CREW’s Frozen Zoo- A Haven for Indian Rhino Sperm

CREW ReView, Fall 2004

The heart of CREW, both for its Animal and Plant Research Divisions, is the Frozen Zoo and Garden. This genomic resource bank consists of thousands of cryopreserved tissues from over 60 animal species and over 135 plant species that are conserved for future use. With grant funding provided by the Morris Animal Foundation, CREW scientists have expanded upon this effort by creating a genome resource bank specifically for male Indian rhinoceros. Collecting and banking sperm from genetically valuable male Indian rhinoceroses is an important step towards prolonging the genetic life of founder animals and preserving the genetic potential of males that may otherwise never contribute to the captive population. Over the past five years, CREW scientists have refined semen collection in the rhinoceros through the development of a reliable electroejaculation and semen cryopreservation protocol. Using this technology, the top five genetically valuable male Indian rhinoceroses in North America have been targeted for semen collection, cryopreservation and storage. These males are located at five different zoological institutions and range in age from 8 to 33 years. To date, CREW scientists have successfully collected and banked down all five males. The preservation of gametes from these males serves as an invaluable resource that may one day help in preventing the loss of genetic diversity within the Indian rhinoceros population.