Zoo DNA initiative to help fight extinction

DNA from endangered animals at Dublin Zoo is being stored at arctic temperatures in a modern day Noah’s Ark to help save them from extinction.

The zoo has been taking blood samples from species in danger of being wiped out in the wild and storing them in a special, alarmed deep freeze at minus 80C as part of an international Frozen Ark project.

Conservation and research coordinator at Dublin Zoo, Sandra Molloy, said the blood samples are helping to preserve species who have dwindled to tiny numbers.

She said: “Before we see the end of this century, we could lose a quarter of the world’s mammal species and a tenth of the world’s bird species.

“At the moment it looks like the sci-fi side of things to recreate animals from DNA but in 100 years time they probably could do it.

“If we have a tiny bit of blood then future generations still have an option that involves potentially bringing them back.”

Vets are featured in The Zoo on RTÉ One tonight taking a sample from a painted dog to add to their catalogue of blood vials taken from rare species.

Samples have already been taken from one of the most endangered birds in the world, the Waldrapp ibis, which is housed at the zoo, along with vials from Sulawesi crested macaques as well as western lowland gorillas.

The keepers at the zoo have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure the DNA is kept at a safe temperature.

“In addition to the freezer we also have a back-up system with liquid carbon dioxide should the freezer fail,” Ms Molloy said.

* The Zoo airs on RTÉ One tonight at 7pm.