First BioBank in a Zoo | 22 Feb 2025

Source: IE 

• India’s first wildlife bio-bank at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Darjeeling Zoo) is fully operational. 
• Since its establishment in July 2024, it has collected DNA and tissue samples from 60 animals of 23 species, prioritizing endangered species. 
• Biobank: The biobank (frozen zoo) preserves genetic material from animals for conservation and research.  
  • This includes cells, tissues, and reproductive samples of endangered and deceased animals. 
  • The samples are stored in cryogenic conditions (-196°C in liquid nitrogen) to maintain genetic diversity. 
  • It is part of a national conservation plan, in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), under the Ministry of Science and Technology. 
• In future,  biobanks are planned to be set up at Delhi National Zoo and Nandankanan Zoo (Odisha). 
• Species like the American black-footed ferret and northern one-horned rhino have been revived using preserved DNA and captive breeding. 

Darjeeling Zoo: 

• It is India’s largest high-altitude zoo, specializing in captive breeding of alpine species like snow leopards, Himalayan wolves, and red pandas.  
• It houses endangered fauna, including gorals, Siberian tigers, and rare birds. 

Read More: Darjeeling Zoo’s Conservation Breeding Programme for Snow Leopards