India’s First Zoo-Based Biobank: Preserving Endangered Wildlife for the Future

Introduction

India has taken a groundbreaking step in wildlife conservation by launching its first zoo-based biobank at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Operational since July 2024, this state-of-the-art facility preserves genetic materials from endangered species, ensuring their survival and aiding scientific research.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between PNHZP and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Alongside the biobank, an animal museum has also been established, enhancing conservation and education efforts.

With plans for expansion in Delhi and Odisha, this initiative represents a new era in species preservation, utilizing cutting-edge genetic technology.

Table of Contents

• What is a Zoo-Based Biobank?
• Significance of India’s First Biobank
• How Genetic Preservation Works
• Species and Genetic Materials Collected
• Expansion Plans: Delhi & Odisha Biobanks
• Challenges in Wildlife Biobanking
• The Role of the Animal Museum
• Impact on Wildlife Conservation in India
• Future Prospects: Cloning & Genetic Engineering
• FAQs on India’s Zoo-Based Biobank
• Conclusion & Call-to-Action

What is a Zoo-Based Biobank?

A zoo-based biobank functions as a genetic storage facility, preserving DNA, tissue samples, and cellular material from endangered species. These specimens are stored cryogenically at -196°C using liquid nitrogen, ensuring long-term preservation.

This technology provides solutions for species conservation, scientific research, and even potential species revival.

Significance of India’s First Biobank

Why is this initiative important?

•  Wildlife Disease Research: Helps scientists study disease resistance in endangered species.
•  Population Genetics Studies: Analyzes genetic diversity for better breeding programs.
•  Climate Change Adaptation: Stored genetic material can aid in species revival amid habitat loss.
•  Captive Breeding & Reintroduction: Ensures healthy genetic diversity before reintroducing species into the wild.

How Genetic Preservation Works

The biobank collects and stores:

• DNA & Tissue Samples: Used for genetic research and conservation efforts.
• Blood Samples: Helps study disease resistance and genetic traits.
• Sperm & Egg Cells: Can be used for future assisted reproduction programs.

These materials remain viable for decades, ensuring they can be utilized when needed for species revival or genetic studies.

Species and Genetic Materials Collected

As of February 2025, the biobank has preserved genetic materials from 60 animals across 23 species, focusing on critically endangered and vulnerable species.

Notable species include:

•  Red Pandas 🐾
•  Snow Leopards ❄
•  Himalayan Wolves 🐺
•  Clouded Leopards 🌿

The goal is to expand the collection to hundreds of species, creating a comprehensive genetic database.

Expansion Plans: Delhi & Odisha Biobanks

India plans to establish additional biobanks at:

•  National Zoological Park, Delhi: Focusing on large mammals and avian species.
•  Nandankanan Zoological Park, Odisha: Specializing in reptilian and aquatic species.

These facilities will ensure genetic preservation across diverse ecosystems, strengthening nationwide conservation efforts.

Challenges in Wildlife Biobanking

Despite its advantages, biobanking faces several hurdles:

•  Cryogenic Storage Costs: Maintaining samples at -196°C is expensive.
•  Legal & Ethical Concerns: Issues surrounding genetic data privacy and species cloning.
•  Sustained Funding Needs: Requires continuous investment for long-term viability.

Experts suggest government-private partnerships to ensure financial sustainability.

The Role of the Animal Museum

Alongside the biobank, PNHZP has launched an animal museum with two key components:

•  Pathology Laboratory: Monitors zoo animal health through advanced diagnostic testing.
•  Skeleton Museum: Displays preserved skeletons of rare and endangered species, offering educational insights.

The museum was inaugurated on December 23, 2024, by West Bengal’s Forest Minister, Birbaha Hansda.

Impact on Wildlife Conservation in India

The biobank is a game-changer for conservation because it:

•  Enhances captive breeding success.
•  Helps reintroduce genetically healthy species.
•  Aids in understanding species genetics for better conservation planning.

Future Prospects: Cloning & Genetic Engineering

With advancements in genetic technology, this biobank could facilitate:

•  Cloning endangered species (e.g., Snow Leopards, Red Pandas).
•  Genetic engineering to combat disease in wildlife populations.
•  AI-driven species monitoring to track genetic changes over generations.

Future collaboration with global genetic research institutions could bring exciting breakthroughs.

FAQs on India’s Zoo-Based Biobank

🔹 What is the purpose of a zoo-based biobank?

To preserve genetic material for research, conservation, and species revival.

🔹 Which species are included in India’s biobank?

As of 2025, Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, and Himalayan Wolves are among the species stored.

🔹 Can biobanking help bring extinct species back?

Potentially! With cloning and genetic engineering, it may be possible in the future.

🔹 Are there plans to expand biobanking in India?

Yes, similar facilities are planned in Delhi and Odisha.

🔹 How can the public support wildlife conservation?

By supporting wildlife organizations, zoos, and government initiatives.

Conclusion & Call-to-Action

The establishment of India’s first zoo-based biobank at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a monumental step forward in wildlife conservation. This initiative not only preserves genetic materials but also integrates modern scientific research, captive breeding programs, and climate change adaptation strategies to ensure the survival of endangered species.

By storing DNA, tissues, and reproductive cells, this facility safeguards biodiversity and enables future breakthroughs in species revival, disease resistance, and conservation genetics. With expansion plans in Delhi and Odisha, India is laying the groundwork for a nationwide genetic database that could revolutionize species preservation and set a global benchmark for conservation strategies.

Key Takeaways Table

Related Terms:

• India’s First Zoo-Based Biobank
• Wildlife Conservation in India
• Genetic Preservation of Endangered Species
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
• Snow Leopard Conservation
• Red Panda Biobank
• Cryogenic Storage for Wildlife
• Zoo-Based Genetic Research
• Future of Cloning in Wildlife
• Wildlife Disease Research India