Dublin Zoo has announced a major international partnership with Toronto Zoo in Canada and Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom to expand efforts in wildlife cryobanking.

The initiative aims to preserve living genetic material from endangered and native species, supporting future conservation and breeding programs.

Cryobanking involves storing viable cells such as sperm, eggs, embryos and tissue at ultra-low temperatures. These cells can remain usable for decades and are essential for assisted reproduction technologies like artificial insemination and in vitro fertilisation. The technique is especially important for species with small or isolated populations that face the risk of inbreeding.

Dr Andrew Mooney, Senior Conservation and Science Officer at Dublin Zoo, said the collaboration supports the zoo’s Conservation Master Plan and its goal to establish Ireland’s first National Wildlife Biobanking Hub. He added that working with Toronto Zoo, a global leader in cryopreservation, will help secure a genetically healthy future for wildlife in Ireland and around the world.

The partnership will focus on improving cryopreservation methods, sharing expertise and coordinating conservation efforts across regions. It also aligns with global initiatives such as the IUCN Animal Biobanking for Conservation Specialist Group.

Dr Gabriela Mastromonaco, Chief Science Officer at Toronto Zoo, said cryobanking is one of the most powerful tools in conservation today.

Dr Sue Walker, Head of Science at Chester Zoo, noted that the field is growing rapidly and plays a key role in maintaining healthy populations.