Visiting the San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research was an exciting and educational experience. Dr. Mark Schrenzel, head of the Molecular Diagnostics Lab, talked to us about researching animal diseases. We discussed how the animals at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park sometimes contract diseases just like people do. They also can transmit germs to one another from being in close contact with one another, and from sharing food resources.

It turns out that the Molecular Diagnostics Lab at the Institute is the only lab in the world dedicated to the research of diseases in both captive and wild animal populations. The Institute works with over 200 zoos and aquariums nationwide along with several in Asia and Africa and helps these institutions with research and data collecting. One current project that highlights this collaborative approach is the screening of amphibian collections across the country for the chytrid fungus. This fungus has drastically reduced amphibian populations worldwide. It has even caused several species of adorable little frogs, toads, and salamanders to go extinct. One important example is the Panamanian golden frog, which is now extinct in the wild and only held safe in zoos and aquariums. The Institute is helping amphibians by providing affordable testing for the fungus to partnering institutions. At the moment, this fungus is the most significant factor contributing to the rapid decline of amphibian populations, making this testing process of vital importance. In order to help save these amazing creatures, zoos and other conservation institutions must intervene.

Sarrah, Conservation Team

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