SeaWorld's newest baby penguin, the first penguin ever to be conceived in a test tube, just turned three months old. The penguin, named only "184" (SeaWorld doesn't name its penguins), was born 12 weeks ago and is now celebrating the three-month anniversary of its birth. SeaWorld announced the birth of the penguin in June. The litter contained four penguins.
Video and pictures shot of the penguin shows just how cute the little guy is.
The penguin was the result of an innovative technique developed by biologists at SeaWorld to artificially inseminate a penguin. They used semen that had been frozen and then thawed, and then they injected it into a penguin using a syringe. The test tube penguin is a Magellanic penguin. Magellanic penguins are native to South America. SeaWorld's scientists used semen from wild Magellanic penguins in South America.
Artificial insemination is important in conserving endangered species of penguins, because it allows scientists to maximize genetic variety in the population.
"We keep these vials of semen here," Justine O'Brien said. O'Brien is a scientist working at SeaWorld's research center. "The semen is drawn up this catheter into the syringe. All we're doing is helping the sperm get further along into that position for fertilization."
This new technology has the possibility to help conservation efforts of any species in the wild.
"Artificial insemination and semen preservation allows us to maximize the genetic diversity of these populations and that means they remain healthy and stable into the future," O'Brien added.
The test tube penguin at SeaWorld is in happy, healthy and stable condition, O'Brien reports. Although the penguin got its start in an unusual and historic way, it grew up just the same as any other penguin at SeaWorld. There is no difference between this penguin and one that came from natural breeding.
Artificial insemination has long been used to breed animals. The first successful artificial insemination occurred in 1784, when Spallanzani successfully inseminated a dog. Scientists continued to study artificial insemination throughout the 20th century, when it was studied and used for breeding dairy cows, horses, and other domesticated animals.
However, scientists and environmentalists have not fully researched and developed ways to use artificial insemination for conservation of endangered animals. If scientists can repeat the results they had with this penguin on other endangered species, it could be very helpful in preservation of species.
"Of the 18 species of penguins, 11 are considered endangered or threatened," said Lauren Dubois, who works at SeaWorld. "We're hoping maybe this can also apply to those wild populations that are threatened by a variety of man-made disasters."
