Many black-footed ferrets do not breed because of behavioral incompatibility or improper breeding positioning. For this reason, our scientists have developed artificial insemination. The Zoo's JoGayle Howard pioneered methods for depositing sperm directly into the uterus, resulting in the birth of more than 100 kits. Reproductive technologies also are used routinely for management including: checking male fertility before mating, overcoming infertility, and ensuring that every genetically valuable individual reproduces to maintain as much genetic diversity as possible. This, in turn, ensures that the population remains vigorous and reproductively sound long into the future.