Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Cheetah Sperm Bank Aims to Save Endangered Species
A scientist named Laurie Marker has been collecting and storing cheetah sperm in Namibia since 1990.
She hopes this sperm bank will never be needed, but cheetahs are in danger because of habitat loss, human conflicts, and illegal animal trade.
There are fewer than 7,000 cheetahs left in the wild, and their numbers have dropped by 80% in the last 50 years.
Cheetahs have a small gene pool and many have abnormal sperm, which makes it hard for them to reproduce.
The sperm bank is a backup plan to help save the cheetahs if they ever get too close to extinction.
Similar sperm banks exist for other animals like elephants and rhinos.
Laurie Marker has been collecting and storing cheetah sperm since 1990 in Namibia.
Cheetah populations have declined by 80% in the last 50 years, with fewer than 7,000 left in the wild.
Threats to cheetahs include habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal animal trade.
Cheetahs have a small gene pool and high rates of abnormal sperm, making reproduction difficult.
The sperm bank is a precautionary measure to aid potential future reproduction if needed.
- Who
- Laurie Marker, a zoologist and cheetah expert
- What
- Establishment of a cheetah sperm bank for conservation
- When
- Started in 1990, with ongoing efforts
- Where
- Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia
- Why
- To preserve genetic diversity and aid potential future reproduction
- Founder
- Laurie Marker
- Location
- Namibia
- Year Started
- 1990
- Current Wild Population
- Less than 7,000
- Population Decline
- 80% in the last 50 years
- Historical Range Loss
- 90%
- Abnormal Sperm Rate
- 70-80%