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JoGayle Howard

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JoGayle Dillon Howard
Color photo of woman with red hair laughing and holding clouded leopard cub attempting to climb her hair
JoGayle Howard with a clouded leopard cub born via artificial insemination, 1992, Smithsonian Institution Archives, SIA2017-023033
BornMay 20, 1951
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
DiedMarch 5, 2011 (aged 59)
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Alma materSunset High School, Dallas, TX. Class of 1969
Texas A&M University, Veterinary Science, 1980
University of Maryland, doctorate, 1989
Known forSuccessfully bred critically endangered black-footed ferret; survey of giant pandas in China from 1998 through 2000.
Awards2010 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service "Recovery Champion"
Scientific career
FieldsVeterinary science, zoology, reproductive biology
InstitutionsSmithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

JoGayle Dillon Howard (May 20, 1951 – March 5, 2011) was an American zoologist and theriogenologist specializing in the captive breeding of endangered species such as pandas, clouded leopards, and black-footed ferrets.

Biography

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Howard was born on May 20, 1951, in Dallas, Texas.[1] She graduated with a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Texas A&M in 1980. She earned a PhD in reproductive physiology from University of Maryland in 1989. Dr. Howard received her D.V.M. from Texas A&M University in 1980, and Ph.D. from the University of Maryland in 1989.

Originally a veterinarian, Howard later became an expert in animal breeding, receiving the nickname "Sperm Queen".[2]” She used common human infertility treatments, like artificial insemination and In vitro fertilisation, and was a pioneer in electroejaculation techniques.

In 1980, she began working at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C. She oversaw the black-footed ferret breeding program at The National Zoo.[3] With her aid more than 500 kits were born and 150 artificial inseminations were performed.[3]

In 1992, alongside the Nashville Zoo President Rick Schwartz, she conducted the first successful clouded leopard artificial insemination.[4] "If we lose this species," Howard says of the clouded leopards, "that means we probably lose other species in the forest. We may lose the forest all together. It may affect the human race eventually. I think most people want to just see these animals and want their future generations to see these animals. They are unique and nothing's going to replace a clouded leopard."[5]"

From 1998 to 2000, Howard surveyed giant pandas in China. This study helped identify the causes of poor reproduction, which led to a rise in the population of giant pandas in breeding centers and zoos over the next ten years.[6] “I’m not an emotional person,” she once told a reporter. “But it’s pretty cool when you realize you’re putting these animals back where they should be.”[7]

Howard oversaw the project to artificially inseminate the National Zoo’s female panda, Mei Xiang, and produced the first surviving cub, Tai Shan, in 2005.[3]

She died from cancer on March 5, 2011, in Washington D.C.[8]

JoGayle Howard (1952-2011) was a pioneering reproductive physiologist known for her groundbreaking work in the conservation of endangered species. As a researcher at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, she adapted human infertility treatments to help breed endangered animals, making significant contributions to the field of theriogenology—the study of animal reproduction.

Early Life and Education

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Dr. Howard was born in 1952 and developed an early interest in biology and animal science. She pursued higher education in the United States, earning her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her academic and research pursuits set the stage for a career dedicated to animal conservation and reproductive science.

Career and Innovations

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Dr. Howard began her career at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, where she quickly became a leading figure in the zoo's reproductive physiology program. She focused on using artificial insemination and other reproductive technologies to breed endangered species, adapting techniques initially developed for human infertility treatments.

One of Dr. Howard's most notable achievements was the first successful artificial insemination of a clouded leopard in 1992. This milestone was crucial for the conservation of this endangered species, showcasing the potential of assisted reproductive technologies in wildlife conservation.

In addition to her work with clouded leopards, Dr. Howard was instrumental in the black-footed ferret breeding program at the National Zoo. During the 1980s, the black-footed ferret population had dwindled to just 18 individuals. Under her supervision, over 500 ferret kits were born, significantly contributing to the recovery of the species from the brink of extinction.

Dr. Howard's expertise was also pivotal in the birth of Tai Shan, the first surviving giant panda cub born at the National Zoo. In 2005, she performed the artificial insemination of the panda Mei Xiang, leading to this significant achievement in panda conservation.

Impact on Society

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The techniques and protocols developed by Dr. Howard have had a profound and lasting impact on wildlife conservation. Her work has helped increase the populations of several endangered species and has provided a foundation for future conservation efforts. The methodologies she pioneered continue to be used in breeding programs worldwide, demonstrating the enduring value of her contributions.

