Trio of zoos join forces to help put the freeze on extinction through pioneering science
We’ve joined forces with two other major zoos to found and forge a pioneering cryopreservation conservation partnership.
Today, we’ve come together with two other major zoos to announce a new partnership to advance this science - one that could be key to preserving the precious genetic diversity of threatened species.
Our cryopreservation tanks include cells sampled from songbirds like the Bali myna and the Javan green magpie, rare fish like goodeids, and threatened large mammals like jaguars and okapi - all of which are facing huge challenges in the wild.
Live cell cryobanking involves preserving genetic material such as sperm, oocytes (eggs), embryos, tissue, and cultured cells from animals. When stored in ultra-low temperatures, cells can remain viable for decades, allowing conservationists to support future breeding programmes by maintaining or restoring genetic diversity.
But this science cannot advance without collaboration - and that’s where our agreement with Toronto Zoo and Dublin Zoo comes in.
Species survival depends on thriving and genetically healthy populations, and by building cryopreservation to support conservation efforts, it is becoming an effective tool in the fight against extinction.
Dr Sue Walker, Head of Science at Chester Zoo
Our representatives met at the IUCN World Conservation Congress - one of the most significant events in global conservation - which is currently underway in Abu Dhabi.
The event gives us the opportunity to showcase our field projects, science and education work to key colleagues in the conservation world, with our delegates speaking on panels and delivering workshops on species survival and habitat protection.
We all strongly believe conservation doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s most successful when achieved through partnerships - by working together, supporting each other, and striving toward shared goals.
Cryobanking represents one of the more powerful tools in conservation today. It is necessary for accredited zoos to prepare for a future where these genetic resources may be critical to securing species survival.”
Dr Gabriela Mastromonaco, Toronto Zoo Chief Science Officer
The multi-zoo alliance will focus on sharing best practices, enhancing cryopreservation techniques across species, and coordinating regional and international efforts.
The partnership aligns with broader global initiatives, including the IUCN Animal Biobanking for Conservation Specialist Group.
Together, we’ll also raise awareness of the potential of wildlife cryobanking among conservationists, academic researchers, and the public.
Together we can preserve the genetic diversity of wild species, locally and internationally, helping to ensure populations remain healthy and resilient in a rapidly changing world for generations to come.
Dr Andrew Mooney, Senior Conservation and Science Officer, Dublin Zoo
