if necessary.
The endocrinology laboratory at Chester Zoo routinely uses hormone data to support animal management and conservation breeding on site.
Our hormone assays can be used for a wide range of wildlife and domestic species.
Please contact us before sending any samples for analysis at endocrine@chesterzoo.org.