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Europe’s first dedicated biobank stores cells from endangered animals
Nature's SAFE uses a specialised cryopreservation media to indefinitely store live skin cells from threatened species.

Charity launched in response to dramatic decline in global biodiversity

A 'ground-breaking' new charity inspired by advanced equine reproduction technology has been launched with the goal of preserving endangered species.

Nature's SAFE is Europe's first 'living biobank'. It will process and store skin and reproductive cells from endangered species, which can then be used in regeneration of animals and restoration of species.

Founder Tullis Matson – who is also managing director of Stallion AI Services, a UK based centre of excellence for equine reproduction – realised that the same techniques developed for equines could be used in conservation by storing live cells from endangered species.

“To be able to use 30 years of experience in equine reproduction and equine rare breed preservation for an even greater good is a real privilege,” said Mr Matson.

“It is an honour to be working with some of the world’s most endangered species and knowing that we are saving such important animals is indescribable.”

The charity uses a specialised processing technique, freezing the skin cells of threatened species at a temperature of -196°C. They are then preserved in a dormant state and can be kept indefinitely and once thawed they can be used in animal artificial reproduction programmes.

Nature’s SAFE will also store ovarian and testicular tissue from endangered animals, and it plans to develop new techniques to generate sperm and egg cells from reproductive tissue.

Dr Sue Walker, Nature's SAFE co-Founder and vice chair, head of science at Chester Zoo, chair of the EAZA Reproductive Management Group and Board Member of the EAZA Biobank said: “The cryopreservation of reproductive cells and cell lines will be an important tool for population breeding programmes and the restoration of genetic diversity in animal species threatened with extinction.

“Having a facility solely dedicated to preserving these samples, Nature’s SAFE is a vital tool missing from the European zoo conservation toolbox.”

Nature’s SAFE has already successfully stored live cells from multiple endangered species through collaboration with their partners in the national zoo association. These species include the black rhino, Asian elephant, eastern bongo and Javan green magpie.

For more information on Nature's SAFE, or to support it's work, please visit https://www.natures-safe.com

Image (c) Nature's SAFE.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.