Trio of zoos join forces to help put the freeze on extinction through pioneering science.
A cryo tank at Chester Zoo
Pictured from left to right: Dolf DeJong (Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Zoo), Dr Sue Walker (Head of Science at Chester Zoo) and Dr Andrew Mooney (Senior Conservation and Science Officer, Dublin Zoo) marking the agreement at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi
A picture of a mountain bongo, a critically endangered species, which is represented in the cryopreserved samples at Chester Zoo. As few as 40 still survive in the wild.
Chester Zoo has announced a groundbreaking new conservation partnership, joining forces with Toronto Zoo in Canada and Dublin Zoo in Ireland to lead the way in wildlife cryopreservation - a pioneering scientific approach that could help safeguard species from extinction.
The three zoos revealed the international collaboration at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s most important conservation gatherings. The event offers Chester Zoo a platform to highlight its extensive work in field conservation, science, and education, with its experts contributing to global discussions on species survival and habitat protection.
The new cryopreservation initiative will focus on preserving living genetic material from both native and globally threatened species. By doing so, the zoos aim to bolster the future of conservation and species restoration efforts worldwide.
Cryobanking - or the preservation of live cells such as sperm, oocytes (eggs), embryos, and tissue - enables long-term storage at ultra-low temperatures. These samples can remain viable for decades and be used in advanced breeding programmes to maintain or restore genetic diversity, especially for small or isolated populations at risk of inbreeding.
Unlike DNA storage, live cell cryobanking provides material that can be used for assisted reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilisation, powerful tools in the fight against extinction.
Dr Sue Walker, Head of Science at Chester Zoo, said:
“Cryopreservation is becoming one of the most effective tools in global conservation. The survival of species depends on maintaining thriving, genetically diverse populations. Through this partnership with Toronto and Dublin Zoos, we aim to strengthen biobanking initiatives worldwide and ensure that cryopreservation plays a key role in future conservation work.”
The partnership underlines a shared belief that conservation is most successful through collaboration, not isolation. By combining expertise, resources, and research, the zoos will enhance cryopreservation techniques, share best practice, and align with global initiatives such as the IUCN Animal Biobanking for Conservation Specialist Group.
Dr Gabriela Mastromonaco, Chief Science Officer at Toronto Zoo, added:
“Cryobanking represents one of the most powerful tools in conservation today. By preserving living cells from endangered and at-risk species, we can help protect their genetic diversity for the future. Accredited zoos must prepare now for a world where these genetic resources are vital for species survival.”
Dr Andrew Mooney, Senior Conservation and Science Officer at Dublin Zoo, said:
“This partnership is an essential step toward securing a genetically healthy future for wildlife both in Ireland and across the world. Working alongside global leaders in cryopreservation will amplify our conservation efforts and directly support Dublin Zoo’s goal of creating Ireland’s first National Wildlife Biobanking Hub.”
Together, these three leading zoos are taking a major step forward in modern conservation - using science, collaboration, and innovation to preserve the planet’s biodiversity for generations to come.
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Dr Gabriela Mastromonaco, Toronto Zoo Chief Science Officer
Dr Sue Walker, Head of Science at Chester Zoo
Dr Andrew Mooney, Senior Conservation and Science Officer, Dublin Zoo