One female is last hope for its nearly-extinct turtle species

A global team of animal experts have been attempting to save the Yangtze giant soft shell turtle from extinction.

They are trying to figure out a way to fertilize the eggs of the only female of that species known to be alive anywhere.

She is estimated to be around 100 years old, and though her fertility is questionable, researchers decided to try artificial insemination to help give the turtles a chance for survival.

Their previous efforts to mate her with the male at the zoo led to successful laying of eggs, but none ever became fertilized.

Scientists eventually examined the male and figured out the reason — its sex organs had been damaged, likely in a fight with another turtle 20 years earlier.

They were able to retrieve his sperm using an electro-ejaculation method and, after determining a degree of viability, inseminated the female.

Scientists will know if this attempt has been successful after she lays the eggs in the coming weeks. Still, Scientific American notes that it will be years -- perhaps 10-15 -- before any newborns could hopefully breed and help expand the species.