Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

In order to keep populations of captive animals healthy and avoid inbreeding, animals are often moved from zoo to zoo to broaden the genetic pool. Relocating animals from their original zoos can have negative side effects on the animals being moved and on the home animal populations of each involved institution, and can create financial and logistical burdens. This project, using the knowledge gained from the assisted reproductive technology developed for rhinoceros populations and small cats, will demonstrate how the use of genome resource banks can enhance the captive breeding process. The project will establish procedures for sperm banking, embryo transport, and artificial insemination of captive animal populations. The result will encourage the transferring of genetic materials rather than animals from zoos and wild populations, increase the success and efficiency of breeding captive species, and make a significant impact in the zoological field.