In 2014, Cincinnati Zoo’s Lindner Center for Conservation & Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) was awarded a National Leadership Grant (NLG), to support rhino assisted reproduction efforts. This project was designed to help 1) contribute to the genetic management and propagation of Indian rhinos in human care through artificial insemination (AI); 2) enhance southern white rhino fertility through exogenous hormone administration prior to natural breeding or AI; 3) build upon national rhino gamete rescue centers at CREW and SWBGRRC; and 4) provide collaborating facilities with individualized training and/or support in rhino assisted reproductive technology (exogenous hormone protocols, ultrasonography, endocrine analysis, AI, and sperm collection, sorting and cryopreservation).
In other words – we’re working together to save rhinos from right here in the midwest!
Let’s get the run-down of this rhino conservation project:
Who:
Dr. Monica Stoops (CREW)
Dr. Jessye Wojtusik (CREW)
Dr. Justine O’Brien (former CREW post-doc, currently Research Director at Taronga Zoo in Australia)
The Wilds and Cincinnati Zoo Veterinary and Animal Care staff
Where:
The Wilds and Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
What:
Successfully collected semen from 2 African white rhinos and 1 Indian rhino at the Wilds and 1 black rhino, Faru, at the Cincinnati Zoo.
Why:
Some of the semen was sorted by sex based on chromosomes (x vs y) and banked for use in future artificial insemination (AI). This also allows us to choose sex of offspring, which is important for managed populations of endangered species.
The remaining semen was used in freezing studies to test alternative semen extenders to optimize cryopreservation of sperm in these species to help support genetic management.
Partnerships are essential for conserving wildlife. In many cases, CREW’s conservation and research efforts are spearheaded by CREW staff who work closely with many other organizations to achieve project goals. In other cases, CREW helps by supporting programs led by world renowned conservation organizations. In either case, CREW forms critical partnerships with other scientists, conservationists and governmental and non-governmental organizations to help save the endangered plants, animals and ecosystems of the world.
About IMLS Grants
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s approximately 120,000 libraries and 35,000 museums and related organizations. Their mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Their grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive.
The National Leadership Grants are awarded for projects that address critical needs of the museum field and that have the potential to advance practice in the profession so that museums can improve services for the American public.
Will Manjula have a baby?
Thank you for helping so many different types of animals!!!
It’s interesting to learn that The Crew is working with The Wilds on this magnificent project..Kendi is a beautiful example of this. Mr.Lindner had a vision for CZBG and all of you are working non stop to keep that vision going. Congratulations on baby Kendi.
This is a significant mission and message within the modern zoos and should be promoted and discussed more and more. Too many folks just think zoos capture wild animals, limit their lifestyle and manage them until, they pass. Reproductive efforts and species saving programs are integral parts of the Cincinnati Zoo. I am proud to live in an area that hosts such a dedicated, passionate zoo staff and our associated programs.
Enjoyed reading about the rhinos. They are unique. Just heard a news item re/the gorillas new habitat. Does the Zoo have any plans for a year-round habitat for the hippos?? It would be great to be able to see them year round. Look forward to all the blogs. Thank you from everyone, I’m sure.
Anne