Our Conservationists are CATCHING primate poo in umbrella hats to learn more about their gut health... or are they!?

Our new scientific poo catching strategy!

In a world first for primate research (and questionable fashion choices), the UK’s only Monkey Forest is thrilled to unveil its latest tool in the name of science: monkey poo-catching umbrella hats for our dedicated team of conservationists.

Yes, you heard that right. Monkey poo-catching umbrella hats!

Our hardworking guides have (supposedly) taken primatology to the next level by donning special headgear designed to catch falling macaque droppings—all in the name of vital gut health research. Because when it comes to science, you have to get your hands—or, in this case, your hats—dirty.

We even took to social media to share our “groundbreaking” new strategy, complete with some highly convincing pictures of these stylish hats in action.

But before you start feeling too sorry for our team … April Fools! 

While our guides won’t actually be sporting poo-catching hats (thankfully for them), the science behind our monkey business is very real.

Why we collect primate poo...

Here at Trentham Monkey Forest, our team collects macaque poo (using more traditional, less hat-based methods) to assist researchers studying gut health and the overall well-being of our incredible Barbary macaques.

“While we’d love to see our team rocking some stylish umbrella headwear, the reality is a little less comedic but far more important,” says Matt Lovatt, Park Director at Trentham Monkey Forest. “By analysing monkey poo, we contribute to vital research that helps protect and conserve our beloved Barbary macaques.”

So, while our guides won’t be dodging flying ‘samples’ with strategically placed umbrellas, they are playing a crucial role in understanding and protecting this fascinating species. We’ll leave the umbrella hats for British weather—and keep our monkey business strictly scientific!

The science behind collecting the poo!

In 2024, we partnered with researcher Matt Gardiner, a PhD student from Liverpool John Moores University, to uncover the secrets hidden in monkey poo.

Matt collected faecal samples from our Staffordshire woodland to trial a new method of gut health analysis. He then took his research to Morocco, applying the same techniques to study wild Barbary macaques.

Using Fourier-Transform Infrared spectrometry, a cutting-edge method for measuring faecal glucocorticoid concentrations, Matt explored how stress and overall health can be assessed through poo samples. If successful, this new technique could be used more widely in primate conservation across the world.

In other words—monkey poo holds a lot of important information! By perfecting his methods here at Trentham, Matt was able to take his research into the wild, helping us better understand and protect endangered Barbary macaques.

Why is Barbary macaque poo so great? 

Trentham Monkey Forest is the UK’s largest primate space, spanning 60 acres—the equivalent of around 40 football pitches. Our Staffordshire woodland is home to 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques, living remarkably similar lives to their wild counterparts.

Visitors can observe their natural behaviours up close, watching as they swing through the trees, care for their young, and yes—leave behind very important ‘research samples.’

Barbary macaques are an endangered species, with fewer than 8,000 left in the wild. They play a vital role in their ecosystems, helping to maintain biodiversity by spreading seeds through their poo (see, it’s not just scientists who find it useful!).

So while our guides won’t be sporting umbrella hats anytime soon, their work—alongside conservation researchers—is crucial in protecting these incredible primates.