Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden will conduct a three-year research project to improve breeding success among zoo-housed cats. Most cat populations in the wild are declining and breeding success has been decreasing the past two decades. Zoo scientists will utilize the jaguar and leopard as models to assess the reproductive health of females through a multimodal approach to reproductive exams using assisted reproductive technologies that will allow the propagation of genetically valuable cat pairs unable to breed naturally. The project will build capacity of the zoological community through advanced training of staff in research methodology and veterinary techniques, and by creating a paid undergraduate internship program. This project will result in enhancing the genetic viability and sustainability of big cat collections maintained in North American zoos.