Bringing biotechnologies to conservation
The Revive & Restore mission is to enhance biodiversity through the genetic rescue of endangered and extinct species.
Ecosystems around the world face unparalleled biodiversity loss but solutions are available. Genomic technologies have evolved and are increasingly affordable and effective. By developing a new Genetic Rescue Toolkit, Revive & Restore is helping to address conservation challenges in ways never before possible.
THE FIRST CLONED BLACK-FOOTED FERRET
In an effort to increase genetic diversity for this U.S. endangered species, “Elizabeth Ann” was successfully cloned from a historic cell line that offers three times more genetic variation than today’s endangered Black-footed ferret population.
BIOTECH CAN SAVE THE HORSESHOE CRAB
For decades, drug manufacturers have relied on the blood of the horseshoe crab to make vaccines safe. But a synthetic substitute can replace this practice, and just in time—when 14 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines are needed.
THE FIRST CLONED WILD HORSE
In collaboration with San Diego Zoo Global and ViaGen Pets and Equine, the world’s first successfully cloned Przewalski’s horse was born on August 6, 2020. This is an effort to increase genetic diversity for the endangered species.
WILD GENOMES
We developed Wild Genomes to accelerate the adoption of genomic sequencing and tissue biobanking for applied wildlife conservation. The first projects (including the Joshua tree) were awarded in 2020 and have expanded our work globally.
THE CATALYST SCIENCE FUND
We started this fund, with generous support from biotech company Promega, to hasten impactful innovations in conservation and to demonstrate the benefits of genetic rescue biotechnologies to the broader community.
AVIAN GENETIC RESCUE
By developing the advanced reproductive technologies necessary for the de-extinction of the passenger pigeon and heath hen, we are also creating new routes of restoration for endangered avian species as well.
