CREW Works with Rhinos
Through their research, CREW scientists have become world experts on the reproductive physiology of Sumatran and Indian rhinos. In an effort to increase animal numbers and improve genetic diversity, CREW uses science and technology to achieve numerous reproductive breakthroughs in these highly endangered rhinos.
Indian Rhino Breeding Methods
CREW scientists go high-tech with assisted reproductive technology to successfully produce pregnancies via artificial insemination in the endangered Indian rhino.
The endangered Indian rhino lacks genetic diversity in the captive population. To overcome this challenge, CREW scientists studied the reproductive physiology and established the first successful pregnancy in an Indian rhino through artificial insemination of frozen-thawed sperm. With this scientific breakthrough, it is now possible to produce offspring from behaviorally incompatible Indian rhino pairs and allow new genetic material to be introduced in captive populations globally.
To further ensure captive breeding success and minimize aggression between male and female Indian rhinos, CREW scientists use hormone analysis to correctly time breeding introductions for rhino pairs living at other AZA institutions. With less than 2,500 wild Indian rhinos existing in northern India and southern Nepal, continued protection and law enforcement will also be necessary for their survival.
