Animal health pros who care for exotic animals will appreciate the efforts described here. Milk for each species is unique. The team at Wombaroo in Australia is developing powdered milk formulas for exotic baby animals, including lions, kangaroos, koalas and pandas. It is one of few organizations conducting research in this area. The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, near Washington, DC, maintains a milk repository with samples from 184 animals.
Source: New York Times, February 24, 2018 (paywall).
Besides building a better understanding of lactation across species, the repository also shares its research with zoos around the world that are hand-rearing young animals. Mr. Power is also tracking down more milk samples, especially from endangered species lie pangolins and sloths.
INSIGHTS: This quick read offers an interesting look at the efforts of animal health pros working to improve the young lives of existing critters and to help endangered species.