Dr. Howard's influence extends beyond her immediate achievements. She was a mentor and inspiration to many in the field of reproductive physiology, training the next generation of scientists who continue to advance conservation science. Her pioneering spirit and dedication to preserving biodiversity have left a lasting legacy.

Recognition and Legacy

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Despite her significant contributions to animal conservation, Dr. JoGayle Howard's work is not widely recognized. She died in 2011 from melanoma, but her legacy lives on through the ongoing efforts of the scientists and conservationists she inspired. Dr. Howard's work remains highly influential, highlighting the critical role of scientific innovation in preserving endangered species and maintaining ecological balance.

Awards and recognitions

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  • Research Career Award (SERCA) from the National Institutes of Health[9]
  • Ulysses S. Seal Conservation Award from the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians[9]
  • Distinguished Research and Scientist Award from the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians[9]
  • Recovery Champion Award from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service[10]
  • Member of the American Society of Andrology; served as a member of the executive council (1993–1996)[11]
  • Vice-president, Women in Andrology Committee (1999–2000)[11]
  • President, Women in Andrology Committee (2000–2001)[11]
  • Dr. Howard delivered the Buckeye Lecture in 1997[11]
  • Research Achievement (US Fish & Wildlife Service)[11]
  • Featured Conservation Scientist (British Airways Exhibit at Millennium Dome, London)[11]

Publications

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  • Giant Pandas: Biology and Conservation [12]
  • Recovery of the Black-footed Ferret[13]
  • Do Ranger Stations Deter Poaching Activity in National Parks in Thailand?[14]

References

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  1. ^ "JoGayle Howard Obituary (2011) The Dallas Morning News". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
  2. ^ Brown, Emma (2011-03-09). "JoGayle Howard, a National Zoo scientist who helped breed giant pandas, dies at 59". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2020-02-29.
  3. ^ a b c "JoGayle Howard, Brilliant Scientist and Pioneer, Dies". Smithsonian's National Zoo. 2011-03-27. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
  4. ^ "In Memoriam: JoGayle Howard, D.V.M., Ph.D. 1951–2011". Retrieved 2020-02-29.
  5. ^ "The Smithsonian Mourns: Dr. JoGayle Howard, Wildlife Biologist (1951-2011)". Retrieved 2020-02-29.
  6. ^ "JoGayle Howard, Brilliant Scientist and Pioneer, Dies". Retrieved 2020-02-29.
  7. ^ Brown, Emma (2011-03-08). "JoGayle Howard, a National Zoo scientist who helped breed giant pandas, dies at 59". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2020-02-29.
  8. ^ "In Memoriam JoGayle Howard, D.V.M., Ph.D. 1951–2011". Archived from the original on 2015-09-23.
  9. ^ a b c Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (2011-05-01). "In MemoriamJoGayle Howard, D.V.M., Ph.D. 1951–2011". Biology of Reproduction. 84 (5): 1072–1073. doi:10.1095/biolreprod.111.092502. ISSN 0006-3363. PMID 21649962.
  10. ^ "JoGayle Howard Obituary (2011) The Dallas Morning News". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
  11. ^ a b c d e f Pukazhenthi, Budhan (2011). "Dr JoGayle Howard". Journal of Andrology. 32 (4): 345–347. doi:10.2164/jandrol.111.013680. ISSN 1939-4640. PMID 21474784.
  12. ^ Lindburg, Donald; Baragona, Karen (2004-08-23). "17. Biomedical Survey of Captive Giant Pandas". Giant Pandas: Biology and Conservation. University of California Press. doi:10.1525/california/9780520238671.003.0031. ISBN 978-0-520-93016-2.
  13. ^ "Use of Reproductive Technology for Black-footed Ferret Recovery" (PDF). Recovery of the Black-footed Ferret: Progress and Continuing Challenges. pp. 28–36. doi:10.3133/sir20055293. {{cite book}}: |journal= ignored (help)
  14. ^ Jenks, Kate E.; Howard, Jogayle; Leimgruber, Peter (2012). "Do Ranger Stations Deter Poaching Activity in National Parks in Thailand?". Biotropica. 44 (6): 826–833. doi:10.1111/j.1744-7429.2012.00869.x. S2CID 83482638.
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Multimedia appearances
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