Objectives

The key objective of the Reproductive Biology Program is to investigate the nature of, and assist with where appropriate, the reproduction of key species in the Perth Zoo animal collection and the ARAZPA regional collection.

Background

Perth Zoo has an excellent track record in producing animal off-spring by natural mating for both display at Zoos (eg the rhinoceros) and release in to the wild (i.e. Numbats through the Native Species Breeding program in collaboration with CALM). Run hand-in-hand with the breeding programs that are in place at the Zoo, research projects that have already been initiated include:

• Captive breeding and biology investigation of the Sandhill Dunnart.
• Reproductive biology of Eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus).
• Fertilization status of Cassowary eggs.
• Use of faecal and urinary radioimmunoassay to determine sex hormone and steroid levels in Orangutans.

A co-ordinated research program studying reproductive biology is now being drawn up in collaboration with the Program Staff for implementation either with Honorary

Research Fellows or students from Universities. The further acquisition of basic reproductive physiology in a range of species through a co-ordinated research program, together with the development of efficient technology relating to assisted reproduction, will help progress animal breeding in a number of ways:

• The systematic investigation of reproductive cycles will help increase the efficiency of matings since the basic reproductive physiology of many native and exotic animals is unknown.
• The development of assisted reproductive technologies will aid the reproduction of those species that do not mate readily in captivity.
• The optimization of cryopreservation techniques will allow the transport of gametes and embryos around the Region and world to help maintain the genetic diversity of a number of endangered species.
• The training of young scientists in collaboration with Universities will help provide skill and expertise for the future.

Program Staff

Program Leader

Dr Phillip Matson
Head Reproductive Biology Unit, Perth Zoo 

Other Perth Zoo staff 

Dr Helen Robertson
Acting Director AHS&R

Mrs Caroline Lawrence
Acting Research Assistant

Dr Simone Vitali
Senior Veterinarian

Dr Cree Monaghan
Director Animal Health Services and Research

Mr Colin Hyde
Director Life Sciences

Mr Leif Cocks
Curator Exotic Mammals

Mr John Lemon
Supervisor Australian Fauna

Mr Glen Gaikhorst
Senior Reptile Keeper

Mr John Conroy
Supervisor Elephants

Dr Sandy Webb
Honorary Research Fellow, Perth Zoo

Ms Wendy Kappelle
Honorary Research Officer, Perth Zoo

Outside collaborators

Dr Ian Gunn
Monash University, Melbourne

Professor Bill Holt
Institute of Zoology, London

Dr Nilendran Prathalingen
Royal Veterinary College, London

Professor Graeme Martin
University of Western Australia, Perth

Professor Leigh Simmons
University of Western Australia, Perth

Professor Dale Roberts
University of Western Australia, Perth

Dr Irak Malecki
University of Western Australia, Perth

Dr Anne Barnes
Murdoch University, Perth

Current Strategies

1. Establish a Reproductive Biology Unit at Perth Zoo to enable in-house reproductive investigations and cryopreservation technologies.

2. Investigate the reproduction of threatened species or species of particular animal management interest.

3. Develop research projects on Reproductive issues suitable for both university students and keeping staff.

4. Develop assisted reproductive technologies for key species within the Perth Zoo and/or ARAZPA regional collection as required.

5. Develop contraception technologies for key species with in the Perth Zoo or ARAZPA regional collection as required.

6. Investigate aspects of reproduction and cryopreservation of Frog species.

Proposed New Activities

(a) Pursue artificial reproduction techniques for marsupials

This would be particularly useful in developing a captive breeding program for an endangered species where natural breeding was unsuccessful and would link well with the existing Native Species Breeding Program. Suitable as a post-doctoral project.

(b) Endocrine assessment of the breeding cycles of elephants and rhinoceros.

The accurate timing of insemination and mating is crucial for these animals, and ovulatory disorders as seen in the so-called "flatliner" rhinos are a perennial problem in captive animals. Suitable as a post-graduate PhD project.

(c) Track hormonal cycles of female orangutans.

(d) Cryopreservation of pig and emu sperm as models for exotic and native species. The development of a panel of suitable media and freezing programs would help streamline and maximise the efficiency of procedures using sperm from threatened species. Suitable for both undergraduate and postgraduate projects.

(taken from p20 of the Perth Zoo Research Business Plan)