India's First Frozen Zoo

Syllabus

Prelims – General issues on Environmental ecology

Mains – GS III – Conservation

Why in News?

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling is now home to India's first frozen zoo.

A frozen zoo is a genetic cryobank that stores genetic material (like DNA, sperm, eggs, and embryos) from animals that are typically endangered and are on the verge of extinction.

• Collaboration between – Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology.
• Area coverage – It spreads across 67.8 acres.
• Altitude – 2,150 metres (7, 050ft), it is India's highest-altitude zoological park.
• Levels of preservation process
• Genetic sampling – It requires storage at -20°C.
• Bio-banking – It is a cryogenic conservation initiative to preserve the genetic material DNA of endangered Himalayan species.
• The genetic material is stored in liquid nitrogen tanks at extremely low temperatures of -196°C for long-term preservation.
• Aim – To ensure that species such as red pandas, snow leopards, gorals, Mishmi takins, and others do not become extinct in the wild, their genetic blueprints are preserved.

The Red Panda is one of the species that will be preserved at the Frozen Zoo.

• Species conservation – The zoo is a leader in conservation breeding programs for red pandas, snow leopards, and Tibetan wolves.
• It has also undertaken conservation work for species like the Markhor (screw-horned goat), Mishmi takin, and Himalayan black bear.

References

1. The Times of India| India's First Frozen Zoo
2. Outlook Traveller| Frozen Zoo Around the World