The lasting legacy of Penh: our partnership with Drusillas Zoo Park

Preserving the genetic heritage of a beloved Binturong

For species vulnerable to extinction, every loss is impactful. However, advancing technology now allows for the preservation of each animal’s genetic heritage long after they have passed.

Penh, a Cambodian binturong beloved by keepers and visitor alike, has sadly passed this week at Drusillas Zoo Park. Penh was one of just 3 Cambodian binturongs in European Zoos. Penh was a true gentleman, a lover of tomatoes, and a sweet and gentle soul. He will be terribly missed by his keepers and our visitors. But Penh’s legacy will live on – as his passing brings a new partnership between Nature’s SAFE and Drusillas Zoo Park. Through our new partnership, we were able to preserve Penh’s genetic material, ensuring that his unique genetic heritage can contribute to the survival of his species in the future.

Drusillas Park Zoo is committed to conservation

Drusillas Park Zoo is dedicated to a vision where wildlife thrives and nature is preserved. Their mission is to use their influence to drive meaningful change, supporting species survival and habitat restoration. Through the Drusillas Conservation in Action Charity, they diversify their conservation efforts by partnering with external projects and charities, and funding fieldwork.

Their conservation grant programs provide essential financial support to conservation charities, and their field conservation efforts are grounded in evidence-based research to inform and enhance animal welfare. Drusillas Park Zoo is also committed to conserving local wildlife, enriching biodiversity within their perimeter, and expanding their partnerships to support native conservation initiatives.

Additionally, their involvement in the European Ex Situ Programme (EEPs) ensures the health and sustainability of threatened species populations. With 50% of their species part of managed breeding programs, they are actively contributing to the survival of some of the world’s most endangered species.

Nature’s SAFE can be a lifeline for endangered species

Our charity can be a lifeline for endangered species. The extinction rate today is alarmingly high, and while there is broad recognition of the need to conserve physical habitats, there is equal need to preserve the genetic diversity of animal populations. As populations decline, the genetic diversity necessary for species survival is at risk.

Nature’s SAFE addresses this critical issue by storing cells and tissues from threatened wildlife species in a living state using advanced cryopreservation technologies, completely free of charge. Our approach includes the cryopreservation of sperm, reproductive, and skin cells from deceased animals, which can be used to restore lost genetic diversity and bolster populations through advanced reproductive technologies.

Our long-term goal is ambitious but vital: to cryobank 50 genetically distinct individuals from each species to prevent extinction. By partnering with zoo, wildlife park and wildlife rescue centres across the UK, we are on our way to achieving this goal.

A shared vision for the future

Our partnership with Drusilla’s Zoo embodies a shared commitment to conservation. By combining our expertise and resources, we can make a significant impact on the survival of endangered species. The loss of Penh is of great sadness, but through this collaboration, his genetic legacy will live on, contributing to the conservation of binturongs for years to come.

Together, we are ensuring that future generations will continue to witness the wonderful diversity of the natural world.

For more information about the ongoing conservation efforts of Drusillas Zoo Park, please visit https://www.drusillas.co.uk/zoo/conservation-drusillas