In 2005, Perth Zoo opened a unit dedicated to research and development in the field of reproductive biology of threatened species. The unit is charged with furthering conservation research and increasing understanding of the natural world. It has been modelled on successful equivalents at London Zoo, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and San Diego Zoo.

Headed by Dr Philip Matson, a Western Australian expert in reproductive technologies, the RBU (Reproductive Biology Unit) expects to contribute new findings, develop new procedures, understand reproductive disease, maximise breeding conditions and effectively increase the ability for zoos around the world to achieve breeding success in captive populations. The RBU will allow links with research institutions world-wide to be reinforced and expanded and attract grant funding allowing the Zoo’s research activities to grow.

Perth Zoo’s RBU will expand on the work of the Zoo’s Native Species Breeding Program (NSBP), which focuses on research and breeding of threatened Western Australian species, to include other Australian species and non-native (exotic) species. The Zoo’s work in the research and breeding of native species for release into the wild has been recognised nationally. The RBU will contribute just as significantly to the international body of knowledge about reproductive processes of threatened exotic species.

Staff and students working in the RBU will focus on research in the following areas:

Study of sperm biology – this ranges from the simple description of spermatogenic events in species through light or electron microscopy, to the investigation of freezing techniques to enable sperm to be stored for future use.

Examination of oestrus cycles – the non-invasive monitoring of hormones in faeces can be used to determine accurately the reproductive cycle of a female. This knowledge can be used, in conjunction with behavioural observations, to predict the optimal time to pair animals to secure a successful mating.

Establishment of a Genome Resource Bank – deceased animals can have their genetic material preserved by the collection and freezing of gonadal tissue and cultured skin fibroblasts.

Assisted Reproductive Technology programs in selected species – a grant has been received from the West Australian government to develop non-invasive methods of sperm collection in local endangered frogs, together with IVF and the cryopreservation (freezing) of sperm and embryos. If successful, the knowledge will be of critical importance should West Australian frog populations being threatened by the deadly chytrid fungus which is decimating amphibian populations world wide.