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Phrases not heard regularly: "Koala Sperm"

By purepedantry on November 7, 2006.

Wow. That is not something you hear everyday:

Australian scientists unveiled three test-tube koala joeys on Monday as part of an artificial insemination program to preserve the vulnerable mammal.

The scientists said the program would lead to the creation of the world's first koala sperm bank, which will enable researchers to screen out koala diseases.

Scientists from the University of Queensland said a total of 12 koala joeys were produced using test-tube insemination.

The koalas were conceived using a new breeding technology that uses sperm mixed with a special solution to prolong the sperm's shelf life, said Steve Johnston, the project leader and University of Queensland reproductive biologist.

"Eight of the 12 current test-tube joeys were born following the artificial insemination of freshly diluted sperm samples," Johnston said in a statement. "The next vital step is the use of chilled sperm and then thawed frozen sperm from the sperm bank."

What I want to know is how this sperm is acquired? Who do you think is responsible for koala sperm harvesting? Can you go to school for that?

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I think you need to hire a creationist like Ted Haggard. Lock them in a room with the Koala, give them some crystal meth, and step out of the way!