Friday Weird Science: Preserving the Species

As I’m sure most of you are aware, the human species isn’t really in immediate danger from dying out due to lack of mating partners (other reasons, I leave up to you). And after all, if all else fails, a trip to a sperm bank can often be arranged. But what about those rare animals growing steadily rarer from the encroachment of humans on their habitat? Well this is when you need to lend a hand. It’s time to preserve some…eland semen.
Nel-Themaat et al. “Isolation, culture and characterisation of somatic cells derived from semen and milk of endangered sheep and eland antelope” Reproduction, fertility, and development, 2007.

(An eland. A type of antelope found in Africa. Very large, for antelope anyway, they weigh a tonne! A real tonne! Like 2,200 kg.)