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 DEC). 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.
• Breeding of threatened frog species (Geocrinia alba, G. vitellina, Spicospina flammocaerulea).
• Breeding biology of the Short-beaked Echidna.

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

Currently vacant

Other Perth Zoo staff 

Dr Helen Robertson
Director Animal Health & Research

Mrs Caroline Lawrence
Research Assistant

Dr Simone Vitali
Senior Veterinarian

Ms Maria Finnigan
Director Life Sciences

Mr Leif Cocks
Curator Exotics

Mr John Lemon
Curator Australian Fauna

Mr Mark Tyler
Acting Supervisor NSBP

Ms Wendy Kappelle
Honorary Research Fellow

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. Maintain 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)   Develop cryopreservation of amphibian sperm and cell lines.

(b)   Investigate hormonal cycles of WA amphibians, especially threatened species. 

(c)   Investigate the use of hormones in urine to sex monomorphic WA Frogs.

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