What if a small biological sample collected today could help wildlife decades from now?
Here at CZS, our commitment to conservation extends far beyond the present day, as we constantly look to the future to protect wildlife for generations to come. This year we have reached our 200th submission of genetic samples to the RZSS WildGenes Biobank at Edinburgh Zoo, a major milestone in our ongoing commitment to conservation and wildlife research.
But this milestone is about much more than a number.
As the UK’s leading wildlife biobank, RZSS provides a long-term resource for scientific research by securely storing blood, tissues and other biological samples that can be used by researchers to better understand wildlife and help protect endangered species. This research also plays a vital role in monitoring and preserving genetic diversity across species, as well as helping to mitigate wildlife diseases.
With wildlife facing increasing pressures from habitat loss, disease, climate change and declining genetic diversity, having access to this biological material gives scientists a valuable resource for understanding changes in wildlife populations and exploring new ways to protect them.
For CZS, conservation takes many forms. Alongside caring for the animals at the Zoo, we are proud to support scientific research and collaborate on conservation initiatives that extend far beyond our gates.
Because protecting wildlife tomorrow starts with the work, we do today.
“We have now reached 200 submissions with Colchester Zoo providing our milestone submission. This year alone, they have contributed over 500 samples across multiple submissions playing a great role in proactive conservation. By sharing high-quality biological material from a wide range of species, institutions help us build a vital genetic resource” said Dr Cecilia Langhorne, senior biobank technician at RZSS.
