July 30, 2021
Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department’s Prairie Park Nature Center is now home to a European ferret that took part in an experimental cloning program.
Ogallala was one of the ferrets acting as a surrogate in efforts to clone black-footed ferrets from cryogenically frozen cells. The experiment’s goal was to introduce much-needed genetic diversity into the endangered black-footed ferret population. While Ogallala did carry two clones to term, they did not survive; however, the overall program was successful with the birth of Elizabeth Ann on Dec. 10, 2020, from another surrogate mother.
Since April 2012, Prairie Park Nature Center has housed several black-footed ferrets from those retired from a program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center in Colorado, including Pancake, who is currently housed at the nature center. There is estimated to be less than 700 black-footed ferrets left in existence, making them one of the most endangered animals in North America.
Ogallala joins Prairie Park Nature Center’s two other European ferrets, Noodle and Nugget. Staff at the nature center hope that Ogallala’s presence in Lawrence helps raise awareness about endangered species and peaks interest in ongoing programs and efforts to preserve wildlife.
For more information, please contact Prairie Park Nature Center at (785) 832-7980.
