Gerald Kuchling (TSA) went to Suzhou to advise the zoo regarding the design of a temporary enclosure and to negotiate the possibility for a further attempt of artificial insemination prior to the turtles being moved. For this reason, the pair had to be moved into a temporary pond/enclosure outside the zoo complex. Demolition of the old zoo commenced in early 2017, however, a new appropriate Rafetus facility is not yet available at the new zoo site. To complicate things, the Suzhou Zoo moved to a new location during 2016 and the Rafetus pair was the last animals remaining at the old zoo site. Staff from the Suzhou Zoo load the Rafetus pair for their move to the temporary habitat. In preparation for the new attempt in April 2017, at our request, Suzhou Zoo separated the male and the female in mid-October 2016 so that the male would not (due to his damaged penis) lose sperm through unsuccessful mating attempts during winter and early spring.
#Rafetus turtle update 2019 trial#
Since artificial insemination has never been attempted in any other softshell turtle, we must continue to learn through trial and error. Semen collection by electro-ejaculation and artificial insemination of the last pair of Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle ( Rafetus swinhoei) in China unfortunately did not produce any fertilized eggs in 20, therefore we continue to modify and improve the procedures. TSA and partners coordinate a third artificial insemination attempt of the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle in China
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