Unlocking secrets: Inside the exotic animal milk repository

The video explores the Exotic Animal Milk Repository at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, led by Dr. Michael Power. It houses the world's largest collection of exotic animal milk samples. The repository serves two main purposes: understanding the origin of milk and developing milk replacer formulas for hand-rearing animals. The video highlights the case of baby Fiona, a premature hippo, and the collaborative efforts to create a suitable milk formula for her. Despite having samples from over 180 species, the repository has only scratched the surface of potential research opportunities.

Can you name some of the species from which milk samples are collected?

What is the significance of understanding the origin of milk in mammals?