Koala Artificial Insemination (AI) programme
Thursday 2 November 2006
We are proud to announce that twenty five healthy koala joeys have now been born through the koala Artificial Insemination (AI) programme, based in Australia. ZSL’s scientific research arm, the Institute of Zoology provided reproductive technical advice and assistance with the programme.
© Glenn Tunaley
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), University of Queensland (UQ) and other Australian partner organizations are delighted to announce the success of their koala AI programme.
Dr Steve Johnston of UQ said, “We have now undertaken AI resulting in twenty five healthy koala joeys, the repeated success of which is particularly significant.”
Professor Bill Holt of ZSL added, “This is a most encouraging development both from the perspective of conserving the species and for future artificial breeding technology. We also hope to use the technology as a model to assist in the conservation of other threatened marsupials.”
Funding for the work has been provided by the Australian Government (ARC Linkage Grant), Dreamworld, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Queensland State Government.
Photo credit: Glenn Tunaley
