For several years, scientists at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Lindner Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) have been working to apply reproductive sciences, such as semen freezing and artificial insemination (AI), to improve the propagation and conservation of the Pallas’ cat, a threatened small felid from Central Asia.
In 2011, the first ever Pallas’ cat kittens produced by AI were born at the Cincinnati Zoo following a laparoscopic oviductal AI procedure conducted at CREW. That success has now been duplicated with a second birth of a Pallas’ cat kitten produced through AI, this time at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium.
A pair of Pallas’ cats housed at the Columbus Zoo–Manda and Paval–were recommended for breeding by the Association of Zoos & Aquarium’s Pallas’ Cat Species Survival Plan (SSP). Though the pair was observed mating in the winter, the female failed to conceive naturally by the end of February.
After determining that she was not pregnant, CREW worked with the Columbus Zoo’s animal care and vet staff to conduct the AI in mid-March (near the end of their winter breeding season). Once again, CREW scientists used laparoscopic oviductal AI to inseminate the female, using freshly collected semen from her mate, Paval. This technique, developed by CREW scientists for cats, places the semen directly into the oviduct near the site of fertilization, which increases the likelihood of success.
Manda gave birth to the kitten on May 23, which is the first offspring produced by this breeding pair. The success is testament to the power of reproductive science and collaboration among institutions committed to the conservation of threatened species such as the Pallas’ cat.
I truly appreciate your keeping everyone posted on what is happening with your Zoo, we are from Indiana and members of the Indianapolis Zoo but love hearing about the strides the Zoos that are doing the best to keep things healthy and wonderful for all our living creatures .
Great things going on at the Cincinnati Zoo!
Love to hear all the exciting news about all the beloved animals I am familiar with and those you are educating me about I am in love with the caretakers and their undying love for the residents of many personalities at our Cincinnati Zoo. Can’t wait to see what is next.
I did not even know they existed until the Cincinnati Zoo started showing them on line and giving us all this wonderful information…!!! When they look at me with their wild eyes, I love them even more…they are so fascinating…again, Thank you for protecting them from all that wish them harm out of ignorance..God Bless you all!!
I would love to know more about these beautiful cats where they live parenting habits personalities and any other information you have. Thank you so much for including us in what is happening at our great Zoo.
It’s wonderful to read about these collaborations between zoos. Congratulations on your success!
How is the semen collected?
Do you know the origins of the implanted semen? – some was taken from a male Pallas Cat housed at the sanctuary where I work.
There’s a show about the Columbus Zoo and the semen is from the female Mandas mate, Paval!