Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
The ART of Saving Species
Speaker
Barbara Durrant, Ph.D.
Coordinator
Steve Clarey
Conservation science increasingly relies on
assisted reproductive technology (ART) to enhance
reproduction and preserve genetic diversity in
endangered species. The Reproductive Sciences
team at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance utilizes
an array of ARTs including gamete collection and
cryopreservation, in vitro fertilization and embryo
development, cloning and embryo transfer to
achieve these goals. Our current focus on rhinoceros’
reproduction is accelerated by an interdepartmental
collaboration focused on a research herd of
six female southern white rhinoceros. The
unprecedented opportunity to study natural and
assisted reproduction in these rhinos is a critical step
in the conservation of all rhino species.
assisted reproductive technology (ART) to enhance
reproduction and preserve genetic diversity in
endangered species. The Reproductive Sciences
team at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance utilizes
an array of ARTs including gamete collection and
cryopreservation, in vitro fertilization and embryo
development, cloning and embryo transfer to
achieve these goals. Our current focus on rhinoceros’
reproduction is accelerated by an interdepartmental
collaboration focused on a research herd of
six female southern white rhinoceros. The
unprecedented opportunity to study natural and
assisted reproduction in these rhinos is a critical step
in the conservation of all rhino species.
Speaker Bio
Presenter: Barbara Durrant is the Henshaw
Endowed Director of Reproductive Sciences at the
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. She holds a Ph.D.
in Reproductive Physiology and Genetics from
North Carolina State University and completed
a post-doctoral fellowship at the San Diego
Zoo under the guidance of Dr. Kurt Benirschke.
She oversees four research groups including
Endocrinology, Gametes, Avian Physiology and the
“Frozen Zoo®”.
Endowed Director of Reproductive Sciences at the
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. She holds a Ph.D.
in Reproductive Physiology and Genetics from
North Carolina State University and completed
a post-doctoral fellowship at the San Diego
Zoo under the guidance of Dr. Kurt Benirschke.
She oversees four research groups including
Endocrinology, Gametes, Avian Physiology and the
“Frozen Zoo®”.
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