Scientists Create Koala Egg and Sperm Bank to Save Species

By Grace Nakamura

ABC Southern Qld

Topic: Endangered Animals

Thursday, 2 July 2026, 5:29 am

Koala cells are stored in liquid nitrogen.

In short:

University of Queensland scientists collect koala eggs and sperm from dead koalas.

The samples are frozen to save the genetic diversity of koalas.

What's next?

Scientists hope to use the samples for artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization.

A koala egg and sperm bank is being created at the University of Queensland.

Scientists are working with wildlife hospitals to gather koala samples.

Reproductive biologist Andres Gambini says the project is crucial for koalas.

Andres Gambini says the project will help preserve koala genetics.

More genetic diversity helps koalas adapt to changes.

The harvested sperm and egg cells will be stored for future use.

Scientists can use the genetic material for artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization.

The process is similar to what's done in other animals or humans.

Saving Australia's iconic animals

The biobank will store reproductive samples from dead or dying koalas.

Scientists partnered with the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital to get genetic material.

The Currumbin Wildlife Hospital treats injured native wildlife.

Michael Pyne from the hospital says they treat about 400 koalas a year.

Koalas face many challenges, including habitat loss and disease.

A chlamydia epidemic, feral animal attacks, and vehicle strikes harm koalas.

The RSPCA warns that koalas could be wiped out in south-east Queensland.

Dr Pyne says it's embarrassing that koalas are endangered.

Dr Pyne says if we can't save koalas, what can we save?

Genetic diversity is key to saving the koala population.

Preserving genetics can make a big difference in the future.

Future proofing genetics

Scientists identify key genetic material and categorize the samples.

The samples are stored in a frozen bank.

Scientists can easily find the samples in the frozen bank.

Patricio Dandy Palacios and Andres Gambini with the liquid nitrogen tank.

Dr Gambini led a team to produce the first kangaroo embryo through IVF.

Scientists are making progress with creating embryos in different species.

IVF is used in cattle, horses, pigs, donkeys, and cats.

Keeping koalas chlamydia-free

Chlamydia is a significant barrier to koala survival.

Chlamydial disease can kill koalas and make them infertile.

When koalas can't breed, it's not good for the species.

Koalas are listed as endangered in Australia.

Scientists research the presence of chlamydia bacteria in reproductive samples.

Scientists can create embryos or use sperm from healthy animals.

Freeing koalas from chlamydia would help the species survive.

Preserving genetics is important for the koala population.

ABC Southern Qld — local news

Thursday, 2 July 2026, 5:29 am

See more ABC coverage

Promotion

Practice Listening

Practice Listening