In the field I process fecal samples collected from Gombe chimpanzees. My role in the Gombe Ecosystem Health Project is to collect the samples, using non-invasive methods, and use field equipment to extract the hormones. I package the extracted hormones and ship them to endocrinologist Rachel Santymire at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Juma tries his hand at hormone extraction. By seeing how the samples he collects are processed in the lab, the Gombe field officer gained a fuller sense of how his work protects chimpanzees.

Three weeks ago I boarded a plane to come to Chicago to participate in Lincoln Park Zoo’s Ecosystem Health Training Program. Part of the program focused on endocrinology taught by Rachel. I found this course very interesting. I now know what happens to the sample after I collect it from the chimpanzee and why it’s important to follow the precise extraction methods. It is very important to make sure all of the samples are extracted using the same methods so that we can compare hormone levels between chimpanzees.

After I collect the sample, extract the hormone and send the hormone to Lincoln Park Zoo, Rachel runs a hormone assay in the endocrinology lab to check the amount of stress hormone in the individual at the time of sample collection. Her assay uses color to tell us how much hormone is in the sample. The lighter blue the color, the more stress hormone is in the sample. Thus, if the sample is very light blue (almost clear), this is an indicator that the chimpanzee is under a lot of stress.

Since there could be a correlation between stress and the health of the animal, we can compare our stress analysis to our health checksheet data [recorded observations of chimpanzee health] to help us better understand this relationship. Now, that I understand the steps to processing hormones from beginning to end, I feel a new sense of pride in my work. My heart is in this!

Of course, every minute wasn't spent in the lab. Juma and fellow Tanzanian field staff also experienced the sights of Chicago, including Navy Pier.

Another amazing part of this trip was when I watched the keeper’s training session with Kwan, one of Lincoln Park Zoo’s silverback gorillas. Kwan is a very large gorilla, and it was amazing to see how he worked with his caregivers to perform behaviors that help in his daily upkeep. I am very grateful to the keepers for donating their time to allow me to see the impressive relationship that they have with the zoo animals.

Juma Baanyiqwa is a field officer with the Gombe Ecosystem Health Project.