Page 11 - ACT Paws and Hooves - Autumn 2023
P. 11
STUDENT
STORIES
Ganyah processes samples Mountain gorilla in Bwindi Ganyah tracks mountain
to identify parasite species Impenetrable National Park, Uganda gorilla groups
Researcher works which can be studied for parasites. Helping students
with Gorilla Doctors Ganyah was part of a research with the cost
team collecting and analysing
in Uganda faecal samples from night nests of living
once the primates had departed.
Ganyah was interested in researching With chimpanzee nests up to 15 feet We raise funds for the RVC鈥檚 Student
parasite infections in chimpanzees high in the trees (gorillas nest on the Support Team to help students who
and gorillas as part of her MSc in ground) it was a chance to learn new are in financial difficulty. Students have
Wild Animal Health. Knowing her conservation techniques. Ganyah was been severely impacted by the cost-
research would benefit from working trained to collect and analyse samples. of-living crisis and static student loan
with ape conservationists in Uganda, rates. Many students are concerned
she applied for a scholarship to help She told us, about the cost of gas, electricity, food
with the associated travel costs. and fuel, with some telling us they
Ganyah received the Aitchison- I learnt a plethora cannot heat their house, use the oven
Tait Scholarship, which helped her of skills, from organising or pay for food.
pursue her dreams of working with Financial stress can negatively
a great ape parasite expert and an abroad research permits impact the mental health and general
organisation called Gorilla Doctors. and ethical approvals wellbeing of our students. Reducing
Her study has given conservationists to the critical care in their confidence and their ability to
valuable information by comparing study and sleep well, financial worries
parasite species and infection intensity place to protect these may limit their academic potential.
between gorillas and chimpanzees, endangered species. Donations make a big difference in
two closely related great apes. helping students focus on their studies
To the best of our knowledge, this is
Gorillas and chimpanzees are without worrying about their financial
susceptible to infectious diseases. the first study of its kind. The study situation. It鈥檚 inspiring to see people
Therefore, monitoring and managing provided a health baseline data set supporting our students in this way and
parasite infections is crucial for their for the chimpanzee population in we鈥檇 like to say a massive thank you to
conservation. Apes construct a new Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. everyone who sends us a donation to
nest each night and defecate before Thus, giving the first indication of the Student Support Fund.
departing, leaving faecal samples population health.
P&H AUTUMN 2023 11
