For elephants will conduct research on the underlying causes of reproductive failure amongst the managed elephant population, specifically male african elephants

This Project Grant award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the National Leadership Grants (CFDA 45.312) program will fund research by For Elephants, Inc. to investigate the underlying causes of reproductive failure in the managed African elephant population. The $569,317 award will support a team of expert scientists and veterinarians to provide training in reproductive fluid collection, quality analysis, and development of a cryopreservation bank for storing reproductive material. A doctoral student will oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting. The project aims to yield new insights into factors that positively or negatively influence male African elephant reproductive abilities and will be assessed through regular meetings, checklists, and surveys. This work is intended to strengthen services for the American public by advancing practice in the museum and library fields related to the care and study of elephants.

A team of expert scientists and veterinarians will carry out activities including providing training in reproductive fluid collection, quality analysis of collected samples, and development of a cryopreservation bank for storing reproductive material for use by all elephant holding facilities. A doctoral student will be contracted to oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting. The project will be assessed through regular team meetings, completion of monthly checklists, and pre- and post- study surveys. The project will result in new understandings of the factors that positively or negatively influence male african elephant reproductive abilities.