| |
Project: Development of non-invasive methods for semen collection
from the white rhinoceros
Location: Henry Vilas Zoo
Species: Southern White Rhinos, (Ceratotherium simum)
Rhinos involved:
Shaka "George", male
George was born in the wild in South Africa in 1968. He came to
this country in 1975 and spent a brief time in "Ferndale"
until he arrived at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin on
July 6, 1976. He has been with Gracie eversince and they have never
had offspring.
Comments:
George was treated with drugs with effects similar to Viagra™.
This was to:
1. Increase, or stimulate sexual desire
2. Determine whether he is still producing semen
3. Save his genetic material, since George has not contributed to
the rhino community via an offspring.
On ultrasound with George, we expected to see semen in his urethra
just behind the bladder as pictured below in another rhino (see
dark area).
|
