“This biobank represents a new era in wildlife conservation, combining cutting-edge genetic technology with our commitment to preserving India’s endangered species for future generations.”
India has taken a groundbreaking step in wildlife conservation by launching its first zoo-based biobank at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP) 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 (CCMB) under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Alongside the biobank, an animal museum was inaugurated on December 23, 2024, by West Bengal’s Forest Minister Birbaha Hansda. With plans for expansion in Delhi and Odisha, this initiative represents a new era in species preservation.
🧬 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 for decades.
This technology provides solutions for species conservation, scientific research, and even potential species revival through advanced genetic techniques like cloning and assisted reproduction.
| Material Collected | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DNA & Tissue Samples | Genetic research and conservation efforts |
| Blood Samples | Study disease resistance and genetic traits |
| Sperm & Egg Cells | Future assisted reproduction programs |
| Cellular Material | Cloning and genetic engineering research |
Think of a biobank as a “genetic vault” for endangered animals — like a seed bank preserves plant seeds, a biobank preserves animal genetic material. If a species becomes extinct or its population crashes, scientists can potentially use this stored DNA to revive or strengthen the population through cloning, assisted breeding, or genetic research.
🌟 Significance & Purpose
India’s first zoo-based biobank is significant for multiple reasons, addressing both immediate conservation needs and long-term research goals.
| Purpose | How the Biobank Helps |
|---|---|
| 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 species revival amid habitat loss |
| Captive Breeding | Ensures healthy genetic diversity before reintroducing species to wild |
| Species Revival | Potential for cloning and genetic engineering in the future |
Climate change is causing rapid habitat loss for Himalayan species like Red Pandas and Snow Leopards. By preserving their genetic material now, we create an “insurance policy” for the future. Even if wild populations decline drastically, the biobank ensures we have the genetic blueprint to potentially restore these species.
🐾 Species & 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 found in the Himalayan region.
| Species | Conservation Status | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Red Panda 🐾 | Endangered (IUCN) | PNHZP is India’s leading breeding center for Red Pandas |
| Snow Leopard ❄️ | Vulnerable (IUCN) | Iconic Himalayan predator, population declining |
| Himalayan Wolf 🐺 | Critically Endangered | Genetically distinct from other wolves |
| Clouded Leopard 🌿 | Vulnerable (IUCN) | Important for forest ecosystem balance |
Key Numbers: 60 animals | 23 species | -196°C storage | July 2024 operational | PNHZP Darjeeling | CCMB partner
🏛️ The Animal Museum
Alongside the biobank, PNHZP has launched an animal museum with two key components, enhancing both conservation research and public education. The museum was inaugurated on December 23, 2024, by West Bengal’s Forest Minister Birbaha Hansda.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Pathology Laboratory | Monitors zoo animal health through advanced diagnostic testing |
| Skeleton Museum | Displays preserved skeletons of rare species for educational insights |
Don’t confuse dates: The biobank became operational in July 2024, but the animal museum was inaugurated later on December 23, 2024. Also, the location is Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP) in Darjeeling (West Bengal), NOT Nandankanan (Odisha) or Delhi Zoo.
📈 Expansion Plans: Delhi & Odisha
India plans to establish additional biobanks at two more locations, creating a nationwide genetic preservation network for diverse ecosystems.
| Planned Location | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| National Zoological Park, Delhi | Large mammals and avian species |
| Nandankanan Zoological Park, Odisha | Reptilian and aquatic species |
Three biobanks, three ecosystems: Darjeeling (Himalayan species) + Delhi (large mammals/birds) + Odisha (reptiles/aquatic) = Comprehensive genetic database covering India’s biodiversity hotspots.
🔮 Future Prospects & Challenges
With advancements in genetic technology, this biobank could facilitate groundbreaking conservation efforts. However, several challenges must be addressed for long-term success.
| Future Prospects | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Cloning Endangered Species | Revival of Snow Leopards, Red Pandas from stored genetic material |
| Genetic Engineering | Combat disease in wildlife populations through genetic modifications |
| AI-Driven Monitoring | Track genetic changes over generations using artificial intelligence |
| Global Collaboration | Partner with international genetic research institutions |
| Challenge | Potential Solution |
|---|---|
| Cryogenic Storage Costs | Government-private partnerships for financial sustainability |
| Legal & Ethical Concerns | Clear policies on genetic data privacy and species cloning |
| Sustained Funding | Long-term budget allocations and international grants |
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India’s first zoo-based biobank is located at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP) in Darjeeling, West Bengal.
The biobank became operational in July 2024. The animal museum was inaugurated later on December 23, 2024.
Genetic samples are stored at -196°C using liquid nitrogen (cryogenic storage) for long-term preservation.
The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) under the Ministry of Science and Technology partnered with PNHZP for the biobank.
As of February 2025, the biobank has preserved genetic materials from 60 animals across 23 species.
