Frozen Zoos: Safeguarding Genetic Diversity for the Future

Frozen zoos represent a forward-thinking conservation approach that has evolved over the past half-century, preserving genetic material from endangered species in suspended animation at a temperature of -196°C. Pioneered by biologist Kurt Benirschke at the San Diego Zoo in 1972, these facilities collect tissue samples to isolate and freeze fibroblast cells, creating biological archives for future use. What began as a small collection viewed with skepticism has evolved into a global network of biobanks housing thousands of species, including some that are now extinct. These repositories have proven valuable beyond mere preservation—contributing to genomic research, evolutionary studies, and medical discoveries. Recent breakthroughs include the creation of northern white rhinoceros embryos from frozen materials and the reprogramming of preserved cells into induced pluripotent stem cells. Despite ethical concerns about resource allocation and questions about prioritization, frozen zoos continue expanding their collections, offering a technological safety net against extinction while reminding us of humanity's profound impact on global biodiversity.

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