India’s First Wildlife Biobank at Darjeeling Zoo

1. India’s first wildlife biobank running at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Darjeeling Zoo) in West Bengal.
2. This state-of-the-art facility, which became operational in July 2024, is dedicated to preserving genetic material from endangered animal species.
    

What is a Wildlife Biobank?
 

1. A biobank, also known as a frozen zoo, is a repository that collects and stores biological samples such as DNA, tissues, and reproductive cells from animals.
2. These samples are cryogenically preserved at ultra-low temperatures (-196°C in liquid nitrogen) to maintain genetic diversity for conservation and research.
    

Key Features of the Darjeeling Zoo Biobank
 

1. Focus on Endangered Species: The biobank prioritizes animals at risk of extinction, including rare alpine species like snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan wolves.
2. Preservation Method: Samples, including cells, tissues, and reproductive material from deceased animals, are stored in cryogenic conditions to ensure long-term conservation.
3. Collaborating Institutions: The project is undertaken by Darjeeling Zoo, in partnership with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
4. Future Expansion: Plans are in place to establish similar biobanks at Delhi National Zoo and Nandankanan Zoological Park (Odisha).
    

Significance of the Biobank
 

1. Scientific Research & R&D:
   1. Enables studies on genetic mutations, evolutionary biology, and climate change impacts.
   2. Provides reference material for forensic investigations related to wildlife crimes.
2. Wildlife Conservation:
   1. Prevents genetic loss by preserving genetic diversity.
   2. Assists in potential revival and breeding programs for critically endangered species.
   3. Successful precedents include the revival of species like the American black-footed ferret (its first clone was made public in 2021 using DNA preserved since 1988) and northern one-horned rhino (the last male member died in 2018) using stored DNA.
       

Role of Biobanks in Conservation and Medicine
 

1. Wildlife Biobanks: Preserve endangered animal species for future breeding and conservation efforts.
2. Human Biobanks: Store human biological samples like DNA, blood, and tissues for medical research.
3. India’s Biobank Network: As of 2024, 19 registered biobanks are operational, supporting genetic studies, disease research, and personalized medicine.
4. Regulatory Needs: India requires comprehensive biobanking laws to regulate ethical storage, sharing, and utilization of biological material.
    

What is Cryogenics?   Cryogenics is the science of extremely low temperatures (below -150°C). It is widely used in biological preservation, medical advancements, and space research.   Applications of Cryogenics:   Cryopreservation: Used for storing cells, tissues, embryos, and reproductive material. Medical Uses: Applied in cryosurgery to eliminate cancerous tissues and in blood and vaccine storage. Cryonics: A futuristic field aiming at the preservation of human bodies for potential revival. Cryoelectronics: Utilized in superconductivity research and space technology. Rocketry: Used in cryogenic rocket engines (e.g., liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen fuels).

 

About Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park   India’s largest high-altitude zoo, focusing on the captive breeding of alpine species. Successfully breeds and conserves species like: Snow leopards, Himalayan wolves and Red pandas. Biodiversity Hub: Houses endangered species such as gorals, Siberian tigers, and rare Himalayan birds