Research in the field of genetics has been a part of zoological organizations for some time. Genetics helps in studying animals and breeding. This high-tech way of studying animals is becoming an important part of conservation and research centers.

Why Genetics?

Studying genetics increases the knowledge about animals. It provides skills and technologies for assessing reproductive status and offering recommendations for improving reproductive efficiency. Furthermore, genetics implements strategies for preserving biomaterials useful for conserving biological and genetic diversity. This increases information for many previously unstudied species and provide information for enhancing reproductive performance.

Reproduction

Efforts focus on using biotechnology to assist reproduction of certain species. Although difficult because many different procedures must be integrated together, success has been achieved as demonstrated by the births of healthy offspring from a wide range of rare species using  assisted reproduction   (mostly artificial insemination, but also by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer). Animals that have difficulty reproducing in captivity can now be breeded.

Frozen Zoo

The Frozen Zoo from San Diego's CRES is an incredible resource for scientists around the world who are interested in studying the genomes of threatened and endangered species. Divided into two parts, the Frozen Zoo is composed of somatic cells and gametes. How are these cells collectred and maintained? From small ear notch or skin biopsy samples collected from animals during rountine veterinary examinations or upon an animal's death, cell cultures are established and grown until multiple vials of each individual can be frozen. Cells immeresed in a special cryoprotectant medium are frozen and then place in liquid nitrogen holding tanks. Samples from the Frozen Zoo have been used in studying genetic variation within and between populations of animals such as the gorilla, rhinoceros, bonobo, and dik-dik. Cytogenetic studies have focused on identifying chromosomal differencess within captive populations. An animal may have died, but there are still living cells from that individual in the Frozen Zoo that can be used for study in the future. There may be genetic, disease, or other medical questions that arise in the future that may depend on frozen cells for answers.

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