Darj ‘frozen zoo’ sets sights on preserving DNA of wild animals
Times of India | 7 April 2025
Darjeeling: The ‘frozen zoo' at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling is now focusing on preserving the DNA of endangered animals from the wild in north Bengal, in addition to that of the captive animals housed in the zoo.
The zoo on Thursday conducted a workshop for all field officers in north Bengal, including the veterinary experts.
Zoo director Basavaraj Holeyachi said: "We initially began with captive animals, but now we aim to collect genetic material from wild species in north Bengal. If needed, we will expand this effort in the future. A workshop was organised to give a hands-on experience on the technicalities and scientific means for preserving genetic samples for future use. The session was led by Kartikeyan AN, the chief scientist from Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB)," said Holeyachi.
The zoo has developed a dedicated lab on its premises where gametes and DNA of endangered species are preserved. "The frozen zoo contains irreplaceable genetic material — living cell lines, gametes, and embryos — that are vital for conservation efforts, assisted reproduction and evolutionary biology. At present, we have 80 samples of 24 species stored at the ‘frozen zoo'. The latest being the samples of a leopard cat. Now, we have a capacity to store 3,000 samples ," Holeyachi said.
He further mentioned that a preservation kit has been provided to ensure the safe transportation of samples. "We are providing a box that keeps the samples frozen, which ensures they remain intact during transit to the zoo," he added.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is India's first "frozen zoo" — a genetic ark preserving the DNA of Himalayan wildlife in steel tanks filled with liquid nitrogen at temperatures plunging to -196°C. A collaboration between the zoo and Hyderabad-based CCMB, the cryogenic conservation initiative aims to ensure that even if these species dwindle in the wild, their genetic blueprints remain intact.
Spread across 67.8 acres at an altitude of 2,150 metres (7,050ft), the zoo is India's highest-altitude zoological park and a leader in conservation breeding programmes for red pandas, snow leopards and Tibetan wolves. It has also undertaken conservation work for species like the markhor (screw-horned goat), Mishmi takin, and Himalayan black bear.
Unlike traditional zoos, where animals are showcased for visitors, this facility has a dual role — housing animals while also banking their genetic legacy.
Frozen zoos are gaining traction globally, offering a last line of defence against extinction. In Darjeeling, bio-banking efforts began last July, with scientists collecting and preserving genetic material from captive animals such as red pandas, Himalayan black bears, snow leopards and gorals.