San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

NOTES FROM THE FIELD | 2025 | No. 14

50 years, countless innovations - test tube image

Every day in our Frozen Zoo®, something extraordinary happens—we change the future of life on Earth, one microscopic cell at a time. For 50 years, this collection of living cell lines has stood as a beacon of hope for endangered species around the world. By preserving these samples and the invaluable genetic diversity they contain, we’re redefining what it means to protect our planet’s wildlife and the ecosystems we all share.

As we celebrate the Frozen Zoo’s 50th anniversary, discover its inspiring legacy and staggering success stories as we look to the dynamic future of this visionary conservation resource.

JUST GETTING STARTED

HISTORY IN THE MAKING - IMG OF SCIENTIST

Our Frozen Zoo is the first biobank of its kind in the world, as well as the most extensive and diverse. In every era of its existence, this pioneering facility, part of our Wildlife Biodiversity Bank has changed what’s possible in wildlife conservation.
LIKE NO OTHER >

To help protect the endangered Przewalski’s horse, we harnessed cutting-edge cloning technology and proved its tremendous conservation potential. In doing so, we’ve helped change the species’ story forever—not just once, but twice.
FASCINATING FOALS >

When Antonia gave birth to two kits last year, she made history. This black-footed ferret, cloned from cells we preserved nearly 40 years ago, is helping restore genetic diversity to a species once thought to be extinct.
BIG BREAKTHROUGH >

Oak trees are an “exceptional species,” meaning their cells can’t be frozen like other wildlife. Our experts have now found a completely new way to preserve—and even freeze—the Nuttall’s scrub oak, offering hope for endangered plants everywhere.
DEEP ROOTS >

These efforts are far-reaching, and so is the international attention they receive. From eye-opening PBS documentaries to beloved children’s programming across the pond, we’re sharing the incredible significance of the Frozen Zoo's work far and wide.
WATCH HERE >

Powerful conservation solutions require powerful partnerships. At this year’s prestigious World Conservation Congress, held by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, we united a global network of experts for an ambitious goal: biobanking all endangered species worldwide by 2075.
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS >

We’re always looking ahead, and that means we’re looking toward all the Frozen Zoo can achieve in the next 50 years. With the help of our partners and advanced new technology, we’ll continue to revolutionize the ways we protect the wildlife and ecosystems that rely on us to thrive.
WHAT'S NEXT >

WILDLIFE HEROES
CHANGE THE WORLD.

John, your ongoing support makes a lifesaving difference for endangered wildlife. As a Wildlife Hero, your monthly gift will take us further as we work to ensure a brighter future for endangered species including wild horses, ferrets, oak trees, and others through our eight global Conservation Hubs and our Frozen Zoo. As a Wildlife Hero, you drive the innovation that brings hope to the extraordinary wildlife relying on us to thrive—and survive—each and every day. You make it all possible, and we’re forever grateful for you.

Your monthly gift will make a world of a difference for wildlife.

BE A HERO

DONATE

Your support saves wildlife.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international conservation nonprofit and a registered
501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID# 95-1648219.

With more than 100 years of wildlife care expertise and partnerships around the globe, we are saving, protecting, and caring for species worldwide.

Follow along on our mission to save wildlife

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