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General
James Whipple founded Northeastern Wildlife in March
of 1987 with the objective of providing a source of “non-traditional”
animal models of human disease. The first animal model established
was the woodchuck (Marmota monax) as an animal model for Hepatitis
B Virus (HBV) studies and hibernation research. This was followed
by the introduction of opossums for pancreatitis and lower esophageal
sphincter (LES) research. In 1991, Northeastern Wildlife became
a USDA licensed research facility and has since performed numerous
protocols for both the public and private sectors. Since our founding,
we have supplied most of the woodchucks used in international
studies.
Mission
and Vision
Often, we hear of the promise of new pharmaceutical
compounds being discovered in nature. Our objective is to find
new animal models of human diseases by discovering wildlife which
harbor similar diseases and other unique adaptations which could
benefit mankind. We offer quality, professional and personal service
at a reasonable cost. Still, this research can be cost-prohibitive
especially to smaller biotech startups and basic research institutions.
For those with few resources, we offer joint initiatives and grant
opportunities, as our resources allow.
Experience
Northeastern Wildlife has over 75 years of collective
wildlife research experience. James and Elizabeth Whipple each
have over 20 years experience with the woodchuck as an animal
model of HBV infection. This experience began at the NIH NIAID
contract woodchuck facility located at Cornell University in Ithaca
NY. At Cornell, both were responsible for the gathering of research
data establishing the woodchuck as an animal model of HBV infection
and were involved with some of the first anti-viral studies.
In March of 1987, Mr. Whipple founded Northeastern
Wildlife. In 1990, he created the first commercial captive born,
bred and infected woodchucks for research. Since that time, he
has supplied thousands of woodchucks for anti-viral studies worldwide.
Most of the international studies involving WHV have been performed
with his woodchucks.
In 1991, Mr. Whipple licensed Northeastern Wildlife
as a USDA research facility. The purpose was to provide his technical
expertise for anti-viral studies. Since then, he has been responsible
for and performed numerous protocols. Mr. Whipple is responsible
for all aspects of these projects including data collection and
administrative duties.
Mr. Whipple also has been involved utilizing the
woodchuck as an animal model for hibernation studies. He established
one of the only commercial hibernaculums in North America. Mr.
Whipple established a supply of opossums (Didelphis virginiannis)
for the study of spinal injuries, pancreatitis and lower esophageal
sphincter (LES) dysfunction. Other past animal models include
blacktail prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) for cholesterol
and kidney stone formation studies and cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus
transitionalis) for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) studies
Since 1987, James and Elizabeth Whipple have built
upon this broad foundation to become the most experienced technical
team available for HBV anti-viral studies and hibernation studies
using woodchucks.
Facilities
Northeastern Wildlife is located on 30 acres of
farmland overlooking the St. Joe river valley in beautiful Northern
Idaho. World renowned fly fishing, skiing, wilderness and National
Parks are close by. Our facilities consist of 3000 square feet
of research, surgery and laboratory space.
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