Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute helps diversify the zoo gene pool and breed endangered species

FRONT ROYAL, VA - JUL24: Cheetah cubs born at the Cheetah Science Facility at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, July 24, 2014. A high priority is maintaining and increasing genetic diversity in small populations to avoid inbreeding, which causes poor fertility and increased disease susceptibility. Scientists work closely with zoos worldwide to develop assisted reproduction techniques, including artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer and cryopreservation (freezing) of sperm and embryos. (Photo by Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)