India’s First Wildlife Biobank: A Frozen Hope for Endangered Species- In July 2024, India reached a new milestone in wildlife conservation with the launch of its first wildlife biobank at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP) in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Also known as a “frozen zoo,” this biobank is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to preserving the genetic material of endangered and rare animal species. It is a scientific leap in India’s conservation journey, offering a safeguard for biodiversity in an era marked by climate change, habitat destruction, and species extinction.
The biobank is not merely a storage center; it is a visionary tool for the future, empowering researchers, conservationists, and zoologists to explore genetic restoration, assisted reproduction, and species recovery with unprecedented precision and possibility.
What Is a Wildlife Biobank?
A wildlife biobank is a specialized facility where biological samples such as semen, eggs, embryos, blood, skin tissues, and DNA are collected, cataloged, and stored under ultra-low temperatures, usually using liquid nitrogen. This cryopreservation technique ensures that the genetic material remains viable for decades or even centuries.
Unlike traditional zoos or breeding centers, a biobank does not involve living animals. Instead, it houses the building blocks of life itself — genetic material that can later be used for various purposes:
-
Artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilization
-
Cloning of endangered or extinct species
-
Disease research and genetic diversity mapping
-
Strengthening captive breeding programs
-
Resilience building against future pandemics or climate threats
India’s wildlife biobank joins a growing global movement that includes successful models such as the San Diego Frozen Zoo and the UK’s CryoArks Biobank, which have already demonstrated the potential of genetic repositories in conserving threatened species.
Why Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park?
The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP), located in Darjeeling at an altitude of over 2,100 meters, is an ideal location for such a venture. Known for its successful breeding programs of endangered Himalayan species, PNHZP is the highest-altitude zoo in India and houses some of the rarest and most threatened animals, including:
-
Red pandas
-
Snow leopards
-
Himalayan wolves
-
Himalayan monals
-
Satyr tragopans
-
Tibetan wolves
The zoo is already recognized as a coordinating zoo for red panda and snow leopard conservation breeding in India under the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). With the addition of the biobank, it will now serve as both a breeding and genetic preservation hub.
The Technology Behind the Biobank
The wildlife biobank at PNHZP is equipped with advanced cryogenic storage systems. These systems maintain biological samples at temperatures as low as -196 degrees Celsius, halting all biochemical activity and preserving the samples in a suspended state.
The process begins with careful collection and documentation of biological material. Each sample is tagged with detailed metadata: species, sex, age, collection date, health status, and geographic origin. The samples are then placed in liquid nitrogen tanks, where they can be stored indefinitely.
The facility also includes DNA sequencing and analysis labs, enabling researchers to assess genetic diversity and identify valuable traits for species survival, such as disease resistance or climate adaptation.
A Response to a Global Crisis
The creation of India’s first wildlife biobank is a proactive response to the escalating biodiversity crisis. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), more than 42,000 species are currently threatened with extinction worldwide. India, being one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, faces the enormous challenge of preserving this natural wealth amid rising environmental pressures.
In recent years, India has lost key habitats to deforestation, urbanization, and climate change. Several native species — such as the Great Indian Bustard, Himalayan musk deer, and Malabar civet — are on the brink of extinction. The biobank offers a safety net for the future, enabling the possibility of bringing back lost species or enhancing the genetic strength of endangered populations.
Conservation in the Digital Age
Biobanking brings together modern technology, conservation biology, and data science. Every stored sample becomes part of a digital archive, accessible to scientists across the country and globally. This allows seamless collaboration between institutions, universities, zoos, and wildlife agencies.
Additionally, the biobank supports India’s obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Global Strategy for Plant and Animal Conservation, both of which advocate for the use of ex-situ conservation methods to complement in-situ protection efforts.
The establishment of the biobank has also created opportunities for capacity building and training. Local veterinarians, scientists, and wildlife staff are now being trained in biotech protocols, animal genetics, and cryopreservation techniques — thus strengthening India’s long-term conservation infrastructure.
A Future-Ready Initiative
India’s first wildlife biobank is more than a scientific facility — it is a symbol of hope and resilience. It reflects a commitment to preserving life in all its diversity, not just for today, but for generations yet to come.
As biodiversity continues to decline at an alarming pace, such innovations are no longer optional — they are essential. The frozen zoo at Darjeeling is a timely reminder that conservation is evolving, and with the right blend of science, policy, and public awareness, it is possible to rewrite the future of our planet’s most vulnerable species.
