Improved method for artificial insemination in the great apes

Artificial insemination in the great apes has not achieved its potential as a tool in maintenance of the endangered captive population. Three factors can influence the success rate of artificial insemination: sperm preparation, site of insemination, and timing of insemination. We have tried to optimize methods regarding these three steps. A modified method for insemination is described which has resulted in a 21% success rate (six term pregnancies from 29 inseminations) in the chimpanzee and which has successfully initiated a pregnancy in a gorilla.