In an animal-kingdom first, two cheetah cubs have been born through in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer into a surrogate mother at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
The as-yet-unnamed cubs—one female, one male—were delivered on Wednesday, Feb. 19 by first-time parent Isabelle (Izzy).
“These two cubs may be tiny but they represent a huge accomplishment, with expert biologists and zoologists working together to create this scientific marvel,” according to Randy Junge, the Columbus Zoo’s vice president of animal health.
With in vitro fertilization (IVF), sperm and eggs are fertilized in a laboratory and incubated to create embryos, then implanted into a female’s womb, where they may develop into fetuses.
“This achievement expands scientific knowledge of cheetah reproduction,” Junge said, “and may become an important part of the species’ population management in the future.”
D’awww (via Columbus Zoo and Aquarium)
Increasingly common among humans and some other species, IVF has previously proved unsuccessful in large cats—including cheetahs and lions.
That didn’t stop the Ohio menagerie from trying, though.
In November, female cheetahs Kibibi (6) and Bella (9) received hormone injections to stimulate follicle development; their eggs were fertilized using thawed semen originally collected early last year from two male cheetahs.
Early-stage embryos from Kibibi were then implanted into Isabelle, while those from Kibibi and Bella were transferred into Izzy’s sister, Ophelia.
It was only the third time scientists had ever attempted this procedure.
Christmas came early for the Columbus Zoo and partners, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center: On Dec. 23, an ultrasound revealed two fetuses growing in Izzy.
This accomplishment, according to Fossil Rim carnivore curator Jason Ahistus, gives the cheetah conservation community “another tool to use in cheetah management.
“It really opens the door to many new opportunities that can help the global cheetah population,” he said. “This is a big win for the cheetah.”
The cubs’ father is three-year-old Slash from Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies cheetahs as “Vulnerable,” with a decreasing population trend in their native Africa.
Threats like habitat loss and fragmentation, conflict with livestock and game farmers, as well as unregulated tourism has left the cats to inhabit just 10 percent of their historic range.
Scientists estimate the population has declined to only about 7,500 individuals.
All hope is not lost, though: Junge suggested that, “with experience,” researchers may be able to freeze embryos and transfer them to Africa, where cheetah cubs can grow in the wild.
“Today’s zoos stand on the forefront of conservation efforts,” Columbus Zoo and Aquarium president and CEO Tom Stalf said. “And these cubs represent one of the crucial ways that zoological professionals contribute to saving wildlife and wild places.”
More on Geek.com:
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- Orangutan at Ohio Zoo Bites Volunteer, Detaches Her Thumb
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