SEZARC members enjoy access to our staff with expertise in reproductive biology, endocrinology, cryobiology, and behavior, which is necessary to solve reproduction issues. In addition, we use our expertise to help our members continue to achieve excellence in animal welfare.
Our approach to solving reproductive challenges is holistic and practical, starting with what is most likely, and proceeding to more advanced assisted reproduction techniques when needed. We consider behavior, reproductive physiology, management, and nutrition, so the entire zoo or aquarium staff is involved in the process of formulating an appropriate breeding plan. A cross-disciplinary perspective also lends itself to welfare monitoring across all five domains, including health, nutrition, behavior, environment, and mental state. We train staff in the fundamentals of welfare science; we incorporate staff expertise in identifying the metrics to be monitored; we provide expertise in data interpretation that is informed by our work at many different zoos and aquariums.
In addition, SEZARC offers a novel approach to research that provides members with a cost-effective way to 1) supplement existing conservation research programs with additional expertise and tools, or 2) initiate new projects, especially large collaborative efforts. The outcomes of SEZARC research include advancing science-based animal management practices and producing high-quality presentations and papers that feature our members as co-authors.
SEZARC Services
- Hormone monitoring (progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, glucocorticoids, luteinizing hormone)
- Develop breeding plans to promote successful breeding
- Research and recommendations for contraception methods and reversal
- Fertility checks and semen collection and cryopreservation
- Welfare assessment development and interpretation of behavioral and hormone wellness data
- Project design, implementation, data analysis, and dissemination
- Workshop coordination and strategic planning
- Presentations for staff, donors, and students
