Spring Break
Modern day Noah works to save animals with science
By: Melissa Appel
Issue date: 12/5/08 Section: News
"We're concentrating right now on developing contraceptives for wildlife also," Kraemer said. "It's interesting that some species are endangered because they're reproducing too fast and using up their habitat."
Although the technology is very promising, those involved realize it is only one step along the way to preventing other species from going extinct.
"We want to emphasize that this is not the only thing that should be done," Kraemer said. "Habitat preservation is at the top of the list."
The program began in 1983 when Kraemer agreed to help a student from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences who approached him about applying his reproductive physiology knowledge to save wildlife species.
"I said, 'You teach me about wildlife, and I'll teach you about reproductive technology,'" Kraemer said.
In 1990, a group of interested investors contacted Kraemer and suggested using embryo freezing and embryo technology to preserve wildlife. The group started the Noah's Ark Foundation to raise funds for the research projects.
The foundation has since disbanded because of lack of funding, but Kraemer's research in the Reproductive Science Lab has continued with the aid of research grants.
"Ask not only what nature can do for you, but also what you can do for nature," Kraemer said. "That's what we're trying to do - help nature preserve these species."
Although the technology is very promising, those involved realize it is only one step along the way to preventing other species from going extinct.
"We want to emphasize that this is not the only thing that should be done," Kraemer said. "Habitat preservation is at the top of the list."
The program began in 1983 when Kraemer agreed to help a student from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences who approached him about applying his reproductive physiology knowledge to save wildlife species.
"I said, 'You teach me about wildlife, and I'll teach you about reproductive technology,'" Kraemer said.
In 1990, a group of interested investors contacted Kraemer and suggested using embryo freezing and embryo technology to preserve wildlife. The group started the Noah's Ark Foundation to raise funds for the research projects.
The foundation has since disbanded because of lack of funding, but Kraemer's research in the Reproductive Science Lab has continued with the aid of research grants.
"Ask not only what nature can do for you, but also what you can do for nature," Kraemer said. "That's what we're trying to do - help nature preserve these species."
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