A cryo tank at Chester Zoo.

The alliance will focus on sharing best practices and expertise. 

Three major zoos — Chester Zoo, UK, Toronto Zoo, Canada, and Dublin Zoo, Ireland — have announced a strategic international partnership to advance wildlife cryobanking.

Announced at the IUCN World Congress in Abu Dhabi, the alliance aims to safeguard genetic material from native and globally threatened species through live cell cryobanking, including sperm, eggs, embryos, tissue, and cultured cells.

When cells are stored in ultra-low temperatures, they can remain viable for decades, enabling conservationists to support further breeding programmes by maintaining or restoring genetic diversity.

Cryopreservation can be used in assisted reproductive technologies and is especially valuable for declining populations at risk of inbreeding due to small size or isolation.

Dr Sue Walker, head of science at Chester Zoo, said: “The use of cryopreservation is an actively growing field. Species survival depends on thriving and genetically healthy populations, and by building cryopreservation to support conservation efforts, it is becoming an effective tool in the fight against extinction. 

“Alongside Toronto Zoo and Dublin Zoo, the goal of this international partnership is to support each other and our global zoo community with effective biobanking initiatives.”

The multi-zoo alliance will focus on sharing best practices, enhancing cryopreservation techniques across species, and coordinating regional and international efforts. The partnership also aligns with broader global initiatives, including the IUCN Animal Biobanking for Conservation Specialist Group.

The zoos will also work together to raise awareness of the potential of wildlife cryobanking among conservationists, academic researchers, and the public.

Dr Andrew Mooney, senior conservation and science officer, Dublin Zoo, said: “This partnership with Toronto Zoo, a global leader in biobanking and cryopreservation, is a vital step to secure a genetically healthy future for wildlife, both in Ireland and globally.

"Together we can preserve the genetic diversity of wild species, locally and internationally, helping to ensure populations remain healthy and resilient in a rapidly changing world for generations to come. 

“This collaboration directly supports Dublin Zoo’s Conservation Master Plan and goal to establish Ireland’s first National Wildlife Biobanking Hub. By aligning our efforts internationally, we can amplify the impact of our local initiatives.”

Image (C) Chester Zoo.