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wildlife biologist pei-Chih Lee at Smithsonian zoo dries reproductive tissues to help vulnerable animal populations
Let's start with main focus on Wildlife biologist of Smithsonian zoo.It was the year of 2020 , when people around the world struggling to keep themselves away from the attack of Covid_19 pandemic. But there were some people, who carried their tasks not caring about health risks.
In this article, we will talk about a famous wildlife biologist named Pei-Chih Lee and her colleagues, who worked very hard and brought some inspiring results at the Smithsonian zoo. The zoo is located in Washington, D. C, USA. They were of the view that the year is a best time for Smithsonian zoo's giant panda named "Mei Xiang" to be pregnant. The researchers wanted her to be pregnant in the same year.
The team collected fresh sperms and artificially inseminated a panda. They were not sure that the technique would be successful, but in the summer they were very happy, because the panda was near to give a birth to baby. She gave a birth to a healthy baby named Xiao Qi Ji, or “Little Miracle.” You will be surprised that the cub was the first gaint baby, who got birth in the United States with the help of artificial insemination.
Pei-Chih Lee , is a research and wildlife biologist at the Smithsonian Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in the United States. According to lee, it is job to help animals in the zoo. Collecting reproductive cells, tissues and other genetic material is part of my work. with the help of these things, we predict the population of endangered species. We find techniques to rebuild their population and breed species.
This is an interview of Pei-Chih Lee, wildlife biologist which was taken by Science News Explores:
What motivates you to pursue your career, wildlife biologist?
From childhood till now, I have always loved animals. when I go outside , I find all these beautiful creatures in nature. I always keep watching Animal Planet Channel, animal documentaries and other things. These are the things that drew me to study biology. I loved this subject. It is one of the interesting subjects which contains all tools. studying molecular and cellular biology was too interesting, it was like solving puzzles. you have all tools to carry out a particular task. when you complete one then you move further and further.
It was always in my mind that after pursuing my ph. D, what should I do next.There were no plans, then I start thinking about research in zoo's and aquariums.I keep wandering about what they are doing with reproductive research at Smithsonian zoo. When I saw it, then I thought it is the work which I was searching for and i had the same skill. This step fullfiled my dream of working with wildlife as a wildlife biologist in Smithsonian zoo.
What inspires you the most?
According to lee, people have different views. I had always loved to talk to people and know things from them. If I had a question some day, I share with people and take different suggestions. Attending research related conferences was something that I was proud of. You will always get inspired, if you are in an environment like right now I'm involved in.
What is one of your greatest accomplishments?
I would add that we have been developing this drying method to preserve reproductive tissues and cells. The method was developed as a result of natural organisms' extraordinary ability to endure long periods of drying out. The tardigrade, which can endure extremely harsh environments, is a good example. or baking yeast, which you can purchase dry from a store shelf. They will begin to spread once you put them in water. Therefore, using the cells that we are trying to conserve, we are attempting to duplicate what scientists have already learnt from these many species in the lab. It's challenging to accomplish.The tools that these creatures have to enable them live in extremely dry conditions are not truly present in mammalian cells.
Right now, our main attention is on the domestic cat, which serves as our model organism. Cat sperm was able to be dried and kept for more than a year. The resulting cat embryos were created by injecting that sperm into a new oocyte (egg). About that, we were very enthusiastic.
What do you enjoy doing when you have free time as a wildlife biologist?
I always have long walks with my dog named storm. I visited all the museums of D.C. I took the benefit of being in Washington.
What guidance do you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
I wish I had been aware that this position existed! When I was younger, I foolishly believed that Jane Goodall, Primatologist and Conservationist, would have to conduct the same kind of research if she wanted to study and protect species. Everyone finds great motivation in her. So, that's the kind of study I was considering. Since I've been here, I've discovered that the work I do can aid in conservation. Additionally, there are other other professions that are crucial to conservation, such as education. These days, all I do is advise youngsters to be curious and open-minded. There are several ways to get where you want to go. So simply venture forth.
What would you advise someone to do if they wanted to work in your field as a wildlife biologist?
My suggestion is simple. Before disliking anything, give a try and then take decision. sciences are interconnected. I need a help of engineers to develop drying techniques. that means they are part of our work. In this way , they too are involved in saving wild species.
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