A library for genetics

As our planet faces a biodiversity crisis, understanding genetic diversity has never been more important. This understanding is crucial to save wildlife and restore the diversity of species and ecosystems.

In a hidden area within the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo, the RZSS WildGenes Biobank preserves important genetic material for conservation research and population management.

Biobanks are organised collections of biological samples which are preserved and maintained – like a library of genetic samples! They allow conservationists to draw information from them which can then be used in research and science to drive action to save species.

The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) has established dedicated biobanking facilities to ensure genetic material from zoo animals are collected and correctly stored across designated ‘hubs’ including Edinburgh Zoo, Copenhagen Zoo, Antwerp Zoo and The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research. Our wildlife conservation charity’s RZSS WildGenes Biobank at Edinburgh Zoo is the EAZA hub for the UK.

Thanks to the many zoos and aquariums who have collected and sent samples to EAZA biobanks, the number of samples held in these facilities continues to grow significantly and is now approaching 20,000!

In 2022, the RZSS WildGenes Biobank received many interesting and important samples from UK zoos and aquariums, including from several critically endangered species like the Sumatran orangutan, blue-throated macaw and the pancake tortoise.

EAZA recently announced Wingham Wildlife Park, Cotswold Wildlife Park and Chessington World of Adventures Resort as our ‘Super Submitters’ of 2022, making the greatest number of donations to the RZSS WildGenes Biobank hub last year.

The goal of the EAZA biobank system is to have every living zoo species represented, ensuring a huge range of genetic data is available to the wider research and conservation community. Alongside working with EAZA, the RZSS WildGenes Biobank is part of the CryoArks Biobank initiative which aims to create the UK's first comprehensive zoological biobank for research and conservation.

Well managed sample collections such as the RZSS WildGenes Biobank can be used for critical research to improve conservation outcomes for many threatened species. We are very grateful to the researchers and zoological institutions who contribute samples that can be used by scientists and the wider conservation community for the benefit of wildlife around the globe.

Could you be an EAZA Super Submitter? Find out how your organisation can submit samples and help create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved by emailing biobank@rzss.org.uk.