“Eeeeeew!” seemed to be the general consensus when the Girls In Science participants learned they were heading up to the Pathology Department for this week’s Zoo visit, but opinions had definitely changed by the time we finished up!

We learned that “pathology” means “the study of disease” and involves the nature, processes, and consequences of any given infirmity. Every animal that dies at the Zoo or the Wild Animal Park comes to the Pathology Department for necropsy, which is a post-mortem exam similar to an autopsy. Even if an animal doesn’t belong to our collection, but is found dead on grounds (like a sparrow, duck, or squirrel), it is still examined to make sure it isn’t carrying a disease that might affect the collection. Approximately 1,800 necropsies are done each year, averaging about five each day.

We were fortunate to be able to see three different aspects of the Zoo’s Pathology Department this week. We started out in Necropsy, where the girls got to see real samples of diseased bone and horn, and formalin-fixed tissues. It is here that the initial postmortem exams take place—the “path techs” and pathologists work together to collect sample tissues for further study. Sometimes, a diagnosis can be made by simple observation—a broken bone or severe injury is usually easy to identify—but more often it takes microscopic examination. The highlight of this area, aside from all of the equipment and the massive walk-in refrigerator, was a large sable antelope heart, showed to us by one of the pathology technicians.

Our next stop was Histology, where tissue samples are prepared for microscopic examination. Histologist Yvonne Cates explained that a tissue is any group of cells that works together for a purpose, and the girls came up with great examples of different types of tissues found in their own bodies. While Path Techs April Gorow, Julie Concha, and Mark Hammond put small tissue samples into cassettes to be processed, Yvonne showed us how to embed the tissue in paraffin once it’s ready. The girls got to practice with heart-shaped jellybeans and had their very own cassettes to take home at the end of the afternoon!

Once the tissue is embedded, it can be cut into very thin slices and put on slides. After some final processing, each case goes to pathologists like Dr. Rebecca Papendick, who showed us how beautiful cells and tissue samples can be when viewed under the ‘scope. Pathologists can often see evidence of disease, injury, and parasites at this level, and we were able to see the differences between healthy and diseased tissue under Dr. Papendick’s tutelage.

While sitting in that dark room looking at slides projected onto a screen before us, one of the new girls turned to me and with eagerness in her voice asked, “Oooh! Can we do this again next semester?!” I think it’s a good sign!

Special thanks to the entire Pathology Department for your time and efforts. Having spent nearly a year on loan to this department, I carry a special fondness for all of you and know how valuable your time is. Kudos!

Cindy Spiva-Evans is an educator at the San Diego Zoo.

Girls In Science is a program for Roosevelt Middle School girls which creates science-based experiences with professional women at the San Diego Zoo. The program is funded through the generosity of the Wells Fargo Foundation.

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