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
Don’t miss
Nature’s SAFE is now home to biological tissue samples of 100 of the planet’s most endangered species – providing a vital insurance policy for threatened wildlife, so it can be protected for generations to come.
As a growing charity, we are now looking to expand our scope beyond the UK by establishing global conservation hubs. Our vision is to work with local conservation services to preserve samples from native wildlife within their own country, enabling appropriate stewardship of these valuable resources.
In an exciting milestone for UK wildlife conservation, the charity has now safely stored cell tissues from the critically endangered Scottish wildcat, bringing their total number of species banked to 200.
Red-footed tortoise
Total Population: Unknown
Smew
Total Population: Around 80,000 in the wild
Mandarin duck
Total Population: Around 65,000 in the wild
Wolverine
Total Population: Around 13,000 in the wild
Asiatic Lion
Total Population: Around 650 in the wild
Black howler monkey
Total Population: Less than 5,000 in the wild
Babirusa
Total Population: Less than 10,000 in the wild
Hamerkop
Total Population: Unknown
Macaroni Penguin
Total Population: Around 12 million
Hyacinth macaw
Total Population: Around 6,500 in the wild
White naped mangabey
Total Population: Around 1,000 in the wild
Lesser Madagascan tenrec
Total Population: Unknown
Little egret
Total Population: 660,000 to 3,150,000 in the wild
Arctic wolf
Total Population: Around 200,000 in the wild
Sumatran laughing thrush
Total Population: 2,500 - 10,000 in the wild
Scimitar-horned oryx
Total Population: Around 400 in the wild
Bar-headed goose
Total Population: 97,000 - 118,000 in the wild
Guianan Squirrel Monkey
Total Population: Around 150,000 in the wild
Common Hippo
Total Population: Less than 150,000 in the wild
Eurasian Red Squirrel
Total Population: 120,000 to 160,000 in the wild
Spix’s night monkey
Total Population: Unknown
