The San Diego Zoo’s Frozen Zoo is the world’s largest repository of living cell lines and gametes, storing genetic material from over 1,300 species. Long before cloning became viable, Dr. Kurt Benirschke began collecting and preserving animal DNA, driven by the belief that samples should be gathered for reasons not yet understood. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Frozen Zoo now holds over 11,000 individual samples, including skin, sperm, and egg cells from a wide range of endangered species.
This initiative has already contributed to major conservation successes — for instance, helping the California condor population grow from around 25 individuals in the 1980s to over 500 today. As animal populations around the globe continue to decline, the Frozen Zoo emphasizes the importance of genetic diversity. By training facilities worldwide to replicate their model, the Frozen Zoo ensures a global effort to preserve biodiversity. These samples could be crucial for reviving species in the future or strengthening fragile gene pools. With frozen cells at our disposal, scientists are better equipped to prevent extinction and ensure the resilience of endangered populations through increased genetic variation.
Vocabulary:
• gamete (noun): reproductive cells (sperm or eggs) that unite during fertilization.
• curator (noun): a person who manages and oversees a collection or institution.
• vial (noun): small containers used for holding liquid samples.
• preserved (adj): maintained in a safe or original condition over time.
• unrealistic (adj): not practical or based on what is real or likely.
• frozen (adj): kept at very low temperatures to prevent change or decay.
• species (noun): groups of similar organisms that can breed and produce offspring.
• critically (adv): in a way that involves serious risk or danger.
• decline (verb): to become smaller, fewer, or less in quality or importance.
• biodiversity (noun): the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat.
• dwindling (adj): steadily decreasing in size, amount, or strength.
• amber (noun): fossilized tree resin that can preserve ancient organisms.
• cloning (noun): the process of creating genetically identical organisms.
• disposal (noun): the act of having something available to use.
Source: Good Morning America