Sarah Huskisson, doctoral candidate, Environmental Science and Policy, College of Science, received funding for the study: “A Novel Characterization of Red Panda (Ailurus spp.) Gut Health using Short-Chain Fatty Acid and Stress Hormone Concentrations.”
Elizabeth Freeman, Associate Professor, School of Integrative Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), is serving as Huskisson’s advisor.
Huskisson’s work involves analyzing red panda fecal samples for hormone and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, as well as evaluating the potential influence of husbandry (e.g., diet) variables, to better understand gut health in the species. This integrative study should provide data that may enhance red panda management in conservation breeding programs.
Huskisson and Freeman received $2,310 for this research from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Animal Care and Wellbeing Grants Fund. Funding began in Jan. 2025 and will end in Jan. 2027.
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