In the latest breakthrough in the effort to save wildlife from extinction, Audubon Institute in New Orleans today unveiled the world s first test-tube caracals. The births occurred at the Audubon Institute Center for Research of Endangered Species in New Orleans. The Audubon Institute research facility works in collaboration with the University of New Orleans and Louisiana State University on these and other innovative projects. Species by species, we are stepping closer to wiping out extinction. Reproductive material from animals such as tigers, gorillas, small cats and many other animals is stored at temperatures of 196 C for hundreds of years.
Scientists can thaw the material for transfer to surrogate mothers.
This way, genetic material of endangered species can be maintained over long periods of time, providing a solid hedge against extinction. Dresser and Pope led the team which produced the world s first successful test-tube gorilla in 1995. Other successes at Audubon Institute s research center have included the world's first production of an endangered bongo antelope embryo through IVF, dramatic increases in the wild population of the endangered Mississippi sandhill crane through a program of artificial insemination and reliable production of IVF tiger embryos. The Audubon Institute Center for Research of Endangered Species is part of a collection of museums, parks and research facilities operated by the Audubon Institute in New Orleans. Audubon Institute s president and CEO is Ron Forman.