Students & Smithsonian Biologists Work to Save American Red Wolves
Recently, Dr. Jennifer Nagashima, a research biologist from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Center for Species Survival, along with her colleague Dr. Kathryn Storey, visited the Trevor Zoo for the specific purpose of collecting genetic material from three of our male Red Wolves. Dr. Nagashima’s focus within the SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) American Red Wolf Program is genome cryopreservation (in this case semen collection) and cryopreserving it for the future.
With only about 290 Red Wolves remaining, cryopreservation of genetic materials has enormous potential value in the management of genetic diversity of this critically endangered species. For example, cryopreserved sperm could be shipped across the county for artificial insemination, rather than having to transport the male wolf. And it could even be used years after the natural lifespan of the individual animal.
“We're really interested in doing this to contribute to the preservation of the genetic diversity and the biodiversity of our planet,” Dr. Nagashima said. “Red wolves, as a native United States species, hold a unique role to both their ecosystem and cultural significance to Native Americans. There's a significant importance in preserving the species.”
Several of our Millbrook students were able to participate in the procedures and helped collect the materials from Red Wolf Chaco and his sons, Rocky and Lincoln. Each wolf was captured and anesthetized by our staff and vet team, and then Dr. Nagashima began the process of collecting the sperm. After the collection, the samples were careful studied, prepared, frozen, and then brought back to the Smithsonian for long-term storage in a liquid nitrogen biobank.
This scientific research is invaluable to the SAFE American Red Wolf program and provided an incredibly exciting opportunity for our Zooies and staff to be part of active American Red Wolf research. The collection of these genetic materials promotes a healthy and successful American Red Wolf Population.
Dr. Nagashima added, “This was definitely the first time we've had high school students so closely involved in one of our procedures. I kept thinking to myself that I was so envious of them because I wish I had had such an opportunity when I was their age, to be able to see something like this.”
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With only about 290 Red Wolves remaining, cryopreservation of genetic materials has enormous potential value in the management of genetic diversity of this critically endangered species. For example, cryopreserved sperm could be shipped across the county for artificial insemination, rather than having to transport the male wolf. And it could even be used years after the natural lifespan of the individual animal.
“We're really interested in doing this to contribute to the preservation of the genetic diversity and the biodiversity of our planet,” Dr. Nagashima said. “Red wolves, as a native United States species, hold a unique role to both their ecosystem and cultural significance to Native Americans. There's a significant importance in preserving the species.”
Several of our Millbrook students were able to participate in the procedures and helped collect the materials from Red Wolf Chaco and his sons, Rocky and Lincoln. Each wolf was captured and anesthetized by our staff and vet team, and then Dr. Nagashima began the process of collecting the sperm. After the collection, the samples were careful studied, prepared, frozen, and then brought back to the Smithsonian for long-term storage in a liquid nitrogen biobank.
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This scientific research is invaluable to the SAFE American Red Wolf program and provided an incredibly exciting opportunity for our Zooies and staff to be part of active American Red Wolf research. The collection of these genetic materials promotes a healthy and successful American Red Wolf Population.
Dr. Nagashima added, “This was definitely the first time we've had high school students so closely involved in one of our procedures. I kept thinking to myself that I was so envious of them because I wish I had had such an opportunity when I was their age, to be able to see something like this.”
Related articles:
Trevor Zoo Hosts Dutchess County Tourism Ambassadors
Students Attend AZA Conference in Calgary
American Red Wolf Chaco Joins the Trevor Zoo
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