Chester Zoo joins global cryobank alliance for conservation
Chester Zoo has joined Dublin Zoo and Toronto Zoo to launch a pioneering international cryopreservation partnership aimed at helping to prevent extinction.
The collaboration was announced at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, one of the most significant events in global conservation.
Representatives from the three zoos met to formalise the agreement, marking a major step in wildlife biobanking.
The initiative will focus on preserving living genetic material from both native and globally threatened species, strengthening efforts to restore and protect wildlife populations worldwide.
Cryopreservation involves storing living cells, such as sperm, eggs, embryos and tissues, at ultra-low temperatures so they remain viable for decades.
The technique allows conservationists to maintain genetic diversity and support future breeding programmes, particularly for species at risk of inbreeding or extinction.
Dr Sue Walker, Head of Science at Chester Zoo, said: “The use of cryopreservation is an actively growing field. 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. Alongside Toronto Zoo and Dublin Zoo, the goal of this international partnership is to support each other and our global zoo community with effective biobanking initiatives.”
Dr Gabriela Mastromonaco, Chief Science Officer at Toronto Zoo, said: “Cryobanking represents one of the more powerful tools in conservation today. By preserving living cells from endangered and at-risk species, we can help ensure their genetic diversity is not lost. It is necessary for accredited zoos to prepare for a future where these genetic resources may be critical to securing species survival.”
The alliance will share expertise and best practice in cryopreservation, coordinate regional and international conservation efforts, and contribute to wider initiatives such as the IUCN Animal Biobanking for Conservation Specialist Group.
Dr Andrew Mooney, Senior Conservation and Science Officer at Dublin Zoo, said: “This partnership with Toronto Zoo, a global leader in biobanking and cryopreservation, is a vital step to secure a genetically healthy future for wildlife, both in Ireland and globally. 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.”
Chester Zoo said the partnership highlights the growing role of accredited zoos as leaders in global conservation and the importance of collaboration in addressing biodiversity loss.
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