Scientists inspect cell cultures at San Diego Zoo Global’s Frozen Zoo®, a collection of tissue and genetic material that has been collected by conservation researchers since it was founded in 1972. Frozen viable cell cultures from over 9,000 individual animals, comprising nearly 1,000 species are included in the collection. The cell cultures are maintained in liquid nitrogen freezers at -321º F.
Banked DNA and tissue samples from rare and endangered species provide material for new studies that help point the way forward for managed populations and assist in monitoring and planning for sustainability of wild populations.
The library of genetic material includes cell cultures, sperm samples, and other tissues with reproductive potential. The Frozen Zoo® continues to grow in new and exciting ways and make fundamental contributions to conservation research initiatives.