Illumina and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Partner to Sequence Frozen Zoo for Conservation

What's Happening?

Illumina has partnered with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance to sequence the Frozen Zoo, a vast repository of genetic samples from endangered species. This collaboration aims to sequence up to 4,000 individual animals across 1,300 species, providing a comprehensive genomic insight into biodiversity. The project integrates advanced multiomic technologies with decades-old biological samples, aiming to enhance wildlife medicine, evolutionary biology, and biodiversity preservation. The Frozen Zoo, established in 1975, contains over 11,500 cryogenically preserved samples, serving as a critical resource for conservation efforts.

Why It's Important?

This partnership marks a significant advancement in conservation genetics, leveraging cutting-edge sequencing technologies to transform static biobanked samples into dynamic resources for active conservation research. By providing detailed genomic data, the initiative supports efforts to preserve genetic diversity, understand evolutionary trajectories, and inform breeding programs. The collaboration underscores the importance of integrating genomic data into conservation strategies, particularly amid a global biodiversity crisis. It sets a new standard for conservation genomics, enhancing the ability to monitor genetic health and prioritize conservation efforts.